Japan’s parliament on Tuesday (19/4) passed a law whereby electric scooter users no longer need a driving license. The rule excludes children under the age of 16 who will still be banned from driving.
The new rules apply to electric scooters with a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour and are part of an amendment to the road traffic law passed by the country’s parliament.
The amendments also include new rules for “Level 4” autonomous mobility services such as self-driving buses that will be allowed by the government in certain areas.
Electric scooters are currently popular in Japan. The vehicle uses an electric drive and is shaped like a saketeboard. Electric scooters have handles and must be ridden with a helmet.
The electric scooter is classified as a new category of vehicle. Previously, electric scooters were classified as motorcycles, which required a license.
Electric scooter users can run in the vehicle and bicycle lanes and are allowed to walk on sidewalks at a maximum speed of up to 6 km per hour.
Persons providing electric scooters to children under 16 years of age will be subject to a fine.
Regulations related to electric scooters will take effect in two years, while those related to autonomous driving will be implemented within one year.
