How to Use An Electric Scooter in Japan: LUUP Scooter & More

Electric scooters in Japan (電動キックボード, denki kikku bodo) became significantly more accessible when Japan's revised Road Traffic Law took effect on July 1, 2023.

Under the new rules, e-scooters that meet certain specifications are classified as "specified small motorized bicycles" (特定小型原動機付自転車), meaning riders aged 16 and over no longer need a driver's license to ride.

LUUP, Japan's largest e-scooter and e-bike sharing service, now operates in 12 cities including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

This guide covers electric scooter rules in Japan, how to use LUUP, and what other services are available.

Does Japan allow electric scooters?

LUUP scooters

Yes, electric scooters are legal in Japan. Under Japan's revised Road Traffic Law (道路交通法), which took full effect on July 1, 2023, e-scooters with a maximum speed of 20 km/h or less and a motor output of 0.60 kW or less are classified as "specified small motorized bicycles."

This classification means they follow traffic rules similar to bicycles and no longer require a driver's license for riders aged 16 and over.

Many companies, such as LUUP, Charichari, and Beam, offer electric kick scooters and bicycles for people to use.

But to ride on a scooter in Japan, there are a couple of rules to know.

Electric scooter rules in Japan

Electric scooters have some special rules that differ from owning a bicycle in Japan.

All scooter users: 

• Must be 16 or over to ride.

• Ride at a max speed of 20 kph (about 12 mph).

Additionally, helmets are legally mandatory for riders under 16 years old. For adults aged 16 and over, helmets are not legally required but are strongly recommended by the National Police Agency. Always wear a helmet regardless of legal requirement.

Similar to bicycling in Japan, e-scooter riders must ride on the road or in designated bicycle lanes, keeping to the left side.

Riding on sidewalks is not permitted by default.

There is one exception: if your scooter has a green indicator light and you activate sidewalk mode (which limits speed to 6 km/h and causes the light to flash), you may ride on sidewalks that are marked "Bicycles and Pedestrians Only." Pedestrians always have priority. Riding on a sidewalk without activating sidewalk mode can result in a fine of up to 6,000 yen.

E-scooter rules at a glance

The Japan National Police Agency has this great simple PDF about general traffic rules for electric scooters, so take a look: Traffic Rules for Specified Small Motorized Bicycles

LUUP in Japan

What is LUUP?

LUUP, ループ, is a shared e-scooter and e-bicycle service that offers scooters for you to ride. As of 2025, LUUP operates in 12 cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Sendai, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, and Hamamatsu.

How to use LUUP in Japan

Here is a step-by-step simplified way to get yourself on a LUUP scooter.

For more detailed information, check out the LUUP website: https://luup.sc/en/ 

1. Download the app

Download the LUUP app on the App Store or the Google Play Store.  

2. Complete your registration

Once you have the app downloaded, it’s better to complete the registration process as soon as possible so that you can ride immediately.

You will need 

• Your ID: to verify that you are 16 years old or over.

• Know basic Japanese traffic rules: there is a short traffic quiz to show you know the rules of the road in Japan.

3. Finding and using a LUUP Scooter

Many LUUP scooters have designated parking areas. You can find their locations on the in-app map.

Once you’re there, pick an e-bike or e-scooter you would like to ride. Then you will scan the QR to unlock your vehicle, and you can start to ride.

4. Ending a LUUP Scooter ride

Once you arrive at your destination, find the nearest LUUP port area on the in-app map. Take a picture of your LUUP bike or scooter in the parking area.

Once the app has confirmed everything, you will make an in-app purchase for your ride.

How much does it cost to use a LUUP scooter?

You can get the first 30 minutes of a LUUP ride for free with the coupon, “NEW RIDE.” This coupon is only valid in the city areas of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hiroshima.

LUUP pricing as of 2026 uses a per-minute structure. In Tokyo and Osaka, the fare is 50 yen base charge plus 20 yen per minute. In other major cities, it is 50 yen base plus 15 yen per minute.

