Kenyan electric mobility company Roam has kicked off a daring 1,600-kilometre journey to prove that electric motorcycles can conquer Africa’s long-distance roads.
The six-day expedition, called The Road to Addis, will begin on Sunday, October 5, in Nairobi and will end in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on October 10.
The team aims to arrive just in time for Africa E-Mobility Week, which will be held in Addis Ababa from October 14 to 16.
This latest adventure marks Roam’s third major long-distance expedition. The company previously completed a 900-kilometre Border-to-Beach ride across Kenya in January 2025 and a record-breaking 6,000-kilometre solar-powered ride from Nairobi to South Africa in October 2024.
These journeys have helped to change perceptions about the capabilities of electric motorcycles on African roads.
Roam’s Country Manager, Habib Lukaya, said the new expedition is more than just a test of endurance.
“The ride is not just about distance, but about proving that Africa is already writing its own story in the global electric mobility transition. After the 900 km and 6,000 km expeditions, the Road to Addis demonstrates once again that Roam Air can go the distance, built in Africa, for Africa,” Lukaya said.
The Roam Air, the company’s flagship electric motorcycle, has a 160-kilometre dual-battery range and can be charged from any standard power outlet. This is key in overcoming the challenge of range anxiety, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
The journey will pass through Moyale, Yabello, Hawassa, Ziway, and Adama before reaching Addis Ababa. Along the route, the Roam team will engage with local communities, schools, and leaders, showcasing the opportunities of electric transport and inspiring others to embrace clean mobility.
The expedition is being supported by Munja Energy as the platinum sponsor, with Kenya Power (KPLC) providing charging facilities within Kenya and Ethiopia Electric Utility (EEU) ensuring charging access on the Ethiopian side.
Kenya’s strong electricity network is also helping make such journeys possible. Over 76 per cent of Kenyan households are connected to the grid, and the country has already introduced a dedicated e-mobility tariff to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
The entire trip is being documented by Intro. Africa through live updates, a docuseries, and a feature film. The storytelling will highlight both the technical performance of the Roam Air and the experiences of the people and places encountered along the way.
Roam’s earlier expeditions have shown that electric motorcycles can tackle tough terrain and long distances. This latest journey seeks to inspire a shift to cleaner, more affordable transport solutions in Africa.
The team is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa on October 10, ready to showcase their achievement to policymakers, investors, and innovators during Africa E-Mobility Week.
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