Yeonsu District expects that the new bicycle will help resolve the issues surrounding Cookie Bicycles, the district’s another shared bicycle program. (image: Samchuly Bicycle)
INCHEON, Feb. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – Incheon’s Yeonsu District has launched South Korea’s very first shared electric bicycle service.
The district, in cooperation with Kakao Mobility Corp., a South Korean transportation service company, will install 400 Kakao T bicycles throughout the district to pilot the initiative until June.
Kakao T bikes use a Pedal Assist System that uses both pedals and electric motors, allowing riders to pedal the bike with ease, regardless of their fitness level.
The bicycle was developed by bicycle makers Samchuly Bicycle and Alton Sports. Its maximum speed has been restricted to 20km/h for user safety.
Users can access the Kakao T app on their mobile phones to look for a nearby Kakao T bicycle, use it, and pay for the amount of time used with credit cards or other means of payment.
Users will first pay 10,000 won (US$8.91) as a deposit. They will be charged 1,000 won for the first 15 minutes of riding the bicycle, and 500 won for every five minutes after.
Yeonsu District expects that the new bicycle will help resolve the issues surrounding Cookie Bicycles, the district’s another shared bicycle program.
As 400 new bicycles are to be added to the 1,000 shared bicycles already available in the district, the authorities expect it will help resolve various complaints involving a shortage of bikes.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
