Roam launches fast-charging electric motorcycle

Electric mobility firm Roam has unveiled a new generation electric motorcycle featuring what it describes as Africa’s first fast-charging battery capable of adding more than one kilometre of range per minute.

The company, recently ranked by the Financial Times as Africa’s fastest-growing e-mobility firm, announced the launch of the Roam Air Gen 3 on April 16 in Nairobi, positioning it as a solution to long-standing barriers in the continent’s transition to electric transport.

At the heart of the new model is a redesigned Gen 3 battery that can charge from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in under 40 minutes, significantly reducing downtime for riders.

The battery delivers a total range of up to 80 kilometres on a full charge and uses the international IEC Type 6 charging standard.

Roam says the battery is tailored for commercial riders, particularly those in the boda boda sector, where time off the road directly impacts earnings.

The system also integrates GPS tracking, allowing riders and fleet operators to monitor location, performance, and battery health via a mobile app; features aimed at curbing theft and improving efficiency.

Built for Africa’s often unforgiving road conditions, the battery is IP67-rated, making it water-resistant and fully submersible, while its aluminium casing enhances durability and heat management.

The motorcycle itself features a reinforced chassis tested through over 200,000 vibration cycles under heavy load to simulate real-world use.

Roam Country Manager Habib Lukaya said the new model was designed with the everyday challenges faced by riders in mind, including charging delays, affordability, theft, and road conditions.

“We designed the Roam Air Gen 3 around the real challenges riders face: long charging times, affordability, theft, and tough road conditions. Every feature, from fast charging to tracking and durability, is focused on keeping riders on the road, reducing operating costs, and increasing daily earnings,” he said.

The motorcycle is backed by a 100,000-kilometre battery guarantee, a move the company says is intended to build confidence among riders and financing partners in the durability of electric alternatives.

Motorcycles remain a critical pillar of urban transport across Africa, ferrying millions daily. However, adoption of electric models has been slowed by limited charging infrastructure, long charging times, and durability concerns; gaps Roam says the Gen 3 aims to bridge.

With flexible charging options including home setups and dedicated charging stations, the company is betting that faster charging and smarter battery systems could finally tilt the scales in favour of electric mobility on African roads.