In Nov. 2024, the campus e-bike was newly launched by the Future City Open Innovation Center (FOIC). Many POSTECH students first knew about this project through the naming contest. There were some other candidates such as Poing, P E CLE, and Poecle, but Poring was chosen as the name of the POSTECH sharing e-bike. FOIC launched Poring in anticipation of solving the lack of parking space on campus and safety issues with e-scooters. They aim to provide safe and convenient transportation for members while reducing short-distance travel costs.
In December, a beta testing period was conducted. Participants were recruited among POSTECH members, and qualifications included using bicycles more than once a day on campus or cycling to and from work. Wearing helmets and providing feedback after the period were mandatory for beta testers. As part of the coverage, The Postech Times met one of the beta testers, Sujin Kim of Department of Mueunjae School of Undergraduate Studies.
What motivated you to join as a beta tester? Do you frequently use electric bicycles?
The dormitory is far from the engineering buildings and there are many slopes. Especially, it takes a lot of time to get to experimental buildings, gymnasiums, and the library. I think that is why many students use shared e-scooters, SWING, which seemed so dangerous and kept me from riding. Sometimes if there was a shared e-bike from GCOO, I used it. So, I welcomed it when I heard that the school’s electric bike would be launched, and I applied for beta tester without hesitation since I heard that the usage and insurance were free.
Please tell us what you feel about Poring.
Poring is using Balken’s bike and system. The bicycle had enough power for uphill, but the speed was too fast and easily accelerated. We can see the current speed through the display, it was up to 34km when I passed downhill to Cheongam road. Since there is no bike lane on the campus, it could be dangerous for both pedestrians and bicycles. A drawback of the system is that bicycles must be returned to designated stations. There was no charge during the beta period so I could keep it until after school, but if the charging system depends on time it would be hard to use it. To keep this fixed station return system, I think they have to provide the service at a very low price.
What is the main difference from other sharing mobility services? Is it competitive?
The biggest difference is the return system, which requires users to return items only to fixed stations. The preference for Poring would be high for those stressed with oligopoly, but still, SWING would be dominant.
Are there any systems that need to be developed to vitalize Poring on campus?
There are many winding, narrow, and whirlwind roads at POSTECH. Creating dedicated bike lanes would improve safety for both pedestrians and bike users. Also, paving trails and making new efficient paths are needed. Personally, I hope there will be a regulation for e-scooters.
The Poring project continued its pilot operation in January waiting for its official launch. Attention is focusing on whether Poring will become a frequently used on-campus system.
