Charichari Expands Bike Sharing Service in Kurume Area's Mobility Hub Experiment

Charichari's Innovative Expansion in Kurume

Charichari, the bike-sharing service operated by Charichari Co., Ltd., based in Fukuoka City, is making significant strides in enhancing local mobility in the Kurume area. As part of its commitment to public transportation, Charichari has recently participated in a social experiment initiated by Kurume City that aims to create a mobility hub in the Miyanojin district.

Connecting to Local Transportation

One of the core initiatives of this experiment is to strengthen connections between bike-sharing services and local train stations. This is evident in the establishment of a bike-sharing port at Nishi-Tetsu Miyanojin Station, which aims to promote greater station usage and improve accessibility throughout the region. Starting December 1, 2023, Charichari is rolling out a limited-time offer of ride tickets for users at Nishi-Tetsu Miyanojin Station, incentivizing commuters to utilize shared bicycles.

Introduction to Charichari

Charichari was launched in February 2018 and has grown tremendously, achieving over 40 million rides since its inception. The service allows users to unlock red bicycles via a smartphone app, providing easy access to biking for everyone. A regular bike costs 7 yen per minute, while an electric-assisted bike is 17 yen per minute, ensuring that commuting is not just convenient but also affordable. Currently, Charichari operates across multiple areas including Fukuoka City, Nagoya, Tokyo, and Kumamoto, expanding its network steadily to meet community needs.

Development in the Kurume Area

As part of its agreement with the Kurume City government, Charichari plans to launch full-scale services in April 2024. The initiative is supported by the installation of more than 280 bicycles and over 100 parking ports so far. These have been strategically placed near key transportation hubs like JR Kurume Station and Nishi-Tetsu Kurume Station, as well as vital facilities including hospitals and commercial areas.

Mobility Hub Experiment

The Miyanojin district is notable for its concentration of businesses, medical institutions, and educational facilities, but struggles with insufficient public transportation options, particularly in terms of bus services connecting to the local railway stations. In light of this, the mobility hub experiment has been set by Kurume City to provide new transportation alternatives such as bike-sharing and electric scooters to improve local mobility and set the stage for a convenient and comfortable travel environment.

The experiment has been recognized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism as a pioneering local project aimed at enhancing transportation methods in Japan. What's more, the Miyanojin district has been selected as the sole area in Kyushu for this year’s pilot program.

Community Engagement Initiatives

Ahead of the planned mobility hub opening on October 1, 2025, Charichari has been actively engaging with local businesses and institutions. Notably, on November 26, a test-ride event for the shared bicycles and electric scooters took place, drawing participation from around 80 local stakeholders. Participants received valuable information regarding safe riding practices, traffic rules, and hands-on experience with the bikes.

In partnership with Kurume City and Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Charichari's latest offer of ride tickets, valid from December 1 to December 31, aims to reinforce communal bike-sharing as an integral part of daily commuting.

Future Prospects

As Charichari continues to contribute to the improvement of local mobility and accessibility, the company actively seeks to build further connections with community firms and local citizens. Their mission, to create next-gen commuting habits, resonates as they work to solve transportation challenges collaboratively and foster local development.

Charichari’s Commitment to Safety

Charichari not only emphasizes accessible transportation but also safety through its original bike helmets. These helmets are designed for convenience, fitting easily into bags while meeting high safety standards. Available through the official online store, they offer a stylish solution for users looking to protect themselves while enjoying their rides.

For more information, please visit Charichari's Official Store.

Summary

With Charichari leading the charge in collaborative urban mobility through its bike-sharing service, the community can look forward to a more interconnected and vibrant future in the Kurume area. The mobility hub initiative is just the beginning of Charichari's commitment to enhancing local transport solutions for everyone.