Electric bike company Roam and European Union supported funder ENERGICA have on November 13 announced a collaboration to add 11 more battery charging and swap hubs in Nairobi.
The solar-powered charging stations will be open for use by both Roam riders and other electric motorcycle brands. This initiative is meant to boost the uptake of electric bikes in the city as it removes two major hurdles that have been hampering riders; the proximity of charging stations, and access to charging stations for your particular brand.
More electric bike charging hubs across the city
In a press release, Roam and ENERGICA representatives said that two new Roam Hubs will open before this year ends, while nine will be built in 2025.
Roam currently has four charging stations at based on Lusaka Road, Waiyaki Way, Kayole Spine Road, and Roysambu.
The new stations will bring the total number of charging and rental hubs to 15.
The companies said this will make electric mobility more accessible and transform urban transportation into a cleaner, more efficient system.
Solar charging further enhances affordability, offering an additional KES 10-15 savings per kWh compared to electricity, according to Roam.
“Roam Hubs in urban and peri-urban areas, Roam aims to create a reliable, convenient network for electric motorcycle riders. Additionally, Roam’s commitment to an open architecture design for its charging stations will enable interoperability between electric vehicle manufacturers, allowing riders to charge at various locations, thus removing a key barrier to widespread transition.”
Roam’s Product Manager of Energy and Charging Habib Lukaya said that the initiative is a game-changer for electric mobility in Kenya and across Africa.
“The open architecture design we’re implementing not only enables seamless interoperability but also fosters sustainable growth for electric motorcycles. By allowing users to charge their electric motorcycles at various speeds and locations, we are addressing one of the most significant barriers to electric vehicle adoption —access to reliable and flexible charging infrastructure,” said Lukaya.
On their part, ENERGICA’s Collaborative Project Manager Nadia Moussaid said that the partnership is a critical link between Africa and Europe, tackling urgent challenges such as energy access, climate change, and clean transport.
“Roam’s solar-powered electric mobility solutions will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and transform urban transport in cities like Nairobi and Kisumu. Together, we’re building resilient, low-emission transport networks that empower communities and create sustainable jobs.”
Roam Hubs were chosen by Energica as one of the three collaborative initiatives on the continent.
The other two initiatives are projects in nano-grids for renewable water and food production in Madagascar and biogas and water purification systems to advancing energy, water, and fertilizer production in Sierra Leone.
