Seoul City Launches 2,000 Units of 'Small-size Ddareungi' with Reduced Size and Weight

4-Inch Smaller Wheels and 2kg Lighter Than Existing Ddareungi
Preference Survey for Name Until August 10 ... Operation Area Selection in September

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 28th that it will launch 2,000 units of a new model of 'Small Ddareungi,' which has reduced size and weight to be more convenient for use by teenagers, seniors, and others.

The Small Ddareungi has a wheel size reduced from 24 inches to 20 inches and a weight reduced from approximately 18 kg to 16 kg compared to the existing Ddareungi. The eligible age for use has been expanded from 15 years and older to 13 years and older. The city plans to finalize the operating areas by September for a pilot introduction, review bicycle riding safety and delivery management efficiency, gather expert and citizen opinions, and gradually expand the operating areas.

The Small Ddareungi was introduced following an idea proposed by a high school student who participated in the '2019 Child Participation Policy Debate' last December. The student suggested, "Currently, Ddareungi is standardized to a size suitable for adults, so I hope a Ddareungi that children can also ride will be made," which the city accepted and has been promoting its introduction.

The city also plans to support the Small Ddareungi for elementary school students' bicycle education and experience activities to establish a bicycle usage culture early on.

Before the pilot operation, the city will collect citizen opinions to decide the name of the Small Ddareungi. From the 28th until the 10th of next month, anyone can participate and provide various opinions through Seoul City's M-Voting (https://mvoting.seoul.go.kr/54845) citizen preference survey.

Suggested names so far include ▲ 'Jageun Ddareungi' (Small Ddareungi), derived from surveys of Ddareungi users and expert opinions ▲ 'Saessak Ddareungi' (Sprout Ddareungi), the idea from the high school student who requested a Ddareungi that children can ride ▲ 'Ddareungi 20,' referring to the 20-inch wheel size of the Small Ddareungi ▲ 'Mini Ddareungi,' from surveys of Ddareungi users ▲ and 'Ddareungi 2-ho' (Ddareungi No. 2), reflecting the model diversification of Ddareungi.

The city plans to finalize the name in August after consulting experts from various fields based on the results of the citizen vote.

Hwang Bo-yeon, Director of the Urban Transportation Office of Seoul City, said, "In addition to the standardized adult-sized Ddareungi, we expect that the Small Ddareungi will allow diverse citizens such as teenagers, seniors, and women to choose and use a Ddareungi that fits their body type." He added, "We will firmly establish Ddareungi as a daily transportation means for commuting to school and work, and continuously improve the service so that all Seoul citizens can learn a safe bicycle usage culture from childhood through Ddareungi."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.