TOKYO, June 26 (Xinhua) — Japan will ease rules on electrical kick scooters in July by permitting rides with no driver’s license, which has raised security considerations among the many public.
Starting from July 1, electrical kick scooters that meet sure necessities will probably be topic to eased rules on a par with bicycles, as a driver’s license will now not be wanted for a passenger aged 16 or above, in response to native authorities.
Electric kick scooters, mounted with motors and able to transferring ahead with out the necessity to push in opposition to the bottom repeatedly, began to realize recognition in Japan in 2021, primarily amongst folks of their 20s and 30s.
As many individuals use them for commuting, the scooters have to be ridden on roadways in precept, however customers can even experience them on sidewalks the place bicycles are allowed in the event that they journey no quicker than 6 kph and show a flashing inexperienced mild.
The relaxed guidelines are welcomed by electric-scooter-sharing companies amid hopes that extra folks will use such autos, whereas authorities authorities additionally count on the unfold to satisfy extra wants comparable to rental to vacationers.
However, there are additionally rising considerations that there will probably be a rise in accidents and site visitors violations if some riders hit the street with out even studying site visitors guidelines at driving colleges, native media reported.
According to the National Police Agency, the variety of accidents leading to private harm or demise involving electrical kick scooters elevated from 4 in 2020 to 41 in 2022.
Since September 2021 there have been greater than 2,000 circumstances of individuals using the scooters drunk and touring on sidewalks.