Sustainable mobility solutions provider Barq has revealed a prototype electric scooter designed for last-mile delivery in the MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) region.
Its debut EV, the Rena Max, was developed to tackle the challenges of this region through innovations including battery cooling, and custom-made storage designed to improve the quality of deliveries through temperature control.
The insulated top box includes a food safe lining, configurable shelving, and integrated thermometer. The electronically controlled locking system logs and tracks all box open and closing for additional security.
Featuring a 9KW electric motor and 5.6kWh lithium battery, the Rena Max can travel up to 150km per charge and has a top speed of 97kph.
Thanks to rider feedback, the scooter also now has an improved rider position for comfort, USB connectivity and LED daytime running lights.
The Rena Max was developed in partnership with restaurant giant Americana and delivery platform Jahez, and was designed by engineering firm CALLUM.
“To date automakers have not built vehicles specifically for our region,” said Abdallah Abu Sheikh, chief executive and founder of Barq.
“We have been consumers of Western and Chinese built technologies that don’t cater in a holistic way for the precise needs and challenges of the region. The opportunity in light mobility is massive globally, but we want to make the first moves with purpose-built vehicles for the middle east and Africa. We have developed the Rena Max in a matter of months after analysing countless rider experiences and a wealth of data from on-demand platforms. The result is astonishing – it’s the Tesla of the scooter world. Fit for purpose with an unprecedented focus on user experience and operational efficiency.”
Production will begin in late 2022 with Barq expecting to build 50,000 units for the region by 2025.
Couriers will be able to lease the Rena Max via delivery platforms on a monthly subscription.