Introduction of LUUP for Community in Hanno
Luup Inc., led by CEO Daiki Okai, has officially signed a business cooperation agreement with the "Hanno City, a Place to Meet Moomin" Project Promotion Council. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to introduce the "LUUP for Community" service, designed to effectively integrate electric micro-mobility into local infrastructure. Starting December 1, 2025, this initiative will expand the current micro-mobility sharing services in Hanno, Saitama, offering residents and tourists easier access to popular destinations.
Background of the Initiative
Luup, since its establishment in 2018, has focused on creating infrastructure that makes public transportation more accessible. By enhancing last-mile solutions through electric micro-mobility, Luup aims to provide flexible transportation options across various Japanese cities. The current agreement aims to facilitate better access to the attractions present in Hanno, including the beautiful natural landscapes, the Moomin Valley Park, and other tourist spots.
The "Hanno City, a Place to Meet Moomin" Project Promotion Council consists of Hanno City, the Moomin Story Company, and Seibu Railway Company. This partnership was established to promote collaborative efforts aimed at revitalizing the Hanno region through a fundamental agreement signed in August 2024. The council aims to enhance the city’s appeal through city promotion tactics and improved access to tourist destinations.
Despite Hanno's numerous scenic locations, the challenge has been providing seamless access to these attractions. Previous experimental implementations of LUUP’s electric micro-mobility solutions have demonstrated a positive impact on addressing these transport challenges, paving the way for this new collaboration.
The Terms of the Cooperation Agreement
Under this new cooperation agreement, five additional LUUP ports will be established in Hanno, enhancing the micro-mobility service provision. Based on insights gained during previous trials, advantages will be leveraged to provide tourists and residents with both electric kickboards and electric assist bicycles, broadening their travel options within the city. Luup’s mission is to create a public transport network that facilitates mobility throughout urban spaces, making commuting experiences more enjoyable and efficient.
In the comment from Shuichi Numazaki, the secretary-general of the Hanno project council, he expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing expectations to better connect tourists to key sites through established ports and new mobility options. With tourist attractions such as Tenranzan, the Hanno River, and the Moomin Valley Park, this initiative is poised to improve accessibility and subsequently boost the local economy through increased tourism.
Luup's CEO, Daiki Okai, stated, "The partnership with the Promotion Council of Hanno City is significant for us. This will enhance accessibility to tourist attractions and optimize the usage of electric micro-mobility, thus driving our mission further into the Hanno community."
Features of LUUP Service
- - Micro-Mobility Sharing: The service will allow users to hop on electric kickboards via the LUUP smartphone app and travel between established ports.
- - Start Date: Service operations will commence on December 1, 2025, with a basic ride fee of 50 JPY and an additional 15 JPY per minute thereafter.
- - Vehicle Availability: The service will initially feature 20 electric kickboards and 20 electric assist bicycles across five strategically located ports, including Hanno Station and Metsä Village.
- - Operating Hours: Users will have access to the service 24/7, promoting complete flexibility in how they explore Hanno.
Conclusion
This collaboration between Luup and the Hanno project council represents both an initiative towards sustainable urban transport and a significant step in boosting local tourism. With options such as LUUP for Community, the future for residents and visitors of Hanno looks significantly easier and more enjoyable. The hope is that this innovative approach not only enhances mobility but increases engagement with the local culture and tourism economy thereby enriching everyone’s experience in Hanno.