Luup, Japan’s No.1 E-Scooter Sharing Operator, Raises New Funding of 3.6 Billion Yen
Raised total of 12.7 billion yen to date; to expand business to meet the increasing demand
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”), which operates “LUUP”, a sharing service of “electric micromobility” including e-scooters and e-bikes, has raised a total of approximately 3.6 billion yen through debt and asset financing. Of the total funding, 2.5 billion yen was raised through a syndicated loan arranged by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking. This brings the total funding to approximately 12.7 billion yen. Luup will use the funds raised to further accelerate business expansion to meet increasing demand by building new stations, increasing the number of vehicles, and strengthening safety measures through initiatives such as promoting traffic rules.
Luup aims to build a new transportation infrastructure through the sharing service of electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility vehicles with the mission to “create an infrastructure that makes the entire city ‘a station front.’” At Luup, we have been advancing our business through a series of discussions and dialogues with local governments, relevant ministries and agencies, users, and everyone in the community. As a company responsible for the transportation infrastructure based on micromobility, Luup will continue to expand the number of vehicles, stations, and service areas, and will also focus on educating the public about traffic rules and safety measures to make the service even safer and easier for everyone to use.
・Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation ・Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank ・Japan Finance Corporation ・The Shoko Chukin Bank ・Resona Bank ・Bank of Kyoto ・RICOH LEASING COMPANY ・Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company ・Credit Saison ・Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Panasonic Finance ・JA MITSUI LEASING ・NEC Capital Solutions
Comment from Daiki Okai, CEO of Luup
With the mission to “create an infrastructure that makes the entire city ‘a station front,’” we offer the sharing service of electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility called “LUUP” in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hiroshima.
Since the launch of the e-bike sharing service in May 2020 and the e-scooter sharing service in April 2021, the number of stations and service areas have been steadily expanding. As an example, LUUP has more stations than the number of convenience stores in the Shibuya and Meguro wards of Tokyo, making LUUP the service with the highest “station density” compared to other competitors. However, we believe that we are still only a few percent of the way toward achieving our mission.
In July of this year, e-scooters and other mobility vehicles were placed under the new category of “Specified Small Motorized Bicycles” and traffic rules were established accordingly. This allowed LUUP to finally move from the phase of demonstration experiments for the establishment of rules to the phase of full-scale business expansion. We will fulfill our responsibilities as a leading company in the industry and work to improve safety by educating the public about traffic rules, while at the same time further expanding our business.
We believe that LUUP is an extremely complex service to operate and develop, requiring the integration of hardware and software. Furthermore, there is also the aspect of communicating with the people associated with the city, such as real estates and local governments, and working together on community development. As a new mobility service, it is necessary to go through various trials and errors and to coordinate with related ministries and agencies. We are looking for people who can support us in these efforts and work together with us to realize our mission to “create an infrastructure that makes the entire city ‘a station front.’”
The entire Luup team will continue to make every effort to realize our mission, and we appreciate your support.
About Luup, Inc. Luup, Inc. will create a new short-distance mobility infrastructure that makes the entire city “a station front” through the sharing service of electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility. We currently provide a sharing service of e-scooters and e-bikes in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hiroshima. We will reduce CO2 emissions by popularizing electric micromobility and introduce new electric mobility that can be ridden by the elderly, and ultimately create a sustainable society where all people can get around safely and conveniently. – Location: AKIHABARA CENTRAL SQUARE 4F, 3-21-24 Kanda-Sakumachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025 – Representative: Daiki Okai – Founded: July 2018 – URL: https://luup.sc/en/ – App Download URL: https://ride-your-city.luup.sc/Myjb/cfcdb04a Note: The LUUP app is available for devices running iOS 15 or later, iPhone 6S or later, and Android OS 9.0 or later.
Press Contact ● Luup, Inc. – Public Relations: Misato Matsumoto, Megumi Muramoto – E-mail: pr@luup.co.jp – If you are press, please contact us by selecting “Press” from the contact form at the bottom of our corporate website (https://luup.sc/en/) – For inquiry about the service: +81-80-0080-4333
The Future of Luup Following the Enforcement of the Revised Road Traffic
Developed foldable helmets with original design
The revised Road Traffic Law that newly defines vehicle categories for e-scooters and other electric small mobility vehicles, which the Diet passed on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, went into effect today, Saturday, July 1, 2023. Luup, Inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”) will further focus on raising awareness of the new traffic rules so that new mobility vehicles can be used safely and appropriately. Furthermore, in response to the April 2023 regulation that requires bicyclists to wear helmets, which will also apply to “Specified Small Motorized Bicycles,” a new category for e-scooters, we have developed a helmet with an original design. We will consider utilizing, distributing, and selling the helmets at future safety workshops.
