glafit and Seino Group (Chikuta-takubin / Nichiyu) Begin Demonstration of Next-Generation Delivery Operations Utilizing Specially Small Motorized Bicycles

glafit Inc. (Headquarters: Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, President & CEO: Teizo Narumi, hereinafter "glafit"), Chikuta-takubin Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nerima Ward, Tokyo, President: Hideharu Kawai, hereinafter "Chikuta-takubin"), and Nichiyu Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Hideharu Kawai, hereinafter "Nichiyu") will begin a demonstration utilizing the electric personal mobility developed and provided by glafit for the delivery operations of Chikuta-takubin and Nichiyu.

Photo Left: Hideharu Kawai, President of Chikuta-takubin/Nichiyu Photo Right: Teizo Narumi, President & CEO of glafit "Electric Cycle" NFR-01Pro+ to be used for delivery by Chikuta-takubin/Nichiyu

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

The "Electric Cycle" is a vehicle that complies with the new moped classification "specially small motorized bicycle," which can be ridden by individuals aged 16 and over without a license and with a helmet as a recommended measure, starting from July 2023. 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. The speed is limited for each mode, and the operation is simple, making it 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, which is smaller than conventional bicycles, and it is being developed as a new mode of transportation.

In this initiative, glafit aims to improve delivery efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and establish a new delivery method in addition to walking, cycling, and light vehicles, by leveraging the mobility and environmental performance of electric mobility in the last-mile domain, such as direct mail, post-insertion delivery, and small parcel delivery, which are handled by Chikuta-takubin and Nichiyu. Concurrently, they will work to build a sustainable regional delivery network by verifying an operational model that is easier to adapt to areas, time slots, and personnel demographics that were difficult to handle with conventional delivery methods.

1. Challenges in the Logistics Industry

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

2. Challenges and Demonstration by Chikuta-takubin and Nichiyu

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

To provide 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 supported delivery personnel by lending electric-assist bicycles, but 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 compared to the previous two. This doubles the number of units transported per trip, and increased productivity for the overall delivery operations is expected.

Furthermore, in addition to the significant feature of switching between road and sidewalk modes, it runs on an electric motor, eliminating the need to pedal. This allows for deliveries in areas with many slopes and wide service areas, regardless of driver's license status or physical strength, while still accommodating travel in residential areas, etc., which were previously done by bicycle. 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/Public road mode switching scene

3. Overview of the Demonstration

Item

Details

Implementing Bodies

Chikuta-takubin Co., Ltd., Nichiyu Co., Ltd., glafit Inc.

Implementation Objectives

Improving delivery efficiency and environmentally friendly delivery using glafit's electric personal mobility, diversifying delivery personnel/methods

Target Operations

Direct mail, post-insertion delivery, small parcel delivery, and other partial delivery operations (planned)

Verification Area

Within Chikuta-takubin 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, and load conditions, etc.

Start Date

Scheduled to begin sequentially from July 2026

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 utilize their maneuverability to optimize delivery routes in densely populated areas and those 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 individuals can work, regardless of their physical strength or possession of 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 decrease CO2 emissions. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Green Delivery Network promoted by Chikuta-takubin, we will expand an environmentally conscious and sustainable last-mile delivery model.

5. Roles of Each Company

Chikuta-takubin: Will leverage its operational expertise in mail and post-insertion delivery, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area, to verify the potential for expansion to the entire group delivery network.

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

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

6. Future Outlook

Based on the data and field knowledge obtained 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 Chikuta-takubin 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. Statements from Representatives

Hideharu Kawai, President of Chikuta-takubin Co., Ltd. and Nichiyu Co., Ltd.

"The logistics industry is facing many challenges, including labor shortages, diversifying delivery demands, and the need to reduce environmental impact. As a provider of last-mile delivery that supports regional communities while delivering the important sentiments of businesses and residents, 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. 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 regions. We will continue to take on new challenges and deliver new convenience and peace of mind to local communities."

Teizo Narumi, President & CEO of glafit Inc.

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

New mobility classifications, including specially small motorized bicycles, have the potential not only to improve transportation efficiency but also to broaden the options 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 intend to carefully examine the specific application possibilities in the delivery sector and also connect this to the expansion of new collaborative areas in the future."

Company Profiles

Chikuta-takubin Co., Ltd.

A company that develops community-based logistics, primarily mail and posting services, mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It offers 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 Ward, Tokyo

[Representative] Hideharu Kawai, President

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

Nichiyu Co., Ltd.

A promotional support company with a delivery network primarily in Kanagawa Prefecture, handling direct mail planning, production, printing, and delivery all in one stop. Through its unique mail delivery network and integrated system, it supports clients' advertising activities and contributes to the group's delivery infrastructure.

[Location] 1204 Niihamachi, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

[Representative] Hideharu Kawai, President

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

glafit Inc.

A hard mobility venture from Wakayama that handles everything from development to manufacturing and 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, bringing smiles to people around the world."

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

[Representative] Teizo Narumi, President & CEO

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

[Inquiries Regarding This Matter]

Chikuta-takubin 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]