Roam previously known as Opibus has signed a partnership with M-KOPA as a major supplier for the mass adoption of electric motorcycles. This is the first-ever large-scale supply agreement of electric motorcycles in Africa, signed with one of the largest and most respected asset-based fintech providers on the continent, focused on unlocking credit across Africa. The partnership will enable customers to lower operational costs by over 70% and increase daily income by 50%.
This is the first-ever large-scale supply agreement for electric motorcycles in Africa. The agreement will enable the credit sales of electric motorcycles, lowering the barrier to entry for customers through affordable payment plans. Roam will deliver the fleet by the end of 2022 in time for mass deployment in early 2023. This milestone supports Roam’s vision of making electric vehicles more accessible to a broader market.
Roam electric motorcycles features advancements of previous pilots, including optimization of performance, effectiveness and a more robust design. The motorcycles can be used for personal use but are also appropriate for cargo transportation and taxi services. Additionally, they come equipped with a removable dual battery pack, lowering downtime and increasing rider flexibility.
Founded in 2011, M-KOPA has operations in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana. M-KOPA’s platform has unlocked over $600 million in credit that has enabled 2 million customers to access smartphones, solar lighting, solar-powered appliances, electric motorcycles, and digital financial services such as cash loans and health insurance. With partnerships such as this one between Roam and M-KOPA, the infrastructure to support mass adoption of these electric motorcycles is now shaping up nicely.
M-KOPA will aid in the deployment of the motorcycles through its innovative ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ model, which allows customers instant access to products while building ownership over time through flexible micro-payments. Working with M-KOPA will streamline distribution of electric motorcycles, and, at the same time, provide the opportunity to grow Roam’s market reach in regions across Africa where M-KOPA operates, starting in Kenya. This will enable customers to lower their operational costs by over 70%, which results in increased daily income by 50%, a boost that can fundamentally change the livelihoods of the drivers.
Mikael Gånge, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Roam says the agreement is an incredible trigger for electric motorcycle adoption in emerging markets and validates their vision of releasing a locally designed product that exceeds the experience of traditional fossil fuel motorcycles for a similar price. They want to provide a compelling environmental and economic solution for markets that haven’t been part of the electric vehicle transition yet. They also believe the motorcycle taxi industry is one of the most impactful areas to start, given the growing market size and importance for low income earners not only in Africa but globally. This partnership with drive both companies towards a cleaner mobility.
Additionally, David Damberger, Managing Director – M-KOPA Mobility and M-KOPA Labs said the partnership with Roam aligns them with a major player equally committed to Africa’s sustainable development, and helps them expand their product offerings to include electric motorcycles, which is a true testament to the versatility of their fintech platform. M-KOPA is committed to lowering the barriers to entry and making everyday essentials accessible, especially to underbanked customers, through flexible payment plans. This rollout will have a transformative effect on the daily incomes of business people and reduce the environmental footprint of commerce, as it continues to grow in rapidly developing markets.
Here are the specs of the new Roam Air:
Roam Air Specifications:
- Battery Capacity: 2 x 3.24 kWh
- Range (Dual Battery): 180km
- Nominal Power: 3000 W
- Top Speed: 90 km/h
- Payload: 220 kg
- Weight (Single Battery): 135 kg
- Charging time: 4 h
Features:
- Removable dual battery solution
- Driving modes: Eco, Standard, Power, Sports, Reverse
- Increased carrying capacity on subframe
- State-of-the-art software and onboard telemetry
- Storage compartment in tank
- Improved screen user interface with better visibility
- USB charging port
