Electric Scooter Drivers In Japan No More Need SIM Starting July

Illustration of electric scooters. (Pixabay/Rabin Spiegel)

JAKARTA - Electric scooter users in Japan will no longer need a driving license (SIM) starting next July, although children under 16 will be banned from driving it, the National Police Agency said Thursday.

The new rules apply to scooters with a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour, and motorists must comply with the same traffic rules as bicycles, including not driving on the sidewalks.

Then, even though it is not mandatory, scooter riders are advised to wear helmets while driving electric scooters, as reported by Kyodo News on January 19.

Two-wheeled scooters have attracted a lot of user interest in Japan, especially in metropolitan areas. However, accidents and traffic rule violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, have increased in line with their popularity.

Parliament amended a road traffic law in April last year to enforce changes to the rules. Meanwhile, Japanese police will enforce new rules strictly, while working to inform the public of the changes.

Electric scooters that follow the new rules must measure a length of 190 centimeters or less and a width of 60 cm or less. They can also be used on the sidewalk as long as the maximum speed is set to 6 kilometers per hour or less, similar to electric wheelchairs.

Previously, electric scooters were classified the same as mopeds with a capacity below 50 cc in engine transfer, requiring motorists to hold a driver's license, wear a helmet and register a vehicle with a license plate.

Scooters complying with the new regulations will now be classified as designated motorized bicycles.

The new rules also require e-scooters to be equipped with green lights in front and rear, which must be lit when driving on highways and bicycle lanes, and have to flash while on the sidewalk.

Traffic tickets or fines will be given to motorists who violate traffic laws. Those who repeatedly violate red lights, or drive in areas that are not allowed will be required to attend training.

Electric scooters that have been used or circulated on the market and meet standards, in addition to installing the green light, can continue to be used until December 2024, but must have a special number plate. Such vehicles still cannot be used on the sidewalk.

Meanwhile, another electric scooter that does not meet the standards, is treated as a moped, requiring motorists to have a driver's license and wear a helmet.