Luup’s History to Date and How the Rules Have Been Changed
Luup offers “LUUP,” a sharing service for electric micromobility vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes, with the mission to “create an infrastructure that turns the entire city into a ‘station front.'” The service is used as a means of daily transportation for various situations, including commuting to work or school, shopping, outings, and sightseeing.
Installing stations, the hub of LUUP mobility, will lead to the utilization of vacant space in office buildings, condominiums, facilities, etc., and serve as the start and finish of mobility. Installing stations throughout the city will make it easier to get to places a bit far away on foot, allowing people to lead a more convenient and affluent life as if they were in a “station front.” Furthermore, properties and areas that have been considered far from the station will have new characteristics as a station, which will revitalize and increase the value of the entire city.
High station density provides value to the city
E-scooters and other small electric mobility vehicles were new to the world, and as they became increasingly popular, countries searched for rules to ensure safe and convenient driving. In Japan, the riding rules for e-bikes had been applied to e-scooters, but there were no rules yet for the new group of small electric mobility vehicles that had appeared on the market. In addition, because vehicles that do not meet safety standards can be easily purchased at electronics retailers and e-commerce sites, there has been no end to the number of violations by e-scooters, which are not allowed on public roads.
To have the government establish appropriate rules, Luup has conducted demonstration experiments of e-scooters on more than 30 private and public lands across Japan since 2019 and has listened to people’s opinions in the city. After conducting demonstration experiments on university campuses in 2019 and on public roads as e-bikes in 2020, we participated in demonstration experiments for the relevant ministries and agencies to develop rules in April 2021 and began offering an e-scooter sharing service.
First Major Revision in 30 Years to Change Mobility in Japan
On Saturday, July 1st, the revised Road Traffic Law, which establishes new vehicle classifications for e-scooters and other compact electric mobility devices, went into effect. We see this revision of the Road Traffic Law as the first major change to the law since the new form of mobility known as e-bikes was approved 30 years ago. In addition to the requirement that those over 16 years of age do not need a license, the maximum speed will be changed to 20 km/h, a speed similar to that of bicycles.
The establishment of the first traffic rules specifically for e-scooters and other compact electric mobility vehicles is a step forward for Japan toward the safe diffusion of new mobility. In the future, Luup will focus on raising awareness of the new traffic rules in cooperation with industry associations, local governments, and the police, and will also accelerate its efforts to introduce universal mobility vehicles with three or four wheels that can be ridden by all people, including the elderly.
For more information on specific vehicles and changes in the service and future initiatives, please see the press release “LUUP to Launch E-Scooter Sharing Service on July 1st in Compliance with New Traffic Rules”: https://luup.sc/news/2023-06-29-new- kickboard-start/ Also, please see this special website for the main changes to the traffic rules:https://lp.luup.sc/pr/2023-new-traffic-rule
About LUUP’s Originally Designed Helmets
Wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or an e-scooter is said to protect the head and reduce damage in the event of a traffic accident. In consultation with the relevant ministries and agencies, we have provided a link to a helmet purchase page (external website) within the app. Although we have tested helmet rental in designated areas, the usage rate was low, and there were many concerns about the hygiene of sharing a helmet and the possibility of it being stolen. It has been a challenge to provide helmets for sharing services.
Therefore, we decided to produce a foldable, originally designed helmet that can be stored and carried in a bag. Through helmets with a sophisticated and simple design and can be worn with any attire, we will try to appeal to people to move from feeling that they “have to” wear a helmet for safety to actively “wanting to” wear one.
About Luup, Inc. Luup, Inc. will create a new short-distance mobility infrastructure that makes the entire city “a station front” through the sharing service of electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility. We currently provide “LUUP,” a sharing service of “electric micromobility,” in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, and Nagoya. We will reduce CO2 emissions by popularizing electric micromobility and introduce new electric mobility that can be ridden by the elderly, and ultimately create a sustainable society where all people can get around safely and conveniently.
