Hyundai’s ‘last mile’ mobility trial is on Jeju
Hyundai Motor is beginning a trial service on Jeju Island for its ZET micromobility platform
which involves kickboards and bikes.
The largest automaker by sales in Korea announced Monday that it has partnered with two
businesses on the island to supply 30 electric kickboards and 80 electric bikes, which it has
dubbed “last mile mobility solutions.”
Last mile mobility refers to transportation that brings people from public transit to their
final destination whether it is home or a shopping mall. Companies in several industries
have taken on the challenge of devising sharing systems for short distance transportation devices.
During the trial service for ZET, users can use a smartphone app to find the nearest electric
vehicles, make reservations, use and return them.
The 110 electric units are equipped with communication devices co-developed by
Hyundai Motor and LG U+. They are positioned around Iho Teu Beach near the Jeju
International Airport and Mount Songak in Seogwipo, Jeju. They’re largely meant for tourists.
All units will come with safety helmets. They travel at a maximum of 25 kilometers per
hour (15.5 miles per hour) as mandated by law. ZET users are also insured for any accidents.
Hyundai Motor is trying to build networks with regional companies to explore the mobility
market in Korea. It partnered with car-sharing companies, including Singapore’s Grab and
India’s Ola, to enter the mobility business this year.
“Through this trial service of sharing electric kickboards and electric bikes, we are certain
that we will contribute to creating a safe last mile mobility solution,” said Choi Seo-ho,
head of the convergence technology group at Hyundai Motor.
“We will continue to partner with start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises to
build sharing businesses in electric personal mobility, which is already growing fast in the world.”
According to the Korea Transport Institute, Korea’s micromobility market is expected to
grow 20 percent on average per year and reach 600 billion won ($490 million) in size by 2022.