[THE INVESTOR] Kakao Mobility, a subsidiary of mobile messenger firm Kakao, announced on Dec. 5 that it plans to launch an electric bike-sharing service in Korea early next year in partnership with Korean bicycle makers Samchuly and Alton Sports.

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, vowing to build new transport infrastructure that can meet needs for short-distance trips in cities across the nation.

The pilot e-bike-sharing service will be launched in some cities first before expanding to other regions.

Kakao Mobility said it is currently in talks with regional governments to launch the service, but did not give details.

“It is meaningful for the company to build the so-called ‘micro-mobility’ service together with the nation’s leading bike companies,” said Kakao Mobility CEO Jeong Joo-hwang. “We will try to create a new paradigm in the nation’s mobility market mostly driven by taxi-hailing and navigation services.”

The bike sharing service will be able to help commuters travel short distances and can also be utilized for leisure activities -- with the inbuilt pedal assist system helping users make comfortable trips.

The company said its e-bike service will be available on Kakao’s mobility platform KakaoT. It will be operated in compliance with the nation’s transportation laws.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)