Hong Kong startup MobiJuce is about to launch an app-based power-bank rental service.

It hopes to make the service available at more than 1000 locations by early next year, including retail outlets, convenience stores, transportation hubs, shopping malls and restaurants.

Borrowing ideas from shared-economy concepts, the MobiJuce service will allow smartphone users to rent a power bank and return it to a different location.

Through the MobiJuce app, users will be directed to the nearest “JuceBox”, which houses power
banks for rent. Scanning a QR code on the JuceBox will release a power bank. The devices will cost HK$2 (US25c) for every 30 minutes of use, capped at $20 a day.

When users want to return a power bank, they can use the app to find the nearest drop-off location. If a unit is not returned within 48 hours, the app will sell it to the user for $129.

MobiJuce will launch with 15 locations next month.