In order to help its guests get around in a safe and efficient way, the Arima Onsen hot spring resort in Kobe's Kita Ward is now using compact tourist cars.
The unique electric car called the Like-T3 was initially developed by Osaka’s Yuasa M&B Co. as a delivery vehicle. However, since it doesn't require mandatory safety inspections or parking space certifications, it became clear that this small vehicle could be put to use for a number of other tasks. Officially, the vehicle is classified as a "motorized tricycle," with top speeds of 50 kph.
The small tourist car has become popular for hotels and inns, since it can easily seats two and can hold up to 100 kilograms. In total, it costs about ¥1,000 to rent and requires no helmet or driver's licence to operate.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Compact Electric Tourist Cars
- Opportunity to develop and market compact electric cars specifically designed for tourists in popular tourist destinations.
- Alternative Transportation for Tourism
- Opportunity to provide alternative transportation options, such as electric cars, to enhance the tourist experience in resorts and hot spring destinations.
- Cost-effective Rental Vehicles
- Opportunity to create cost-effective rental vehicles that do not require expensive permits or licenses to operate, providing a convenient solution for short-term transportation needs.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Hospitality and Tourism
- The hospitality and tourism industry can integrate compact electric tourist cars into their services, improving guest experiences and offering convenient transportation options.
- Automotive
- The automotive industry can explore the development of compact electric vehicles specifically designed for tourism and leisure purposes, tapping into a growing market for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
- Rental Services
- Rental service companies can offer cost-effective and hassle-free rental options for compact electric tourist cars, catering to the needs of tourists and travelers who require convenient transportation without the need for licenses and permits.
