Electric Mass Transit Bus Launched In Kenya

Aug. 26, 2022, 2:10 p.m.

Roam, previously known as Opibus, has launched its new electric Mass Transit Bus, the Roam Rapid, specifically designed to address the unique challenges of public transport in Nairobi and Africa. It offers a solution for the growing number of cities implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems across the continent and is the first of its kind in Kenya.

Roam Rapid

Roam Rapid is the first bus in Kenya designed for mass transit. With a high capacity of 90 passengers, the bus allows for ample room and efficient boarding and disembarking of commuters with seating and standing areas. Furthermore, it features priority seats for the elderly and people with limited mobility, extended legroom, designated areas for wheelchairs, and a low-floor entry for easy access. Roam aspires to create a new perception of public transport vehicles by providing an inclusive, modern, efficient, and sustainable mobility solution. Roam Rapid also has zero tailpipe emissions and low noise pollution, paving the way for Africa's next-generation public transport system.

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Roam Rapid, the new electric Mass Transit Bus in Kenya

‍Roam Rapid's extended range enables operators to run their buses for a full day without worrying about charging. The bus is equipped with a 384-kWh battery pack that allows for a range of 360 km. It also can fully charge in less than 2 hours through DC charging ports. Giving operators full flexibility to decide their charging and operating schedule, either fully charging at night or including a brief midday charge to top up the battery.

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Roam Rapid has zero tailpipe emissions and low noise pollution

‍The focus for the bus has been to design a robust vehicle with best-in-class carrying capacity, range, and comfort to enable mass adoption of clean transport across the continent. Operational costs can be lowered by up to 50%, and the ease of after-sale reduces downtime, enabling higher margins for the operator and lower costs for the commuters, creating a new standard for transport on the African continent.

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Roam Rapid has zero tailpipe emissions and low noise pollution

Through strong local partners and a localization plan, buses will be assembled locally and partly manufactured in the region. A strong local presence will ease after-sale services and provide many jobs, helping to tackle the rising unemployment rate.

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Roam Rapid features priority seats for the elderly and people with limited mobility, extended legroom, designated areas for wheelchairs, and a low-floor entry for easy access

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“The solution Roam brings to the Kenyan market enables us to move people safely, comfortably, and timely in both a sustainable and affordable way. The bus is designed not only to increase comforts and lower cost but more importantly focuses on the population's well-being through reduced noise pollution and eliminating local emissions, improving air quality for the cities across Africa.” Dennis Wakaba, Project Coordinator, Roam

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Roam Rapid features priority seats for the elderly and people with limited mobility, extended legroom, designated areas for wheelchairs, and a low-floor entry for easy access

Roam Mass Transit Specifications:

Battery Capacity: 384 kWh

Range: 360 km

Dimensions (LxHxW): 12500x3300x2550 mm

Top Speed: 70 km/h

Seat capacity: Up to 90 passengers

Weight: 18 000 kg

Fastest Charging time: 2 h

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‍Roam Rapid offers a solution for the growing number of cities implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems across the continent and is the first of its kind in Kenya

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About Roam

Roam is a Swedish-Kenyan technology company that develops, designs, and deploys electric vehicles tailored for the African continent, leading the transition to sustainable transport. Founded in 2017, it became the first company to deliver locally produced electric motorcycles and buses. With nearly 100 employees, Roam is today the leading provider of electric vehicles in Africa and was recently listed on TIME magazine's top 100 most innovative companies.