Electric scooters and e bikes in Japan are “gentsuki”

I was wondering how long it would take for the police to jump into action … but it seems they are finally moving against illegal e-scooters. These transport devices are treated like “gentsuki” — small motor (<50cc) mopeds — under Japanese regulations. They cannot be used on the streets without a driver’s license and the devices should have a number plate (and mandatory insurance). Mainichi Shimbun has an article today on the topic … one of numerous I have seen in the past month so a typical “get the word out” media campaign by the traffic cops.

https://mainichi.jp/articles/20211214/k00/00m/040/331000c

First step … warning riders and trying to shut down sales activity. Next step … you’ve been warned.  Eventually … modify regulations to accommodate something new that is, potentially, a better way to get around town for some people. 

The same treatment should apply to e bikes that have a powerful electric motor. People … usually delivery gig workers … zoom past me all the time on e bikes with fat tires … snow or sand tire fat … and you know their motor is electric, not the hipster with the “Wolt” or “Uber Eats” cube shaped backpack on. These guys sometimes come too close for comfort too fast.  Of course, a regulation “mama chari” electric bike that has limited power and cuts out gradually between 15 and 25kph is exempt from being considered a “gentsuki”.