Location: AKIHABARA CENTRAL SQUARE 4F, 3-21-24 Kanda-Sakumachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025
Press Contact ● Luup, Inc. Public Relations: Misato Matsumoto, Megumi Muramoto E-mail: pr@luup.co.jp For press inquiries: Please contact us by using the contact form at the bottom of our corporate website (https://luup.sc/) and selecting “For the Press and Media”. For service inquiries: 080-0080-4333
LUUP to Launch E-Scooter Sharing on July 1st in Compliance with New Traffic Rules
Passing the traffic rule test and submitting age verification documents will be mandatory. Maximum speed set to 20 km/h. Driver license is not required although users must be at least 16 years of age.
E-scooters will be classified under the new category of “Specified Small Motorized Bicycles” when the revised Road Traffic Law comes into effect on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, and traffic rules will be new. Luup, Inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”) will make necessary adjustments to the sharing service “LUUP” so that it complies with the rules from the effective date.
Background
E-scooters are a new mobility that began to spread worldwide in 2017. Because they are electric and compact, they have attracted attention for their ability to significantly reduce CO2 emissions associated with transportation compared to conventional vehicles, and their widespread use has also accelerated as a means of transportation to avoid density under the influence of the spread of the new coronavirus infection. On the other hand, since it is a new type of mobility, countries worldwide are searching for appropriate driving rules, and regulations are being established to suit the environment of each country.
In October 2019, the significance of conducting demonstration experiments for the development of rules was recognized by the relevant ministries and agencies, and we received approval under the “Regulatory Sandbox System” to conduct demonstration tests using a university campus as a pseudo-public road for three months. The demonstration experiment was conducted on a simulated public road on the university’s campus for three months. In April 2021, we were able to begin offering the sharing service, albeit as a demonstration experiment. With reference to some of the data from these step-by-step demonstrations, the government has developed rules for safer driving, which will come into effect on Saturday July 1st.
We believe that this revision of the Road Traffic Law is the first major change to the Road Traffic Law since a new form of mobility, the e-bike, was approved 30 years ago. We believe that this is the first time traffic rules have been established specifically for e-scooters and other electric compact mobility vehicles, and that this is a step forward for Japan toward the safe diffusion of this new form of mobility.
Awareness Raising of New Traffic Rules and Safety Measures
Luup has taken various safety measures, both inside and outside the app, to ensure that sharing services are used correctly. We will continue and strengthen our various efforts to ensure that as many people as possible can use the service safely and in accordance with the new traffic rules. The following is an introduction of the main awareness-building activities and safety measures that will accompany the enforcement of the new traffic rules.
⚫️ Safety workshops held in each area on the enforcement dates of the revised traffic rules Efforts to hold safety workshops and educational events that provide face-to-face education on traffic rules and how to ride will continue. First, we plan to have these events in the following three cities. Saturday, July 1st to Tuesday, July 4th, at MIYASHITA PARK, Tokyo Saturday, July 1st, at Naka-Ikebukuro Park, Tokyo Saturday, July 1st, at multiple ports in the Marunouchi area, Tokyo (port guided tours only, no test rides) Saturday, July 1st, at Osaka Central Public Hall Sunday, July 2nd, at Meriken Park, Kobe
⚫️ Advertisements in major train stations and newspapers in Tokyo and Osaka It is essential to let the non-LUUP users know about the revision of the Road Traffic Law. We will place advertisements at major train stations in Tokyo and Osaka and in newspapers to inform society about the new traffic rules.
⚫️ Renewal of the “E-Scooter User Guidebook” The guidebook for the safe and secure use of e-scooters, jointly produced by Luup and Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. in 2022, will be renewed when the revised law comes into effect. The guidebook has been updated to include basic traffic rules and critical points for riding electrically power-assisted bicycles, and more than ten pages of content have been added to the existing guidebook. The guidebook will be distributed at safety seminars after the enforcement date and will also be made available on the web at a later date.
⚫️ New stricter penalty system for violations Until now, accounts of users found to have committed serious violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, have been suspended. For example, even for violations that are considered unintentional, such as leaving a vehicle unattended or disregarding a traffic light, are repeated, the account will be suspended and other severe measures will be taken.
