G-Bike, which operates the GCOO personal mobility (PM) sharing platform, announced on the 1st that it has signed a business agreement with Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai Motors, Hyundai Mobis) to prepare for the 'Premium PM Sharing Service Demonstration'.
The premium PM sharing service offers an enhanced safety equipment solution, including a wearable airbag for head protection and a smart storage kit, in addition to the existing shared scooter service. The wearable airbag for head protection improves upon the unsanitary issues of traditional helmets and the inconvenience of hindering hair styling, and absorbs shocks in accidents to reduce injuries. The smart storage kit ensures night safety with high-visibility lighting and is equipped with an emergency call system for rapid rescue, anticipating a groundbreaking safety measure that was not seen in existing PM services through this agreement.
Following the agreement, G-Bike and Hyundai Motor Group will establish the following cooperative system. G-Bike, as the service operator, will participate in the project and will handle the modification of devices for the premium PM service based on their own technology in electric scooter development. Hyundai Mobis will be responsible for developing new safety equipment solutions to be attached to the devices, while Hyundai Motors will oversee the project and verify the overall system performance.
With this cooperation reinforced, it is expected to complete the development of mass production prototypes within the second half of 2024 and enter into a pilot demonstration project. The demonstration project is planned to last about one year, undergoing technical verification during the service operation process throughout the four seasons. Afterward, the aim is to launch the premium PM sharing service to the market, stepping forward as a brand leading in both the convenience and safety of mobility as the top company in the shared PM industry.
G-Bike CEO Jong-Soo Yoon said, "Although personal mobility is recognized as a key transportation method of the future, there were many concerns about safety, and I felt a sense of responsibility as a representative company in the industry." He added, "I am very pleased to be working on a project with the Hyundai Motor Group, who has abundant technological prowess and know-how, and we will take another step forward as an innovative mobility company fulfilling social responsibilities by successfully carrying out this collaboration."
