Hyundai introduces R1 and Shucle to transform mobility for people with disabilities

Hyundai launches R1 and Shucle demo in Dongtan to improve accessible transport. AI, vouchers, and inclusive design set new standards in mobility.

Hyundai Motor is advancing inclusive mobility with the launch of a demonstration project in Dongtan, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, aimed at addressing the transportation needs of people with mobility challenges. Over the next five months, the company will trial a series of innovative solutions designed to enhance comfort, accessibility, and convenience for all passengers.

At the heart of the initiative is the R1 vehicle, a specially modified electric model built on Hyundai’s flexible ST1 platform. Originally introduced in 2024 as a modular platform for commercial purposes, ST1 allows for diverse applications — from delivery services to passenger transport. For this project, Hyundai focused on inclusive design: side-door boarding replaces rear entry, and new features accommodate passengers with visual and hearing impairments, such as a rear-seat tablet for text communication and high-contrast interface settings.

The technological backbone of the service is the Shucle app, which enables users to request rides on-demand. By using artificial intelligence to optimize routes in real time, Shucle minimizes waiting times and enhances efficiency. Previously known in Korea as a unified platform for various mobility services, Shucle now includes an e-voucher system that allows eligible users to take two free rides per day without needing to contact a support center.

This project also builds on Hyundai’s earlier efforts, including the 2021 EnableLA initiative in Los Angeles. That program equipped SUVs with features for ADA compliance and partnered with local operators to improve accessibility. While no official outcome reports were released, EnableLA served as a critical foundation for Hyundai’s ongoing development of inclusive transport solutions.

The demonstration takes place in Dongtan, a city known for its embrace of “Ubiquitous City” technologies that integrate digital infrastructure with urban planning. Although details on this integration remain limited, the choice of location reflects Hyundai’s intent to test its innovations in dynamic, real-world environments.

Sooyoung Kim, Vice President and Head of the Mobility Business Group at Hyundai Motor Group, emphasized the project’s role in combining specialized vehicles with universal platforms to improve mobility for all. As cities globally confront the challenges of equitable access to transportation, Hyundai’s initiative offers a glimpse into the future of truly inclusive urban mobility — one that could extend well beyond South Korea.

Source: hyundainews.com