Roam Motors is an Africa-based electric bicycle manufacturer that purports itself to be the company behind the first African e-bike in 2017. Roam recently announced its newest foray into the urban e-bike market with a collection of utility-focused, easy-to-use electric bikes. These bikes will have an abundance of storage, a generous maximum payload capacity, a long maximum range, and a low charging time.
The bikes are also set to be budget-friendly with prices between $1,500 USD to $2,050 USD based on the battery capacity of the selected bike. The Roam Motors utility-focused bikes will have a modern, motorcycle-inspired design with a full glass windshield and an elongated, flat seat capable of sitting two riders. The bikes place storage compartments on the rear and under the seat, which not only enables the rider to bring items with them but also utilizes the weight of the payloads to increase the traction of the bikes.
Roam Motors is rolling out this collection of e-bikes in Africa later in 2022. In addition to this, the company submitted designs to the European Union to seek approval to enter the EU market.
African E-Bike Startups
Roam Motors Announced a Utility-Focused E-Bike Collection
Trend Themes
1. Utility-focused E-bikes - There is an opportunity for other manufacturers to create utility-focused e-bikes for urban areas with abundant storage, generous payload capacity, long range, and fast charging time.
2. Affordable E-bikes - The success of Roam Motors’ budget-friendly e-bikes may lead to other manufacturers creating more affordable e-bike options.
3. E-bike Expansion in Africa - With Roam Motors’ latest collection, there is potential for other electric bike manufacturers to expand into the African market offering a wider range of options.
Industry Implications
1. Electric Bicycle Manufacturing - Roam Motors’ utility-focused e-bikes present an opportunity for other manufacturers to consider producing niche e-bikes that cater to specific needs in various markets.
2. Sustainable Transportation - E-bikes have the potential to revolutionize transportation with their lower impact on the environment than traditional vehicles and the electricity grids with which they can be charged and the industry can expand in this area.
3. Urban Transit - As more people are looking for ways to avoid crowded public transportation during COVID-19, there may be an opportunity for e-bike manufacturers to capitalize on this trend in urban areas.