Mobilize Bento, a funny little box of tricks

Designed for the city, Mobilize’s utility electric quadricycle Bento is an interesting and original mobility solution.

Worthy, and perhaps slightly unaware, heir to the very forgettable Renault Twizzy, the Mobilize Duo has surprisingly charmed us. But it is indeed its utility version that might ultimately hit the jackpot.

The Mobilize Bento takes its name from the ingenious small meal box well-known among Japanese students and workers. A container that holds an entire meal, the Japanese equivalent of our traditional ham-and-butter sandwich accompanied by its inseparable portion of flan. Because this Bento is indeed a French creation aimed at professionals. An ingenious answer to mobility issues in regions where public transport services are limited.

While the two-seater Duo can be driven with or without a license, the utility version Bento is reserved for licensed drivers as it features a closed trunk of 649 liters in place of the passenger seat for transporting small equipment or goods. Compact at only 2.54 meters long, the little vehicle is highly maneuverable in urban traffic, easy to park thanks to its small footprint, and is especially eligible for all low-emission zones (ZFE) and other pedestrian shopping areas with restricted traffic. After all, the vehicle is of course 100% electric and has a range of 149 km.

Designed with an eco-friendly approach, it incorporates more than 40% recycled materials and is 95% recyclable thanks to a strategy aimed at minimizing the number of parts it comprises. There’s no compromise on safety, featuring an airbag and a mobile application “MyDuo” that allows, among other things, the generation of up to six secure digital keys for shared use.

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