Bicycle Industry Challenges the Kickboard-Type Electric Scooter Market

Rapid Growth of Kickboard Market Due to COVID-19 Boom and Regulatory Easing
Bicycle Industry Expands Electric Kickboard Scooter Lineups One After Another

The electric scooter combined with a kickboard, 'Phantom Easy' by Samchully Bicycle. Photo by Samchully Bicycle

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As the electric kickboard market rapidly grows centered around shared systems, bicycle companies are launching kickboard-type electric scooters one after another, challenging the market.

According to the electric kickboard industry on the 11th, with the rapid market growth due to the spread of shared systems, domestic bicycle companies have started expanding their smart mobility lineups, including electric scooters and electric bicycles.

First, Alton Sports entered the market early by launching three types of electric kickboards in March last year. They sequentially introduced the 8-inch models F10 and F15 of the electric kickboard model 'Wego' and the electric scooter model iCore S8. The kickboard models F10 and F15 are equipped with large-capacity LG cell batteries of 36V 10Ah and 36V 15Ah respectively, making them suitable for long-distance travel.

Alton Sports' electric scooters Wego F15 (left) and eCore S8. Photo by Alton Sports

They enhanced practicality with a simple design and folding function. Additionally, safety was strengthened by applying dual suspension that absorbs ground shocks and a front light necessary for night driving. The brakes are equipped with rear drum brakes, which have excellent durability and braking performance, ensuring stability during driving.

An Alton Sports official explained, “Expectations for kickboard-type electric scooter products are high due to the continuous growth of the smart mobility market and the increase in users resulting from regulatory relaxation.”

Samchuly Bicycle launched the 'Phantom Easy,' which combines a kickboard and an electric scooter, on the 8th.

Phantom Easy is a new concept personal mobility that combines the advantages of electric kickboards and electric scooters, featuring a kickboard-style frame for easy mounting and dismounting. It is equipped with a wide seat in the form of an electric scooter, allowing users to sit while traveling long distances, and can travel up to 40 km on a single charge, enabling long-distance operation. Anyone with a driver's license can use it.

They improved user satisfaction by enhancing operational convenience. They introduced a 'throttle-only' driving mode that allows the motor to be operated simply by manipulating the handlebar lever. By pressing and holding the throttle grip for 7 to 10 seconds, a 'cruise function' is activated that maintains a constant speed, enabling convenient driving.

A Samchuly Bicycle official stated, “As contactless transportation methods have gained attention due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection, the golden age of personal mobility products is unfolding, and consumer interest in these products is expected to increase.”

Meanwhile, an industry official forecasted, “With the revised Road Traffic Act coming into effect on December 10, personal mobility devices will be allowed to operate on bicycle roads. Accordingly, demand for electric kickboards is also expected to increase.”

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