About the New E-Scooters
As of July 1st, e-scooters that meet specific criteria will be classified as “Specified Small Motorized Bicycles” (hereinafter “specified small e-bikes”). The main differences from conventional e-scooters are as follows.
⚫️ Equipped with a maximum speed indicator light
The “maximum speed indicator light” will be installed as a new safety component. The light will be always on when in the 20 km/h mode and it will blink when in the 6 km/h mode as a special exception specified small motorized bicycle (hereinafter “special exception specified small e-bikes”) to indicate the vehicle’s status to those around the vehicle. The 6km/h mode is optional.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has set a grace period for installing the maximum speed indicator lights, and all vehicles must be equipped with the lights by December 2024. During the grace period, if a vehicle does not have a maximum speed indicator light, it may be ridden as a specified small e-bike if it has been certified under the Performance Verification System as meeting other safety standards and bears a certification sticker or if it bears a new license plate for specified small e-bikes.
⚫️ “6km/h mode” button
New LUUP e-scooters to be deployed in the city after July 1st will be equipped with a 6km/h mode button. When using a vehicle with this button, riders will be allowed to pass at 6km/h on sidewalks where there are signs indicating that bicycles are allowed to pass. However, Luup still considers the roadway and regular bicycle lanes as the main places for riders to ride. Under unavoidable circumstances, such as when there are too many parked vehicles on the roadway to ride on the left side of the road, we recommend riders avoid danger by entering the sidewalk where there are signs that allow riding. The driving mode can only be changed when the vehicle is completely stopped. Please change the mode after confirming safety at the edge of the road.
The replacement of vehicles will be made gradually. For the time being, there will be vehicles that have been offered so far (specified small e-bikes not equipped with 6km/h mode) and vehicles that meet the safety standards for special exception specified small e-bikes (specified small e-bikes equipped with 6km/h mode).
⚫️ Equipped with new smaller license plates
The size of the license plate will be changed to fit the width of the e-scooter. Vehicles already offered within the sharing service will still be allowed to run as specified small e-bikes with the existing number plate for motorized bicycles.
Image of the new size license plate
Changes to Service
The following are the major changes to LUUP’s e-scooter service effective July 1st. There will be no change in the usage process, fees, insurance coverage, etc.
⚫️ Preparation for use (1) Answer all questions on new traffic rules correctly to pass
The test for new traffic rules was created for easy and accurate understanding using plain language and illustrations for explanation. In addition, educational content is also available within the app to learn the new traffic rules and check your knowledge before taking the test. This test can be taken in advance within the LUUP app from May 16th.
⚫️ Preparation for use (2) Submission of age verification documents
LUUP began accepting age verification documents on June 8th. By submitting age verification documents and completing pre-registration for e-scooter use in advance, users can use LUUP e-scooters smoothly after the enforcement of the revised Road Traffic Law.
Acceptable age verification documents: Individual Number Card (My Number Card) Driver’s license Residence card Passport (overseas passports are also acceptable)
After the enforcement of the revised Road Traffic Law, foreign residents and tourists who do not own a Japanese driver’s license will be able to ride e-scooters. To provide a convenient means of transportation for foreign residents and tourists, the LUUP app has been available in English since June 19th. Traffic rule tests and learning contents are also available in English.
LUUP is a sharing service that allows users to rent e-bikes or e-scooters through a smartphone app and move from stations to stations throughout the city. The service started in May 2020 with only about 50 stations in the Shibuya area, offering only e-bikes, and now also provides e-scooters at more than 3,500 stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, and Nagoya. The LUUP makes short trips of 10 to 30 minutes on foot more comfortable and contributes to the city’s revitalization by making the whole city feel like a station.
About Luup, Inc. Luup, Inc. will create a new short-distance mobility infrastructure that makes the entire city “a station front” through the sharing service of electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility. We currently provide “LUUP,” a sharing service of “electric micromobility,” in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, and Nagoya. We will reduce CO2 emissions by popularizing electric micromobility and introduce new electric mobility that can be ridden by the elderly, and ultimately create a sustainable society where all people can get around safely and conveniently.
