Concerns over electric suitcases increase in Japan


(MENAFN) The increasing use of electric suitcases for swift transportation within airports and train stations has sparked concerns among Japanese authorities due to a surge in accidents involving foreign visitors using these devices illegally on public roads. According to Kyodo News, Japan classifies electric vehicles as "motorized vehicles" that must meet specific safety requirements and necessitate a driver's license for legal road use.

In response to these incidents, two major Japanese airports have already requested that passengers refrain from riding electric suitcases within their premises. Additionally, police are urging local retailers to inform customers about the stringent regulations governing their use, emphasizing that many foreign visitors might be unaware of these laws.

This issue came to a head last June when a Chinese woman became the first person prosecuted in Japan for driving without a license. She was spotted operating a three-wheeled electric suitcase on a sidewalk in Osaka, highlighting the legal risks associated with these devices. Under Japanese traffic laws, electric scooters are classified as "motorized motorcycles," a category encompassing small motorcycles with engines of 50cc or less. These vehicles must be registered, equipped with rearview mirrors and rear signals, and their drivers are required to wear helmets and carry liability insurance. The rising popularity of electric suitcases underscores the need for increased awareness and adherence to local regulations to ensure safety and legal compliance.

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