Fenix, a UAE-based micro-mobility start-up, is offering a private e-scooter subscription service in Abu Dhabi as it looks to tap into demand for clean mobility solutions.
The service, named MyFenix, will offer the emirate’s commuters their own electric scooter for a fixed weekly or monthly fee.
The subscription will include unlimited rides, insurance for every ride, a smart app to lock and locate the scooter, free maintenance and vehicle replacements in less than 24 hours in case of any technical problems, Fenix, which was founded by the former directors of e-scooter firm Circ, said.
“We aim to provide commuters with a range of micro-mobility services that best meet their daily needs and unleash urban potential,” Mr Jaideep Dhanoa, co-founder and chief executive of the company, said.
“MyFenix is the first subscription solution in the region … it is a game-changer for mobility access, offering a price point and level of convenience that is within reach of the majority of the population,” added Mr Dhanoa.
Fenix’s subscriptions start at Dh100 per week or Dh200 per month making it more cost-effective to subscribe to a private e-scooter than buying one. Users can permanently own the bike if they sign up for a 24-month subscription plan.
The shared micro-mobility market is growing rapidly and is expected to be worth between $300 billion and $500bn across the US, Europe and China by 2030, according to CBInsights. Start-ups in the sector have attracted about $5.3bn in funding since 2015, the US-based research firm said in a recent report.
Although the pandemic has hit the shared micro-mobility market hard, a McKinsey report estimates that the industry is expected to recover to pre-crisis levels in the medium term as more countries encourage e-scooters and bicycles for local travel.
Launched in November last year, Fenix’s e-scooters are available in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Qatar. The UAE capital is the first city where the start-up has rolled out the subscription-based service.
In November, it secured $3.8 million in seed funding from Tel Aviv-based venture capitalist Maniv Mobility. It was the first venture investment in a UAE company by an Israel-based VC.
Bird's Circ, Careem and Lime have been offering e-scooters for hire in Abu Dhabi since 2019. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority banned the hire of electric scooters in March 2019 while it investigated how the rental market could be safely regulated, but permitted trials in five areas in October last year.
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
UAE squad to face Ireland
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind
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