Electric kick scooters are paving the way to an alternative mode of transportation in Japan. For a long time, e-scooters have been all but banned in Japan. It was not that difficult to buy one, but riding one on the streets of Tokyo was not an easy feat. Strict regulations like the need for a license plate, a valid driver’s license, and payment of taxes made it unattractive to purchase an electric scooter. But that has finally changed! Since micro-mobility startups started lobbying for relaxed regulations in 2020. Rental spots for electric scooters are all over the place in Tokyo. Now, it is also available in Sendai. The LUUP is the company's name that offers rental services such as electronic bicycles and electric kick scooters.
The law has been changed so that it will no longer be necessary to have a driver’s license to ride an e-scooter in Japan legally. The maximum speed also went up from 15 km/h to 20 km/h (6 km/h if riding on a sidewalk). You cannot ride an e-scooter if you are under 16 years old.
Renting one is very easy. You have to download their app first and enter your (payment) information. After finding a rental point you have to scan the e-scooter’s QR code, and you’re ready to ride! Upon the scooter’s return to a rental point, you take a picture of the parked scooter and you’re done. It’s as easy as that. But when I registered on the app, take note that currently you still need to upload your driver’s license in the app in order to use the electric scooters.
I enjoyed riding on an electric scooter. I think it is now the best alternative mode of transportation especially doing your daily errand or going to work.
JOHN
