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Several firms that are active in Kenya’s nascent electric motorcycle sector are starting to ramp up their operations. This has resulted in an increased number of electric motorcycles on the roads in Kenya, especially in the capital, Nairobi. Some of these players introduced their electric motorcycles with select partners in the last-mile logistics sector as well as in the motorcycle taxi (boda boda) industry. As one goes around various areas in Nairobi, it is quite clear that a lot more electric motorcycles have been unleashed onto the streets of Nairobi. These days you do not even need to go around looking for them. They are literally everywhere you go, which is extremely exciting.
As more of these electric motorcycles are introduced into active fleet operations, a corresponding increase in battery charging and swapping infrastructure will be critical to ensure seamless recharging of these electric motorcycle batteries. One of the leaders in Kenya’s electric motorcycle sector is Roam. Roam is ramping up production of its flagship Roam Air electric motorcycle as well as its network of Roam Hub charging stations.
To date, Roam has four operational Roam Hub charging stations spread out within Nairobi, which has led to the creation of over 20 jobs. In total, these stations have handled 4,000 charging & rental transactions. This means they have sold more than 10 MWh of electricity and hence powered more than 250,000 electric kilometers all over the city. This initiative addresses the charging infrastructure gap, enabling riders to power up their Roam Air electric motorcycles easily while close to busy city centers that can lead to more business for the stores and the boda boda riders, enabling a thriving sustainable economy.
Roam is now working to accelerate the roll-out of these Roam Hubs. In a major boost for this initiative, Roam has collaborated with QuickMart. QuickMart is one of Kenya’s largest supermarket chains, with a total of 60 branches in 16 counties across Kenya and a total workforce of 7,000+ employees. Roam says these innovative charging stations are designed to revolutionize the way boda boda riders charge their electric motorcycle batteries while on the go. Most importantly, The Roam Hub stands out as a versatile charging station that can be installed at any location. Its foundation is on open technology, signifying its ability to accommodate a wide range of electric vehicle types, from electric motorcycles to electric bicycles.
Each of these Roam Hubs can charge 24 battery packs at a time. They have an electricity grid connection supported by 6kWp of solar PV on the roof of each Roam Hub. Each Roam Air motorcycle battery pack has a capacity of 3.24 kWh. Below is a summary of the specs of the Roam Air electric motorcycle.
Roam Air Specifications:
- Battery Capacity: 2 x 3.24 kWh
- Range (Dual Battery): 160km
- Nominal Power: 3000 W
- Top Speed: 90 km/h
- Payload: 220 kg
- Weight (Single Battery): 135 kg
- Charging time: 4 hours
Features:
- Removable dual battery solution
- Driving modes: Eco, Standard, Power, Sports, Reverse
- Increased carrying capacity on subframe
- State-of-the-art software and onboard telemetry
- Storage compartment in tank
- Improved screen user interface with better visibility
- USB charging port
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The first Roam Hub charging stations at QuickMart locations in Kenya have launched already as of today. The initial phase will see the installation of charging stations in select locations, with plans to expand to additional stores in the coming months.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with QuickMart to bring the Roam Hub Charging Centre to their premises. This partnership not only enhances the accessibility of electric vehicle charging but also aligns with our commitment to integrating sustainable solutions into everyday life,” said Habib Lukaya, Energy & Charging Product Manager at Roam.
“QuickMart, known for its customer-centric approach and commitment to innovation, sees this collaboration as a step towards a greener future,” Jacques Dome, Deputy CEO at QuickMart, stated. “As a forward-thinking retail chain, we are excited to partner with Roam to provide our customers with the convenience of electric motorcycle charging.”
It is really great to see these types of collaborations. Having 60 stores around Kenya means that in the near future, the collaboration can facilitate the establishment of Roam Hubs in more places around Nairobi and Kenya, enabling the uptake of electric motorcycles in more places in other areas of Kenya.
Images courtesy of Roam
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