On Tuesday, Kenyan electric vehicle manufacturer Roam unveiled the Generation 2 Roam Air, an upgraded electric motorcycle explicitly designed with input from boda boda riders, who form a vital part of Kenya’s transport economy.
Tailored design for Boda Boda riders’ needs
The new Generation 2 Roam Air incorporates over 40 improvements focused on performance, durability, comfort, and safety. Key upgrades include a lighter frame that reduces the bike’s weight by one kilogram, enhancing battery efficiency and handling. The frame can now support 240 kilograms, 20 kilograms more than the previous model, allowing riders to haul passengers and large luggage across Kenya’s difficult roads.
Roam introduced a lockable single-door battery compartment to address security concerns, making battery swapping quicker and safer. The bike also features better weather resistance, rust protection, and waterproofing for sensitive electronics and storage compartments. Simplified cabling and improved lighting enhance reliability and visibility for daily use.
Comfort was improved with a redesigned seat, upgraded footrests, and a stronger rear carrier to support riders, passengers, and loads during long working hours. “We didn’t just update a few features—we rethought the motorcycle with input from the people who use it every day,” said Monicah Mwalo, Roam’s Production Manager. “This version is grounded in Kenyan realities.”
Boosting local manufacturing and production capacity
Roam’s commitment to local innovation is evident as 36% of the bike’s parts, including body panels, wire harnesses, connectors, and battery compartments, are sourced domestically. The company plans to increase this local content to 70% to shorten supply chains, reduce maintenance costs, and support Kenya’s cleantech manufacturing sector.
Currently producing about 20 bikes daily at its Nairobi assembly plant, Roam aims to ramp up production to 80 units per day and target an annual output of 50,000 motorcycles.
“We are building up the supply chain to get to a point where we can produce 80 bikes a day and 50,000 units a year,” said Habib Lukaya, Roam’s Regional Sales Operations Manager.
This expansion aligns with the growing adoption of electric motorcycles in Kenya, where 7.1% of new motorcycle registrations in 2024 were electric, reflecting a shift towards cleaner, more affordable transport options for boda boda riders and other users.
Roam’s Generation 2 Roam Air represents a practical and locally informed approach to electric mobility. It is designed to meet the everyday challenges faced by Kenya’s large boda boda community while fostering local industry growth.