Roam Powers Machakos with Electric Mobility, Tackling Tough Terrain with Clean Energy
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By Njeri Irungu.
Roam, Kenya’s leading electric mobility company, has officially launched its operations in Machakos County, bringing its innovative and eco-friendly transport solutions to the region’s challenging landscapes. This expansion marks a significant step in the company’s mission to transform transportation across Kenya, following its successful entry into Kiambu County last year.
The new Roam Shop in Machakos, strategically located at the TotalEnergies Mua View Service Station along Kitui Road, will offer a range of services including sales of the Roam Air electric motorcycle, battery charging and rental options, and dedicated customer support. This partnership with TotalEnergies highlights the evolving role of fuel stations in supporting sustainable mobility, with the Machakos outlet becoming the fifth Roam location to operate within a TotalEnergies facility.
Machakos County’s rugged terrain, characterized by steep hills and rough roads, provided the perfect testing ground for Roam’s electric motorcycles. Before the official launch, the company conducted extensive trials with local boda boda riders, deploying five Roam Air units across various stages. The motorcycles impressed riders with their ability to navigate the county’s demanding topography, even under heavy loads, thanks to their robust design featuring a 58 Nm peak torque and a 240 kg payload capacity.
One of the most compelling advantages of the Roam Air is its affordability. Charging a battery at home costs approximately KES 80, providing a range of 80–100 km—a fraction of the cost of petrol, which would require about 3 litres (KES 525) to cover the same distance. For riders needing extended range, the dual-battery option delivers an impressive 160–200 km per charge. Additionally, the newly opened Roam Hub Charging Station in Machakos Town offers convenient battery rentals at just KES 20 per hour, ensuring minimal downtime for riders.
To make the transition to electric mobility even more accessible, Roam has partnered with financial institutions including M-Kopa, 4G Capital, Mogo, and Watu Credit. These collaborations enable flexible payment plans, with options starting from a KES 10,000 deposit and daily installments as low as KES 460.
The expansion has been met with enthusiasm from both local leaders and the boda boda community. Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to create economic opportunities for the youth while promoting environmental sustainability. Ilan Musembi, Chairman of the Machakos Boda Boda Association, shared his firsthand experience with the Roam Air, noting its superior performance on the county’s hills and the significant cost savings for riders.
With its entry into Machakos, Roam continues to lead Kenya’s shift toward clean and efficient transportation, proving that electric mobility can thrive even in the most challenging environments. This expansion not only underscores the company’s commitment to innovation but also its dedication to improving the lives of riders and communities across the country.
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