Seino Group's "Chikutakubin/Nichiyu" and glafit Launch Demonstration of Next-Generation Delivery Operations Utilizing Specially Small Motorized Bicycles

Chikutakubin Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nerima-ku, Tokyo, President: Hideharu Kawai, hereinafter "Chikutakubin"), Nichiyu Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, President: Hideharu Kawai, hereinafter "Nichiyu"), and glafit Inc. (Headquarters: Wakayama City, Wakayama, President & CEO: Teizo Narumi, hereinafter "glafit") have commenced a demonstration utilizing glafit's developed and provided electric personal mobility for Chikutakubin and Nichiyu's delivery operations.

Photo Left: Hideharu Kawai, President of Chikutakubin/Nichiyu Photo Right: Teizo Narumi, President & CEO of glafit "Electric Cycle" NFR-01Pro+ for Delivery by Chikutakubin/Nichiyu

The electric mobility to be used this time is glafit's "Electric Cycle" NFR-01Pro+, a specially classified small motorized bicycle.

The "Electric Cycle" is a vehicle that conforms to the new moped classification, "Specially Small Motorized Bicycle," which began in July 2023, allowing individuals aged 16 and over to operate it without a license, with helmets being strongly recommended. The NFR-01Pro+ is equipped with a road mode with a maximum speed of 20 km/h and a sidewalk mode with a maximum speed of 6 km/h, allowing it to be switched according to the usage scenario. With speed limits for each mode and simple operation, it is designed for safe use even by those without a driver's license. It is powered by electricity and can travel uphill without pedaling.

Another feature is its compact body size, smaller than conventional bicycles, and it is being developed as a new mode of transportation.

In this initiative, Chikutakubin and Nichiyu aim to improve delivery efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and establish new delivery methods in addition to walking, cycling, and light vehicles within the last-mile domain, such as direct mail, mail-in delivery, and small parcel delivery, by leveraging the mobility and environmental performance of electric mobility. Concurrently, they will work to build a sustainable regional delivery network by verifying an operational model that is easier to handle in areas, time slots, and with personnel types that were difficult to address with conventional delivery methods.

1. Challenges in the Logistics Industry

The logistics industry is simultaneously facing diversified delivery demands, a shortage of delivery personnel, and demands for reduced environmental impact. Especially in the last-mile domain, it is becoming crucial to combine flexible delivery methods tailored to regional characteristics while maintaining delivery quality and cost competitiveness.

2. Chikutakubin/Nichiyu's Challenges and Demonstration

To date, for direct mail, mail-in delivery, and small parcel delivery, Chikutakubin has built a community-based delivery network primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Nichiyu has established a delivery system centered in Kanagawa Prefecture.

To ensure stable delivery services even in areas where delivery personnel are absent or during vacation periods, both companies have adopted an operation where in-house staff transport bicycles by light vehicle to the delivery area and then deliver by bicycle. However, since light vehicles can only carry up to two bicycles, improving transportation efficiency has been a challenge.

They have also provided support for delivery personnel by lending electric-assist bicycles. However, in areas with many slopes or wide service areas, there were limitations in terms of running performance and cruising range, and in some areas, deliveries were made by motorcycle.

The electric mobility from glafit to be used this time, due to its compact body, has high load capacity in light vehicles, allowing up to four units to be transported where previously only two could be loaded. This doubles the number of units transported per trip, leading to expected improvements in the productivity of the overall delivery operations.

Furthermore, in addition to the significant feature of switching between road and sidewalk modes, and because it runs on an electric motor without the need for pedaling, it can handle routes in residential areas that were previously covered by bicycles, while also enabling deliveries in areas with many slopes or wide service areas, regardless of driver's license status or physical strength. Additionally, by replacing some of the deliveries previously handled by motorcycles with electric mobility, it is expected to contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Delivery Scene Delivery Scene

Loading Scene Sidewalk Running / Public Road Running Mode Switching Scene

3. Overview of the Demonstration

Item

Details

Implementing Bodies

Chikutakubin Co., Ltd., Nichiyu Co., Ltd., glafit Inc.

Demonstration Theme

Improving delivery efficiency and environmentally friendly delivery utilizing glafit's electric personal mobility, diversification of delivery personnel/methods

Target Operations

Partial delivery operations such as direct mail, mail-in delivery, small parcel delivery (planned)

Target Areas

Within Chikutakubin and Nichiyu's delivery networks, Kawasaki City and the 23 wards of Tokyo (planned)

Verification Items

Delivery efficiency, travel time, number of deliveries possible, CO2 emission reduction effect, safety, ease of use for delivery personnel, operational costs, suitability for weather/terrain/load conditions, etc.

