Yamato Holdings Co., which has major delivery company Yamato Transport Co. under its umbrella, is testing a large motor-assisted tricycle in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, to see whether it can efficiently collect and deliver goods amid a surge in online shopping.
The tricycle was developed by a German start-up, and is 2.7 meters long and 1.2 meters wide. Yamato has been using motor-assisted bicycles, but the tricycle can carry a large number of items weighing up to 120 kilograms total.
A key feature of the bike is that items are loaded in a detachable container. The vehicle does not require a driver's license, so it is easier to secure staff. The trial will examine the safety of the tricycle as well as possible improvements to its equipment.
Such tricycles are used mainly in European countries to ease traffic congestion and protect the environment.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
