Charichari Expands Bicycle Sharing Service in Kurume Area to New Locations

Charichari Expands Its Services in Kurume Area

The bicycle-sharing service, Charichari, which operates out of Fukuoka, is making significant strides in the Kurume area, thanks to a steady increase in customer usage and requests. Starting from midday on June 30th, 2026, the service will officially extend its operational area to include the Kyomachi-Torikai and Moi-Kokubu regions. This expansion will see an additional 18 bike parking stations integrated into the service, increasing the total operational area from approximately 19.8 square kilometers to nearly 26 square kilometers.

Overview of Charichari in Kurume

Launched in February 2018, Charichari has rapidly evolved into a reliable and efficient mode of public transportation, facilitating over 47 million rides to date. The service made its debut in Kurume in April 2024, where it initially operated 380 bicycles. By strategically placing bicycle stations at key transport hubs such as the JR Kurume Station and Nishitetsu Kurume Station, as well as various public and commercial facilities, the service aims to enhance accessibility for all users.

Since its inception in Kurume, the company has plans to further broaden its reach. In November 2024, it will extend services into the Ai-Kawa and Moi areas, followed by another expansion into the Miya-Nojin and Komorino areas by October 2025. Support from local entities such as Kurume City and its official partner, Chikugo Bank, has played a vital role in encouraging this growth.

New Territorial Expansion

The recent expansion includes two specific areas: the Kyomachi-Torikai region in the west and the Moi-Kokubu region in the east. This has been performed in response to popular demand, especially from users in the surrounding community. The creation of new bike parking stations – now totaling 130 across the Kurume area – will significantly improve convenience for local residents. Noteworthy locations for new bike stations include bus stops like the Moi Town Bus Stop and green spaces such as the Midojima Park, thereby serving the needs of students, professionals, and families alike.

One of the most promising additions is the bike parking station located near the Kurume University Medical Center, which serves a crucial role in providing advanced medical care in the eastern region. This location responds to strong desires from both the medical center and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces School of Officers, both of which require reliable transportation options for their personnel. Each year, around 500-600 students enroll at the military academy, making this station an essential aspect of their daily logistical needs.

The expansion is set to uplift the daily commuting experience of not only hospital staff and military personnel but also the general public.

Charichari's Commitment to Community

As Charichari continues its mission to support urban mobility through bike-sharing, it remains dedicated to collaborating closely with Kurume City in fostering sustainable urban development. The company encourages community participation by inviting local property owners to partner as bike station hosts, helping to create additional accessibility points across the city.

Additional Features and Offerings

In addition to expanding their reach, Charichari offers various features to make biking more appealing. Their bikes can be easily unlocked using a smartphone app, which enhances the user experience. The basic charge starts at 6.5 yen per minute, while electric-assisted bikes are available at 20.5 yen per minute.

To emphasize safety, Charichari has also introduced a line of original helmets that meet safety standards, available for purchase in their online store. Designed to be stylish yet functional, these helmets are adaptable for any commuting attire, adding an extra layer of assurance to the riding experience.

For more information on Charichari, follow them on social media or visit their official website. Together, with community support, Charichari aims to advance literacy in safety and promote healthier, environmentally-friendly urban transit solutions.