Countdown to Pilot Introduction of Electric Two-Wheelers on Delivery Platforms
Many Advantages Including Eco-Friendliness and Low Noise
Concerns Over Potential Increase in Safety Accidents
Over 20,000 Motorcycle Accidents in the Past Two Years
Experts: "Electric Motorcycles Exemplify ESG Management"
"Companies Need to Develop Measures for Safety Issues"
Delivery motorcycle riders are busily navigating the downtown area. The photo is not related to any specific expression among the riders / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Delivery platform 'Coupang Eats' is expected to pilot electric motorcycles within this month, raising the possibility of a full-fledged 'electric motorcycle delivery era.' Electric motorcycles are considered more eco-friendly than conventional internal combustion engine motorcycles and produce no exhaust noise, which could contribute to improving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management. However, some point out that due to the insufficient performance and low noise of electric motorcycles, safety accidents may actually increase. Experts say that while the introduction of electric motorcycles can have a positive environmental impact, companies should take the lead in preparing safety measures.
Coupang Eats plans to pilot around 20 electric motorcycles in the Seocho and Gangnam areas of Seoul. The electric motorcycles will first be distributed mainly to 'Eats Friends,' Coupang Eats' directly employed riders, and the decision to expand nationwide will be made based on the operational results.
Distribution companies such as Lotte Group, Shinsegae SSG.com, and Coupang are accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles like electric and hydrogen cars. However, among delivery companies using two-wheelers, none have yet introduced eco-friendly vehicles such as electric scooters or motorcycles. If Coupang Eats officially adopts electric motorcycles, it will become the first delivery platform in Korea to introduce eco-friendly two-wheelers.
An electric delivery motorcycle driving on a road in Seoul in 2019. The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. Photo by Yonhap News
There is a view that this decision could be the first step toward a 'major transformation' in delivery platform transportation in Korea. Interest in ESG management is rising among companies and consumers, and electric two-wheelers produce less noise than internal combustion engine motorcycles, making them suitable for late-night deliveries.
However, some argue that considering the performance limitations of electric two-wheelers, nationwide adoption is premature. For delivery motorcycles, performance factors such as load capacity, travel distance, and speed are crucial, but electric motorcycles generally have much lower power compared to internal combustion engine two-wheelers. This could lead to unexpected incidents such as stopping midway during deliveries, which might escalate into more serious accidents.
The 'quiet operation' without exhaust noise also raises concerns as a potential cause of safety accidents. If an electric motorcycle suddenly appears in alleys or side streets, pedestrians who cannot hear it in advance may collide with it.
Two-wheeler accidents have been continuously occurring due to the activation of delivery services. According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, two-wheeler accidents increased from 20,898 in 2019 to 21,235 last year, marking over 20,000 accidents for two consecutive years. The number of fatalities rose from 498 to 525 during the same period. In contrast, car accidents decreased from 208,702 to 188,419, and fatalities dropped from 2,851 to 2,556.
As delivery services have become more active, motorcycle accidents have continuously occurred, recording more than 20,000 cases in the past two years. / Photo by Yonhap News
Given this situation, public opinion on electric motorcycle delivery is divided.
A in their 20s, an office worker who usually orders meals through delivery apps, said, "When I order late-night snacks, the noise from motorcycles is loud and disturbing, but using electric motorcycles would be much quieter. I think it’s a good solution that doesn’t bother the neighbors."
Another office worker B (29) commented, "Recently, with the increase in delivery services, plastic waste has surged, causing serious environmental problems. I think it’s good to take steps like this to keep pace with the eco-friendly trend."
On the other hand, concerns about safety accidents were also raised. Housewife C (58) said, "Motorcycle accidents happen frequently enough to make me uneasy, and thinking about quiet electric motorcycles suddenly appearing makes me worried. I think safety measures are necessary."
Experts evaluated that the introduction of eco-friendly transportation by delivery platform companies could serve as a model for ESG management. However, they suggested that related safety measures need to be prepared due to concerns about accidents.
Professor Lee Eunhee of Inha University’s Department of Consumer Studies explained, "Environmental and noise problems caused by exhaust gases and noise from internal combustion engine two-wheelers are becoming increasingly serious. If delivery companies take the lead in investing in the electrification of transportation, it could help residential environments and serve as an exemplary case of 'ESG management,' which has recently become a hot issue."
However, she emphasized, "Even though the benefits of electrification are significant, it should not compromise the safety of rider employees or pedestrians. Companies need to create manuals suited to the electric motorcycle environment and provide mandatory training to employees, taking the utmost care in safety measures."
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