A 10-minute ride in Tokyo costs approximately 250 yen (50 + 200).

A 30-minute ride in Tokyo costs approximately 650 yen. Prices are the same for e-scooters and e-bikes.

Charichari in Japan

Charichari is a bike-sharing service, mainly available in Fukuoka around the Tenjin and Hakata area. They also have electric assistance for their bikes for faster peddling.

How do you use a Chari bike in Japan?

If you want to use a Chari bike, you need to download the app and create a new account first.

To start riding, find Charichari parking ports with their app. Once you find a bike you are comfortable with, use the app to scan the QR code to unlock the bike.

To return the bike, return and lock it back in any ChariChari area. From here, you will end the ride and pay for how long you’ve used it for. 

Charichari charges 4 yen per minute, making it 120 yen for every 30 minutes. Instead of paying every time you use their service, one month’s worth of fees is paid in the following month through your credit card. 

For more information, here is their English guide: https://charichari.bike/blog/chari-guide-2023-en 

Frequently asked questions

Are electric scooters legal in Japan?

Yes. Under Japan's revised Road Traffic Law, which took full effect on July 1, 2023, e-scooters with a maximum speed of 20 km/h or less are classified as "specified small motorized bicycles." Riders aged 16 and over can ride without a driver's license. The law applies to both personal and rental scooters such as those operated by LUUP.

Do you need a driver's license to ride an electric scooter in Japan?

No, provided the scooter meets the specifications for a "specified small motorized bicycle" under Japan's 2023 Road Traffic Law. The scooter must have a maximum speed of 20 km/h or less and a motor output of 0.60 kW or less. Riders must be at least 16 years old. Scooters that do not meet these specifications are still classified as mopeds and require a driver's license.

Can you ride an electric scooter on sidewalks in Japan?

Not by default. As a general rule, e-scooters must be ridden on the road or in designated bicycle lanes. Sidewalk riding is only permitted if the scooter is switched to sidewalk mode, which limits speed to 6 km/h and causes a green indicator light to flash, and the sidewalk is marked "Bicycles and Pedestrians Only." Riding on a sidewalk without activating sidewalk mode can result in a fine of up to 6,000 yen.

Do you need a helmet to ride an electric scooter in Japan?

Helmets are legally mandatory for riders under 16 years old. For adults aged 16 and over, helmets are not legally required for specified small motorized bicycles but are strongly recommended by the National Police Agency. Rental services like LUUP also strongly encourage helmet use.

How much does it cost to use LUUP in Japan?

LUUP charges a 50 yen base fee plus 20 yen per minute in Tokyo and Osaka, and 50 yen base plus 15 yen per minute in other cities. A 10-minute ride in Tokyo costs approximately 250 yen. A 30-minute ride in Tokyo costs approximately 650 yen. The same pricing applies to both e-scooters and e-bikes.

Can tourists use electric scooters in Japan?

Yes. Tourists can use LUUP and other e-scooter rental services in Japan as long as they are 16 or older and can download the app. No Japanese driver's license is required. LUUP's app is available in English and accepts international credit cards. Riders must complete a short traffic rules quiz in the app before their first ride.

What is the maximum speed for electric scooters in Japan?

The maximum speed for specified small motorized bicycles is 20 km/h on roads and bicycle lanes. When riding in sidewalk mode (where permitted), the maximum speed is 6 km/h and the green indicator light must be flashing. Exceeding these limits is a traffic violation subject to fines.

What cities is LUUP available in Japan?

As of 2025, LUUP operates in 12 cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Sendai, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, and Hamamatsu.

In closing

Exploring Japan on an electric scooter or bike has never been easier. LUUP or Charichari offers a convenient and enjoyable service for residents and tourists to navigate through Japan's bustling streets and serene pathways.

Be sure to follow the local regulations and enjoy the ride.