Africa’s Solar-Powered Motorcycle Embarks on 6,000 km Test from Nairobi to Stellenbosch

Robert Kellerman

Content Creator

08 April 2026

A solar-powered electric motorcycle built in Africa completed a 6,000 km journey from Nairobi to Stellenbosch, demonstrating the real-world potential of clean mobility on the continent.
The initiative, a collaboration between Stellenbosch University and Roam, tested the Roam Air motorcycle under African conditions, focusing on performance, battery efficiency, and solar charging over long distances.
Beyond the journey itself, the project highlights a bigger goal: developing practical, locally suited electric mobility solutions and infrastructure for Africa.
The trip concluded with the launch of Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Lab, reinforcing the role of research, partnerships, and innovation in shaping the future of sustainable transport.

An electric motorcycle built entirely in Africa and running only on solar energy set off on Sunday, 29 September 2024, from Nairobi on a journey to Stellenbosch. This trip showcases African ingenuity and determination. It marks what is likely the first long-distance test of a solar-powered electric motorcycle designed and manufactured in Africa, covering approximately 6,000 km. It’s also part of South Africa’s Transport Month celebration, a fitting tribute to green innovation.

Teamwork in Action: Stellenbosch University and Roam Join Forces

Stellenbosch University (SU)’s Faculty of Engineering has teamed up with Roam, a tech-forward electric mobility company from Nairobi, to put the Roam Air motorcycle to the test. The Roam Air is built specifically for African cities, designed to handle urban roads and local energy needs.

Professor Thinus Booysen, founder of SU’s Electric Mobility Lab, explains, “We want to inspire others and show that travelling with green energy is not only possible but practical.” The hope is to raise awareness and educate the public about the potential for clean energy in everyday travel.

Two support vehicles are accompanying the electric motorcycle, with plans for the team to arrive in Stellenbosch by Friday, 18 October. This arrival will coincide with the University’s Electric Mobility Day, a celebration of clean energy solutions.

Building Partnerships through Testing and Research

Roam generously donated two electric motorcycles to the Electric Mobility Lab for research and testing. Professor Booysen notes, “Testing this motorcycle overland is an incredible opportunity to explore electric mobility within Africa’s unique conditions.”

Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Lab focuses on the infrastructure and operational adjustments needed for electric mobility in Africa. The team is examining what’s needed to make electric travel viable across the continent.

This collaboration between SU and Roam aims to develop practical solutions, from electric motorcycles to supporting infrastructure. The goal is to build electric vehicles that fit local conditions and establish a foundation for electric urban transport.

“This journey is proof of Kenya’s ability to design and build top-quality electric vehicles for local conditions,” says Masa Kituyi, Roam’s Electric Mobility Product Owner. Kituyi and SU PhD candidate Stephan Lacock are leading the motorcycle through this ambitious cross-country ride.

The SU research team is closely watching how the motorcycle’s drivetrain performs, how effective the swappable batteries are, and how well solar recharging holds up over the long-distance trek.