Why does E-Charity Naha offer bicycle rental services instead of bicycle sharing?

E-Charity Naha , which provides electric bicycle rental services in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, has adopted a store-based rental format. In recent years, bicycle sharing has become increasingly popular, so why does E-Charity continue to choose a store-based format? In this article, we will explain the reasons while comparing the differences between bicycle sharing and store-based rental.

Benefits of bike sharing: Ease of use and the convenience of unmanned rental

The biggest advantage of bicycle sharing is its convenience . Using the app, you can rent a bicycle at a nearby port and return it at another port. It is available 24 hours a day, so you can flexibly respond to sudden changes in plans or moves while sightseeing.

However, behind this convenience come disadvantages that impair user experience and safety. Below, we compare bike sharing with store-based rental services and take a closer look at why e-Charity chooses store-based services.

1. Maintenance may be poor

Because bike-sharing services are frequently used by different users, the bikes are not always properly maintained. In some cases, detailed inspections of tire pressure, brake condition, and other things are not done properly.

Even if you have a bicycle, there are many situations where the battery charge capacity is insufficient, making you hesitant to rent it.

Meanwhile, at E-Charity Naha , we always perform maintenance, inspection, and cleaning before renting out bicycles , so that users can always rent bicycles that are in a safe and comfortable condition.

2. Insufficient provision of safety equipment such as helmets

Generally, bicycle share vehicles do not come with helmets. By law, wearing helmets when riding bicycles will be recommended from 2023, but ensuring safety is important, especially in areas with a large number of tourists, such as Okinawa, where many people who are unfamiliar with traffic rules also ride bicycles.

At eCharity, we can rent helmets for free , and also provide helmets with intercoms as an option. Another benefit of operating a store is that we can provide support with safety as our number one priority.

3. Hygiene considerations

Since shared bicycles are used by an unspecified number of people, the hygiene of the handlebars and saddles can be a concern. Particularly in hot Okinawa, it is not uncommon for sweat and dirt to accumulate on the handlebars and saddles.

At E-Charity, we clean and disinfect our bicycles after each rental , paying close attention to hygiene so that our users can use them comfortably.

4. Wide range of optional parts

In most cases, bike share companies do not provide any equipment other than the bike itself, so if you want to use convenient items such as smartphone holders, drink holders, or child seats, you will need to bring your own.

At E-Charity Naha , we have many of these options available, including photo mounts, smartphone holders, helmet visors to protect you from the strong sunlight, and other items to make your sightseeing even more fun and convenient.

5. Wide variety of bicycles

Bicycle sharing services have a limited selection of bicycles, most of which are standard city bikes. On the other hand, eCharity offers a wide range of bicycles, including mamachari , sports , small-wheeled , and child-carrying bicycles, as well as electric bikes , road bikes , and cross bikes. Users can choose the perfect bike for them based on their needs and objectives.

6. No instructions on how to use the product

Bike sharing is an unmanned system, so those who are using an electric bike for the first time may be confused. In particular, if you do not know basic operations such as how to switch the electric assist and how to manage the battery, you may have trouble while traveling.

At E-Charity, staff will provide detailed instructions on how to operate the bike. We also have a support system in place to ensure that even first-time users can use an electric bike with peace of mind.

7. Port congestion and availability issues

When using a shared bicycle service, you may encounter problems, such as not having a bicycle at the port you want to pick up the bicycle from, or not being able to return the bicycle because the port you want to return the bicycle to is full. This problem occurs frequently, especially during tourist seasons.

E-Charity is a store-based rental service, so you don't have to worry about where to return the bike. After you've explored the tourist spots in Okinawa, you can return to the store with peace of mind and return the bike.

The appeal of store-based rentals: Get local information from the staff!

At E-Charity Naha , local staff will personally tell you about Okinawa's best cycling spots and tourist attractions. For example, one of the attractions of a store is that you can get information that isn't in guidebooks, such as tranquil parks and scenic spots in Naha City, and restaurants loved by locals. The best route is suggested based on the tourist's schedule and wishes, so the satisfaction of the trip is greatly increased.

In addition, guided tours (available in Japanese, English, and Chinese) are held every day, so by joining a tour you can visit many places that you would not be able to reach unless you were taken there.

A safe bicycle rental service provided by eCharity

E-Charity Naha Branch offers the following services, providing customers with added value that cannot be found in shared bicycle services.

• Thorough maintenance and inspection : We provide vehicles that have been inspected every time.
• A wide range of options : Free helmets, helmets with intercoms (for a fee), smartphone holders, mounts for photography, etc.
• A wide variety of vehicle types : mamachari type, sports type, child seat bicycles, road bikes, cross bikes, etc.
• Staff support : Provides instructions on how to use the facility and provides recommended spots and routes.

Conclusion: Rental stores make your trip more comfortable

While bicycle sharing is certainly convenient, store-based rentals are far superior in terms of safety, comfort, and variety of options. For tourists and those traveling with children, we recommend the E-Charity Naha store, which offers well-maintained bicycles and comprehensive support. Why not come and find the perfect bike to make some great memories on your trip?

We look forward to seeing you at our store!