Start Date

Scheduled to begin sequentially from July 2026 onwards

4. Goals of This Initiative

(1) Improvement of Delivery Efficiency

By leveraging the compactness of electric mobility, we will improve the transportation efficiency of bicycles from the distribution base to the assigned area, and by utilizing their maneuverability, we will optimize deliveries in densely populated areas and routes with frequent short-distance travel.

(2) Diversification of Delivery Personnel and Methods

By utilizing the electric assist function and compact body characteristics, we aim to create a delivery environment where diverse personnel can work, regardless of their physical strength or whether they have a driver's license. Concurrently, by combining the optimal delivery methods for area characteristics, goods, and delivery volume, we aim to build a more flexible and sustainable delivery system.

(3) Reduction of Environmental Impact

By replacing some deliveries made by motorcycles and light vehicles with electric mobility, we will reduce reliance on engine vehicles and aim to reduce CO2 emissions. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Green Delivery Network promoted by Chikutakubin, we will expand a sustainable last-mile delivery model that is environmentally conscious.

5. Roles of Each Company

Chikutakubin: Will leverage its operational knowledge in mail delivery and mail-in delivery, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area, to verify the potential for expansion across the entire group's delivery network.

Nichiyu: Will be responsible for the demonstration design in delivery sites centered in Kanagawa Prefecture, selection of target routes, integration into delivery operations, and effect measurement.

glafit: Will provide electric personal mobility suitable for delivery purposes, offer expertise on vehicle characteristics and information for safe operation, and consider improvements based on on-site feedback.

6. Future Outlook

Based on the data and on-site knowledge gained through this demonstration, the three companies will evaluate the implementation feasibility from the perspectives of delivery quality, cost, environmental impact, and safety. In the future, in addition to expanding operations within Chikutakubin and Nichiyu's delivery networks, they aim for nationwide deployment as a new last-mile delivery method, considering collaboration with municipalities, local businesses, and other delivery operators.

7. Representative Comments

Hideharu Kawai, President of Chikutakubin Co., Ltd. and Nichiyu Co., Ltd.

"The logistics industry is facing many challenges, including labor shortages, diversification of delivery demands, and the need to reduce environmental impact. As providers of last-mile delivery that supports local communities while delivering the important sentiments of businesses and individuals, we have been pursuing more sustainable delivery methods.

This demonstration is an initiative to challenge the possibilities of new delivery methods through co-creation with glafit Inc. By utilizing electric personal mobility, we aim to achieve both improved delivery efficiency and reduced environmental impact, while further expanding our 'delivery power' that connects people and communities. We will continue to deliver new convenience and peace of mind to local communities through ongoing new challenges."

Teizo Narumi, President & CEO of glafit Inc.

"At glafit, we want to foster electric personal mobility not just as a means of transportation, but as infrastructure that solves societal issues. We find it highly significant to be able to conduct this demonstration in the highly practical field of last-mile delivery together with Chikutakubin and Nichiyu.

New mobility classifications, including specially small motorized bicycles, have the potential not only to improve transportation efficiency but also to broaden choices for delivery personnel and delivery methods. On the other hand, implementation requires compliance with laws and regulations, safe operation, and operational design tailored to the field. Through this demonstration, we aim to carefully verify concrete application possibilities in the delivery sector and also to lead to the expansion of new collaborative areas in the future."

Company Overview

Chikutakubin Co., Ltd.

A company that develops community-based logistics, primarily mail delivery and post-in delivery, mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It provides delivery solutions that consider cost and convenience, such as the small parcel delivery service "Konipos," and works towards realizing sustainable logistics with the philosophy of "Green Logistics."

[Location] J-City Tower 16F, 5-8-20 Takamatsu, Nerima-ku, Tokyo

[Representative] Hideharu Kawai, President

[Official Website] https://www.tikutakubin.co.jp/

Nichiyu Co., Ltd.

A promotional support company with a delivery network centered in Kanagawa Prefecture, handling everything from planning, production, printing, and delivery of direct mail. It supports clients' advertising activities through its unique mail delivery network and integrated system, and also contributes to the group's delivery infrastructure.

[Location] 1204 Niihamachi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

[Representative] Hideharu Kawai, President

[Official Website] https://nichiyu-hd.com/

glafit Inc.

glafit is a Wakayama-based hard mobility venture that handles everything from development, manufacturing, to sales of electric personal mobility. With the brand message "Move, Enjoy!", it develops and provides mobility that delivers new travel experiences that transform daily commutes into moments of surprise and excitement, making people around the world smile.

[Location] 579-1 Umehara, Wakayama City, Wakayama

[Representative] Teizo Narumi, President & CEO

[Official Website] https://glafit.com/

[Inquiries Regarding This Matter]

Chikutakubin Co., Ltd.

Contact: Corporate Planning Office

E-mail: [email protected]

Nichiyu Co., Ltd.

Contact: Corporate Planning Office

E-mail: [email protected]

glafit Inc.

Contact: Public Relations, Ando/Fukui

E-mail: [email protected]