#Japan #Tokyo #Glafit #Seino Group #Nikyuu

Next-Generation Delivery Operations

Seino Group’s subsidiary, District Delivery, alongside Nikyuu and Glafit, has embarked on a groundbreaking verification project aimed at enhancing delivery efficiency through the use of electric personal mobility vehicles. Leveraging Glafit’s NFR-01Pro⁺ electric bicycle, the initiative focuses on streamlining final-mile delivery processes while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Electric Mobility in Focus

The NFR-01Pro⁺ is categorized as a specified small motorized vehicle, allowing users aged 16 and above to operate it without a driving license, although wearing a helmet is encouraged. This innovative vehicle features two modes—road mode with a maximum speed of 20 km/h and sidewalk mode capped at 6 km/h—enabling a flexible approach to various delivery scenarios, including delivery through residential areas and busy streets. As a battery-powered alternative, this electric bicycle not only eliminates the need for pedaling but also addresses the challenges of ascending hills, making it a viable option for a wide range of operators.

This initiative aims to enhance delivery methods specifically for direct mails, post-drop deliveries, and small package transportation in the last mile segment, enhancing operational efficiency while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The compact design of the NFR-01Pro⁺ allows for improved transportability, effectively increasing the number of vehicles that can be carried in light trucks, thus enhancing the productivity of delivery operations.

Challenges in the Logistics Sector

The logistics sector faces simultaneous challenges, such as diverse delivery demands, a diminishing workforce, and increasing pressure to reduce environmental impacts. In the crucial last-mile delivery segment, blending flexible delivery methods tailored to local characteristics while maintaining cost competitiveness and high service quality has become paramount.

Previously, District Delivery capitalized on its extensive regional delivery network centered around the Tokyo metropolitan area, while Nikyuu operated mainly within Kanagawa Prefecture. The two entities have employed an innovative strategy wherein staff transport bicycles using light vans to maintain stable delivery services, especially when delivery personnel are unavailable. However, the restriction of light trucks to two bicycles has limited efficiency in shipments.

The Electric Mobility Solution

With Glafit's electric personal mobility solution, the enhancement in capacity allows up to four bicycles to be loaded onto a light truck, effectively doubling the transportation capacity for each trip. The dual-mode function facilitates operation in both residential districts and terrain with steep inclines, enabling deliveries regardless of the driver's physical capabilities or licensing situation. Importantly, transitioning from motorcycles to electric mobility supports reduction in carbon emissions further aligning with environmental goals.

Goals of the Verification Project

The collaborative effort specifically targets:
1. Enhanced Delivery Efficiency: By optimizing transportation of bicycles from hubs to delivery zones, this initiative seeks to address the challenges of dense residential areas and short-distance deliveries.
2. Diverse Delivery Personnel and Methods: It aims to foster an inclusive delivery environment accommodating various skill levels and backgrounds, by utilizing the flexible capabilities of electric mobility.
3. Reduction of Environmental Impact: Replacing engines with electric mobility options will decrease reliance on fossil fuel-powered delivery systems and lower overall CO2 emissions.

Project Overview

Key Participants

• - District Delivery Inc.: Focusing on operational insights in Tokyo through effective mail service.
• - Nikyuu Inc.: Responsible for practical validation in Kanagawa and integration of findings into delivery operations.
• - Glafit Inc.:Providing electric mobility tailored for delivery needs coupled with the necessary data for improvement.

The project is anticipated to launch in July 2026, focusing on testing parameters such as delivery efficiency, time, capacity, carbon reduction potential, safety, and usability for delivery personnel.

Future Perspectives

The combined insights gained from this verification will assess feasibility in enhancing delivery quality, cost management, and sustainability in logistics. The expected synergy with municipalities and local businesses aims at spreading a new model for final-mile delivery across the nation.

Comments from Leadership

Hidetaka Kawai, President of District Delivery and Nikyuu, emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple industry challenges. He believes this collaboration with Glafit may potentially redefine logistics, enhance delivery efficiencies, and contribute towards building resilient community infrastructure.

CEO Narumi Seizou of Glafit envisions this electric mobility not just as transport solutions but as critical infrastructure to tackle societal challenges.

Through this first-of-its-kind initiative, the three companies hope to revolutionize last-mile delivery while adhering to sustainable practices, paving the way for an environmentally friendly future in logistics.