Roam Launches the Rapid, Kenya's First Electric Mass Transit Bus

Swedish-Kenyan company Roam has launched, the Roam Rapid, the first electric mass transit bus in Kenya.

The Rapid is designed to address the unique challenges of operating in Nairobi and in other cities across Africa.

The Rapid has room for 90 people both seated and standing and 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 says the bus has enough range for a full day's operation thanks to a 384-kWh that allows for a range of 360 km. It also has the ability to fully charge in less than 2 hours through DC charging ports.

The company also says that operational costs can be lowered by up to 50% and the ease of after-sale reduces downtime, enabling higher margins for the operator but also lower costs for the commuters.

"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 well-being of the population through reduced noise pollution and eliminating local emissions, improving air quality for the cities across Africa," says Dennis Wakaba, Roam's Project Coordinator.