#Japan #Shibuya, Tokyo #EV Maintenance #Aptie #Vehicle Fun

Introduction

In an era where electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly prevalent, the need for efficient and reliable after-sales services is paramount. Aptie, a Shibuya-based company that specializes in mobile maintenance services, has formed a strategic partnership with Vehicle Fun, a Tokyo-based firm known for selling and renting small electric vehicles. This collaboration, which officially began on November 7, 2025, aims to revolutionize the after-sales support for customers across Japan by leveraging the expertise of approximately 4,000 registered maintenance workers.

Details of the Partnership

Aptie's innovative service, known as "U-match," will allow professional maintenance workers to travel directly to customers anywhere in Japan. This service will cover a range of after-sales needs including inspections, maintenance, and repairs of small electric vehicles sold by Vehicle Fun, which offers products such as electric trikes and scooters through a nationwide network of dealers.

Under this agreement, Aptie will not only establish an after-sales service center for Vehicle Fun but will also streamline all post-delivery procedures such as inspection, paperwork, product installations, and routine maintenance. The ability of Aptie's qualified technicians to provide on-site assistance is expected to reduce the often extensive wait times for maintenance appointments that customers previously faced, allowing them to receive timely support where and when it’s most convenient for them.

Benefits for Customers and Companies

This partnership significantly alleviates the burden on Vehicle Fun, allowing them to enhance their service quality without the need to establish a large-scale maintenance system internally. By utilizing Aptie’s network, they can focus on core business operations while ensuring higher customer satisfaction levels. Meanwhile, registered technicians are presented with new opportunities for flexible work arrangements, which supports a reform in the automotive maintenance industry.

The Background and Vision of the Partnership

Japan's small EV mobility market is experiencing rapid growth, especially among senior citizens and families seeking affordable and versatile transportation options. Issues of environmental sustainability, including concerns about emissions and noise pollution, have led companies and municipalities to adopt electric solutions more aggressively. However, the lack of robust support systems for EV users remains a significant challenge. Establishing a nationwide network of qualified technicians necessitates substantial investment, posing as a considerable hurdle for EV manufacturers.

The partnership between Aptie and Vehicle Fun envisions a future where the use of EV mobility is commonplace in society, ensuring that ease of service and maintenance follows suit. By leveraging a network of approximately 4,000 qualified mobile workers, their objective is to create a supportive environment for EV consumers, enhancing the overall mobility landscape in Japan.

About Vehicle Fun

Vehicle Fun is a fabless manufacturer specializing in electric mobility products primarily for the Japanese market. They have sold over 10,000 units of electric scooters and trikes and have recently expanded their partnership with Yodobashi.com, further broadening their distribution network. Their products are developed around a theme of being “environmentally friendly,” “cost-effective,” and “quiet.”

About Aptie

Aptie, launched in February 2009, has initiated the U-match service which currently employs around 4,000 registered technicians. Within just six months, the service achieved a record of over 3,000 completed engagements monthly, reflecting a growing demand. The initiative has gained traction as a new model termed "spot work for technicians," enabling flexible working conditions while ensuring that maintenance companies can access immediate support when faced with high volume or staff shortages.

Conclusion

The alliance between Aptie and Vehicle Fun marks a notable advancement in the EV maintenance sector, promising to improve customer experiences while addressing the larger issues of service availability and quality in the expanding electric vehicle market.