Shared Mobility Vehicle Services in Gwangju
By Lim Se-ryeong
Based on increasing interest regarding the reduction of CO2 emissions and the increasing popularity of the shared economy, usage of shared mobility vehicles is now becoming more widespread. In Gwangju, there are three main shared mobility vehicle services: Tarangge, Kakao Bike, and GCooter. These services assist people to move to places that are too far for walking or that cannot be reached easily either by car or public transportation. For the safety of users, Korean government policy is stressing that users wear helmets as a safety measure. Additionally, no vehicles should be ridden while intoxicated. Below is more detail on each shared mobility vehicle service and a comparison of each.
1. Tarangge (타랑께), Gwangju public shared bike
- Official website: https://tarangge.gwangju.go.kr/index.do
- How to use: through the Tarangge website or application
- Available times: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Available areas for rent and return: Tarangge parking spots in Seo-gu, Gwangju
- Fees: 1,000 won for 90 minutes + 500won per additional 30 min. (as of August 2022)
2. Kakao Bike (카카오바이크), electronic bike
- Official website: https://www.kakaocorp.com/page/service/service/KakaoT?lang=en
- How to use: through the KakaoT application
- Available times: anytime
- Available areas for rent and return: anywhere in unobstructed places
- Fees: 1,500 won (15 minutes) + 150 won per additional minute (as of August 2022)
3. GCooter (지쿠터), electronic scooter
(※ A driver’s license Class 2 or above [for motorcycles] is needed to use this service.)
- Official website: https://gbike.io/
- How to use: through the KakaoT application
- Available times: anytime
- Available areas for rent and return: anywhere in unobstructed places
- Fees: 300 won to unlock (base fee) + 130 won per additional minute (as of August 2022) (※ Fees can be differed according to the sort of vehicle and usage time)
4. Comparison of Each Service
| Tarangge | Kakao Bike | GCooter | |
| Strength | Can be used at a cheap price, as it is a service for public use. | Can be used without a driver’s license anytime and anywhere if vehicles are near. | Can be used anytime and anywhere if a vehicle is near. |
| Weak- nesses | Limited areas and times. | Fees are considered to be expensive compared to user expectations. | Driver’s license is needed, and fees are expensive from midnight to 5 a.m. |
The Author
Lim Se-ryeong is from Gwangyang, South Korea, and has been doing an internship at the GIC since August. She majored in business administration and is interested in communicating with foreigners based on her experience being overseas. Instagram: @sr_chlo_e.