[glafit] Model project on Tsuken Island Supporting daily life on remote islands with specified mopeds that do not require a license Island hopping tours also available
*glafit*
Press release: September 5, 2024
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Model project on Tsuken Island: Supporting daily life on remote islands with designated mopeds that do not require a license; Island hopping tours also available
*― Supporting the movement of residents and tourists with safe and environmentally friendly mobility -*
Tsuken Island Minshuku Kamiyasou
glafit Co., Ltd.
Ryukyu Mobility Co., Ltd.
All Nippon Renovation General Incorporated Association
Tsuken Island Guest House
Kamiyaso, Glafit Co., Ltd., Ryukyu Mobility Co., Ltd., and All Nippon Renovation, a general incorporated association, secure last mile transportation services based at Kamiyaso, an accommodation facility on Tsuken Island, Uruma City, a remote island rich in nature. A model project to create new tourism flow lines and segment destinations will begin on September 4th. In this model project, visitors to the island and local residents can use glafit Co., Ltd.’s NFR-01Pro.
* Background of the “New Mobility Service” model business *
Tsuken Island, Uruma City, is an island with a population of approximately 400 people. Private businesses such as Kamiyaso are taking the lead in working towards the realization of a sustainable tourist destination. Many people visit the island by ferry, high-speed boat, or chartered boat, but there are many narrow roads on the island, and when many regular cars are brought in, it is difficult to pass each other, and parking is limited. There are also concerns about various risks as there are no gas stations. Various demonstration experiments are being conducted to consider the introduction of electric mobility so that both residents and tourists can spend quality time together while preserving the rich natural environment. This model project will be led by private businesses, and will demonstrate whether sustainable operations can be achieved through actual rentals for a fee and implementation of island-hopping tours. We will consider ways to introduce new mobility based on tour participant surveys, sales, etc.
* [Rental information Island hopping tour to enjoy the island air with electric mobility] *
*Rental information*
It can be rented at Kamiyaso for 3,000 yen per day. Available to anyone over the age of 16.
If you are planning to eat, drink, or stay overnight at Kamiyaso, we also provide transportation from the ferry terminal to Kamiyaso. We would appreciate it if you could contact us.
Application location: No reservation required, rental and return at Kamiyaso (1472-4 Katsuretsuken, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture) Contact: Kamiyaso 098-978-3027
Available hours: General public From the arrival time of the first ferry until the departure of the last ferry
For overnight guests: From check-in to check-out date until ferry departure *An attended tour will also be held from late September*
We are planning to conduct a tour led by members of Tsuken Island Kamiyasou who are familiar with Tsuken Island on electric bicycles. Carrot fields and scenic spots
We will also guide you through the history and culture of Tsuken Island, the birthplace of Okinawan music.
・Island guide (4 to 6 locations) 1 and a half hour course ¥5,000 (per person) ・Starry sky tour 30 minutes course *Canceled on cloudy days ¥3,000 (per person) Tour inquiries/applications: Kamiyaso 098-978-3027
Available hours: General public From the arrival time of the first ferry until the departure of the last ferry
For overnight guests: From check-in to check-out date until ferry departure * Adopted mobility* * Main features of “Electric cycle NFR-01 Pro”* (1) New vehicle classification “Specified moped” – Can climb hills smoothly The NFR-01Pro is a new vehicle that falls under the new vehicle classification “Specified Moped” created by last year’s amendment to the Road Traffic Law.
The specified moped from glafit is a seated bicycle type, rather than a standing electric kickboard type. The NFR-01Pro looks and feels like a bicycle, but has the performance of an electric bike.The NFR-01Pro has the best features of an electric bike, and is suitable for both young and old people, whether it’s for students over 16 to go to school, or for seniors to go out after returning their driver’s license. This is a new personal electric mobility device that can be used by a wide range of people. As for hill climbing performance, you can easily climb up hills that you can climb while standing on an electric assist bicycle. In preparation for the model project, we confirmed that all of the slopes on Tsuken Island can be climbed and descended safely.
(2) Safety, security, and environmental considerations
Specified mopeds are a new type of vehicle that anyone over the age of 16 can ride, regardless of whether or not they have a license. In addition to verifying the age of users, we will ask them to watch a video about traffic rules, conduct a motorcycle operation course, and require them to wear a helmet so that they can ride safely and enjoy the ride.
*Comments from each organization*
* Tsuken Island Kamiyaso Representative Kyohei Kamiya*
We are pleased that Tsuken Island has been chosen as the location for this model project. There is no gas station on this island, so the islanders have to carry 20L cans to refuel on the boat. That alone is quite hard work… I feel that mobility that doesn’t require gasoline is a hope that might save the island. Also, since there are no buses or taxis on the island, I feel that it will be very useful in terms of tourism. Since this is a new attempt, we will approach both islanders and tourists while taking thorough safety measures. I sincerely hope that this opportunity will be more fruitful and that we will take a step towards a better future for Tsuken Island.
*Glafit Co., Ltd. President and CEO Teizo Narumi*
We are pleased that our electric cycle NFR-01Pro was selected for this model project. We hope that you will be able to experience the scenery of Tsuken Island and the sounds of nature that you cannot experience by traveling by car, which will lead to a new sightseeing experience. We also hope that island residents will become familiar with electric mobility as a means of daily transportation, and that it will help solve various issues on the island, such as parking and securing gasoline. I believe that these are issues that are common to remote islands across the country, so through this model project, we would like to analyze data, including user feedback, and use it in various locations in the future.
* Yasuyoshi Togashi, Representative Director, All Nippon Renovation General Incorporated Association*
Time passes slowly on Tsuken Island, which is located in central Okinawa and can be reached in about 20 minutes from the main island. Because the traditional roads and nature remain, we believe that micromobility can achieve sustainable tourism without causing traffic jams, parking problems, or exhaust gas problems even when many people visit. I have a connection to Tsuken Island both in my professional and private life, and I visit it many times every month. I am happy that this model project has become a reality. In this model project, we will also take on the challenge of establishing sustainability from a PR and economic perspective.
[Contact information regarding this release]
Ryukyu Mobility Co., Ltd. Public Relations 070-9126-3158 (PR, introduction support, leasing, sales, etc.)
Tsuken Island Kamiyaso 098-978-3027
glafit Co., Ltd. Public Relations: Ando Email: pr@glafit.com