In a move to reinforce safety and adherence to traffic regulations, LUUP, a leading e-scooter rental service in Japan, has permanently suspended a user who illegally rode one of its scooters onto a Tokyo expressway. This incident, which occurred on December 3rd, 2024, has sparked renewed concerns about e-scooter usage and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
The Expressway Incident
The incident took place in the early hours of the morning, around 3:00 AM, when a LUUP user entered the Shuto Expressway in Tokyo near an entrance in Shibuya. Security cameras operated by the Metropolitan Expressway Company captured the individual traveling approximately 1 kilometer on the busy highway. This reckless act not only violated traffic regulations but also posed a significant danger to the e-scooter rider and other motorists.
This was not an isolated incident. In the past year, there have been seven instances of e-scooter users entering the expressway system. Fortunately, none of these incidents have resulted in any injuries.
LUUP’s Response
Following the incident, LUUP swiftly took action. The company identified the user and immediately and permanently suspended their account. In a statement released on its website, LUUP reiterated that riding e-scooters on expressways is strictly prohibited and illegal. They also stated that they would be exploring preventative measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
LUUP CEO Daiki Okai has emphasized the need for stricter penalties to deter misconduct, stating, “We don’t need revenue from a handful of malicious violators. There’s no room for leniency.” This statement underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring user compliance and public safety.
E-Scooter Regulations in Japan
The rise in popularity of e-scooters in Japan can be partially attributed to the relaxation of regulations in July 2023, which allows individuals over 16 to operate e-scooters without a driver’s license. However, this has also led to an increase in traffic violations, raising public concerns about safety.
Key Regulations
- Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 16 years old.
- Driver’s License: A driver’s license is not required.
- Road Usage: E-scooters are primarily intended for road use.
- Sidewalk Usage: Riding on sidewalks is permitted only when the scooter’s speed is limited to 6 kilometers per hour (3.7 mph) and with flashing green lights.
- Expressway Prohibition: E-scooters are strictly prohibited from expressways due to the risk of fatal accidents.
- Helmet: While not mandatory, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended.
- Hook Turns: E-scooter users, similar to cyclists, are expected to perform a “hook turn” when turning right at intersections. This involves going straight and then crossing with pedestrians instead of using the right turn lane used by cars.
- One-Way Streets: E-scooters are allowed on one-way streets where bicycles are exempt from regulations.
- Vehicle Requirements: E-scooters must not exceed 190 cm in length and 60 cm in width, and they must be equipped with green lights at the front and back.
Common Violations
Despite these regulations, many e-scooter users continue to violate traffic laws. Common violations include:
- Riding on sidewalks at speeds exceeding 6 kilometers per hour.
- Ignoring hook turn rules when making right turns.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Riding against the flow of traffic.
- Entering expressways.
According to the National Police Agency, there were 25,156 e-scooter traffic violation cases in the year following the revised law’s enactment, with 55% involving violations of traffic distribution rules, such as illegally riding on sidewalks.
LUUP’s Preventative Measures
In response to the growing number of violations, LUUP has taken several steps to ensure user safety and compliance:
- Account Suspension: LUUP has implemented a system that immediately freezes the accounts of users found guilty of serious offenses like drunk driving or hit-and-runs.
- Point-Based System: For minor infractions, LUUP uses a point-based system, suspending accounts indefinitely if multiple violations are recorded within a set period.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: LUUP has intensified preventative measures in collaboration with law enforcement.
- User Education: The company is actively working to educate users about traffic rules. They are placing advertisements at major train stations and in newspapers to inform society about the new traffic regulations.
- Updated User Guidebook: LUUP has updated its “E-Scooter User Guidebook” to reflect the revised regulations.
The Importance of Rule Adherence
The recent expressway incident and the numerous traffic violations underscore the critical need for e-scooter users to adhere to traffic laws. E-scooters, while providing a convenient mode of transportation, are not toys and must be operated responsibly.
User Responsibility
- Know the Rules: Before using an e-scooter, users must familiarize themselves with all applicable traffic laws and regulations.
- Ride Safely: Users must operate e-scooters in a safe and responsible manner, respecting other road users, including pedestrians.
- Avoid Prohibited Areas: Expressways and other restricted areas are off-limits to e-scooters.
- Report Issues: Users should report any issues with the e-scooter, such as faulty brakes or lights, to the rental company.
Community Awareness
It is crucial for the public, including drivers and pedestrians, to understand the regulations surrounding e-scooters. This awareness can help prevent accidents and ensure the safe integration of e-scooters into urban transportation systems.
Moving Forward
The incident involving a LUUP e-scooter on the Tokyo expressway serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and adherence to traffic rules. While e-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly transportation alternative, their use must be balanced with public safety concerns. By taking proactive measures and fostering a culture of responsibility among users, companies like LUUP and the relevant authorities can mitigate the risks associated with e-scooters and ensure that they remain a safe and viable transportation option.
The following table summarizes the key points discussed in the article:
| Aspect | Details |
| —————————— | ————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Incident | LUUP user rode e-scooter onto Tokyo expressway on December 3, 2024, traveling ~1km. |
| LUUP Response | Permanently suspended user’s account; reiterated that expressway riding is illegal; exploring preventative measures. |
| User Requirements | Must be 16+ years of age; no driver’s license required. |
| Road Usage | Primarily on roads; sidewalks allowed at 6 km/h or less with flashing green lights; bike lanes and paths; one-way streets where bicycles are exempt. |
| Prohibited Areas | Expressways, sidewalks above 6 km/h |
| Helmet | Strongly recommended, but not mandatory. |
| Common Violations | Riding on sidewalks at excessive speed; ignoring hook turns; DUI; riding against traffic; expressway entry. |
| LUUP Measures | Account suspension for serious violations; point system for minor infractions; collaboration with law enforcement; user education. |
| E-scooter Specifications | Maximum 190 cm long; 60 cm wide; with green front and back lights; max speed 20km/h. |
This incident is a crucial reminder that while e-scooters offer a convenient mode of transport, they must be used responsibly, and users must adhere to all traffic laws for the safety of everyone.
