In Kenya, motorcycle taxis are the easiest and cheapest way to get around. But the ubiquitous Boda Bodas are major polluters. These motorcycles are among the highest CO2 emitting vehicles on the market, but almost six percent of East Africans rely on them for their daily income.
Electric alternatives are either unreliable, of poor quality or too expensive for most Kenyans.
Founded in 2017 as a research project at a Swedish university, Roam spotted an opportunity: electric vehicles made in Africa, designed for the African market.
All at the same time designing everything locally with 40% female employees in all areas. The company builds motorcycles and buses tailored to the market with affordability and reliability at the forefront. In harsh terrain, Roam has tested 160 prototypes, raised more than $7.5 million and run a successful pilot programme with M-Kopa, one of the largest asset financiers on the continent.
This is just the start. Roam aims to make electric transport accessible to a far broader market, setting the standard for electric mobility in Africa. The key is the price tag. Because electricity is cheaper than petrol, Roam estimates drivers can cut running costs by 75 percent – an incentive that works for both people and the planet.
By 2030, we choose to ensure that, for the first time in human history, the natural world is growing – not shrinking – on our planet.
This Earthshot focuses on three main areas of interest:
By 2030 we choose to ensure that everyone in the world breathes clean, healthy air – at World Health Organization standard or better.
This Earthshot focuses on three main areas of interest:
By 2030, we choose to repair and preserve our oceans for future generations.
This Earthshot focuses on three main areas of interest:
By 2030, we choose to build a world where nothing goes to waste, where the leftovers of one process become the raw materials of the next – just like they do in nature.
This Earthshot focuses on three main areas of interest:
We choose to fix the world’s climate by cutting out carbon: building a carbon neutral economy that lets every culture, community and country thrive.
This Earthshot focuses on three main areas of interest:
