Hawkar stands as a pioneering and socially innovative startup based in Tunisia, fundamentally dedicated to revolutionizing mobility solutions for people with reduced mobility. Born from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities, Hawkar designs and builds intelligent electric vehicles and advanced power-assisted wheels. Their unwavering mission is to transform daily limitations into opportunities for unparalleled freedom and independence.
Hawkar directly addresses the pervasive shortcomings of infrastructure and public transport that often hinder accessibility in various countries, particularly across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It is more than an automotive company; it is a catalyst for inclusion, dignity, and a redefined sense of autonomy for countless individuals.
At the very heart of Hawkar's existence is a powerful, humanitarian vision: to make independence and freedom of mobility accessible to everyone, regardless of physical challenges. The founders recognized a critical unmet need within their community and beyond, where existing infrastructure and public transportation systems often fail to adequately serve people with disabilities. This recognition sparked the innovative drive behind Hawkar. They envision a world where movement is effortless, where individuals can navigate their environment with ease, and where long distances are no longer a barrier to education, employment, social engagement, or simply daily life.
The company's name itself, "Hawkar," encapsulates this ethos. It is a fusion of "Hawk" and "Car." The "hawk" symbolizes independence, freedom, and autonomy – qualities that their smart electric vehicles aim to provide. Simultaneously, "to hawk" means to peddle, to spread, or to make known everywhere, reflecting their ambition to distribute their solutions not just in Tunisia but across the globe. This dual meaning highlights their commitment to both individual empowerment and widespread impact. Their vision is about tearing down physical barriers and fostering a more inclusive society where everyone has the right to move freely.
Hawkar's product line is a testament to its commitment to innovation and user-centric design, primarily focusing on two key solutions:
1. The Smart Electric Car: This adapted vehicle is a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for wheelchair users. It is meticulously engineered to be directly accessible from a wheelchair, eliminating the need for complex transfers. The car is characterized by its lightweight, compact, and environmentally friendly design. Its low speed (typically around 45 km/h) makes it ideal for city environments, and it can be conveniently recharged directly at home using a standard domestic plug. The design prioritizes ease of parking and effortless entry/exit for wheelchairs. This innovative car offers greater security than an electric scooter and is adapted to various physical disabilities, ensuring that users can drive themselves to work, study, shop, or socialize without external assistance. It is a complete mobility solution that provides both freedom and privacy.
2. EYAS Assisted Wheelchair Wheels: For individuals who prefer to retain their manual wheelchair but require enhanced mobility, Hawkar offers the EYAS electric assistance wheels. These quiet, high-performance wheels seamlessly transform a standard manual wheelchair into a powerful, electrically assisted mobility solution. They are easily mountable and removable, allowing users to switch between manual and electric modes with minimal effort. The EYAS wheels provide reliable power assistance, enabling users to travel farther and faster while conserving their energy and preserving their arms. This product empowers users with a new level of independence and convenience, giving them the flexibility to choose their journey and their pace, whether for daily commutes or longer excursions.
Hawkar is fundamentally a social enterprise, with its mission deeply rooted in social innovation and inclusive development. The company directly addresses the profound societal issue of limited mobility for people with disabilities. By providing adapted and accessible transportation solutions, Hawkar aims to reduce social exclusion and enhance the quality of life for a significant segment of the population. They recognize that mobility is a fundamental human right, essential for accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social activities.
Their work contributes to the broader goal of making societies more inclusive. By creating products that empower individuals to be independent, Hawkar facilitates greater participation in economic and social life. Their solutions are not just about transport; they are about fostering dignity, confidence, and self-reliance among users. This social mission drives their business model, prioritizing impact alongside innovation and sustainability. They are a powerful example of how entrepreneurial spirit can be harnessed to solve pressing social challenges.
Sustainability is an integral component of Hawkar's design and operational philosophy. Their electric vehicles are inherently environmentally friendly, producing zero tailpipe emissions. This aligns with global efforts to reduce air pollution and combat severe environmental change, particularly in urban areas where vehicle emissions are a major concern. The focus on electric propulsion means their products offer a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-powered transportation.
Furthermore, the design of their vehicles emphasizes efficiency and minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. By providing solutions that can be easily charged at home, they promote energy efficiency and integration into existing power grids. Their commitment to sustainability is part of a broader vision for a cleaner, more accessible future, ensuring that their innovations benefit both the individual user and Earth. They are building not just cars, but a responsible approach to personal mobility.
Despite being a relatively young company, Hawkar has quickly garnered significant recognition and numerous prestigious awards, both nationally and internationally. These accolades stand as a testament to their innovative spirit, the impact of their solutions, and the dedication of their team.
Hawkar's ambition extends beyond Tunisia. While deeply committed to serving the needs within the MENA region, they have a clear vision for international expansion. The name "Hawkar" itself hints at this global aim, signifying their desire to "spread and make known everywhere" their mobility solutions. Their participation in international forums, networking events, and collaborations with worldwide partners reflects this ambition, aiming to empower people with reduced mobility worldwide. They are constantly exploring new markets and partnerships to ensure their innovative products reach those who can benefit most from them.
The driving force behind Hawkar is its visionary leadership, particularly its CEO, Khadija Jallouli. As a person with reduced mobility herself, Khadija brings a profound personal understanding of the challenges her target audience faces. This lived experience fuels her passion and shapes the user-centric design of Hawkar's products, ensuring they genuinely meet the needs of their users. Her journey, from conceptualizing the idea in 2016 to incorporating the company in 2018 with co-founder Seifeddine Aissa (a mechatronics engineer), exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to social change.
Khadija's leadership has been instrumental in securing funding, attracting talent, and navigating the complexities of developing a groundbreaking product. She is a vocal advocate for disability inclusion, leveraging platforms to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals and push for more accessible infrastructure globally. The team behind Hawkar is characterized by its inventiveness, innovation, passion, and professionalism, all guided by the belief that their work is not just about building vehicles, but about transforming lives and creating a more inclusive world for everyone.