Location: AKIHABARA CENTRAL SQUARE 4F, 3-21-24 Kanda-Sakumachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025
Press Contact ● Luup, Inc. Public Relations: Misato Matsumoto, Megumi Muramoto E-mail: pr@luup.co.jp For press inquiries: Please contact us by using the contact form at the bottom of our corporate website (https://luup.sc/) and selecting “For the Press and Media”. For service inquiries: 080-0080-4333
Road Traffic Law revision anticipates increase of use by foreign residents and visitors
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”) is pleased to announce that the LUUP app, an electric micromobility sharing service, is now available in English.
Background
LUUP is a sharing service that allows users to rent e-bikes or e-scooters through a smartphone app and move from station to station throughout the city. Currently, the service also offers e-scooters and is available at more than 3,245 stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, and Nagoya.
With the enforcement of the revised Road Traffic Law scheduled for Saturday, July 1st, 2023, foreign residents and tourists who don’t own a Japanese driver’s license will be allowed to ride e-scooters, and service use is expected to increase. With the start of LUUP’s English support, we aim to break the language barriers and ensure that a diverse range of users are able to access the service.
Luup will continue to reflect user feedback for service improvement and develop its service for safer and more convenient usage in the future.
How to Change Language Settings
The language will automatically change to English when the language setting of the app or browser is set to English on your mobile settings.
*Station names and addresses will remain in Japanese, and English support is on its way.
About Luup, Inc. Luup, Inc. will create a new short-distance mobility infrastructure that makes the entire city “a station front” through the sharing service of electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility. We currently provide “LUUP,” a sharing service of “electric micromobility,” in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Utsunomiya, Kobe, and Nagoya. We will reduce CO2 emissions by popularizing electric micromobility and introduce new electric mobility that can be ridden by the elderly, and ultimately create a sustainable society where all people can get around safely and conveniently.
Location: AKIHABARA CENTRAL SQUARE 4F, 3-21-24 Kanda-Sakumachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025
Press Contact ● Luup, Inc. Public Relations: Misato Matsumoto, Megumi Muramoto E-mail: pr@luup.co.jp For press inquiries: Please contact us by using the contact form at the bottom of our corporate website (https://luup.sc/) and selecting “For the Press and Media”. For service inquiries: 080-0080-4333
Luup Announces New Logo and New E-Scooters with Improved Visibility
Will release a series of contents for the safe social implementation of e-scooters
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”) has updated the logo of its electric micromobility sharing service, LUUP. In addition, new e-scooters with improved visibility will be unveiled. To celebrate this, we will be releasing content under the title of “LUUP for your City” to provide a deeper understanding of Luup’s past efforts toward safe social implementation of e-scooters and the future that we are aiming for.
Background
Luup is developing a micromobility sharing service “LUUP” with the mission to “create an infrastructure that turns the entire city into a ‘station front.’” In addition to e-bikes and e-scooters, Luup offers a comprehensive range of electric, compact, and single-seat micromobility vehicles, and is aiming for a future in which all people can move freely, including the implementation of new vehicles that can be used by the elderly in the future.
Three and a half years after its establishment, Luup has revamped its corporate and service logos and improved the visibility of its e-scooter design in order to become a more familiar presence in the city and move forward to become a next-generation infrastructure that supports daily first and last mile transportation.
The Concept of the New Logo
With LUUP, transportation becomes an easy and enjoyable experience. Free from transportation restrictions, users will be able to visit all kinds of places, and users will be able to enjoy the city like never before. The renewed logo was designed based on the concept of “expand you” based on the value that LUUP brings. Inspired by the relaxation curves used in transportation engineering, the new logo depicts a “U” with multiple curvatures to create a gentle form, expressing the physicality of people riding the LUUP and the light and free movement they can enjoy. The frame lines surrounding the logo are based on the lines of the stations where the LUUP vehicles will be placed. (Designed by kern inc.)
Update of E-Scooters
We decided to change the design because we wanted to express the value that LUUP brings not only in the logo but also in the vehicles, and deliver it to everyone in the city, and also because we thought it was necessary to improve the visibility of the e-scooters further as we aim to become a next-generation infrastructure.
The color scheme of the vehicle consists of LUUP GREEN, white, and black, the original brand colors, which are designed to blend in gently with the city as infrastructure, but also to evoke a sense of progress and luxury. In this renewal, the upper part of the aircraft is white and the lower part is LUUP GREEN, designed to impress the brand color while giving a sense of openness and freedom. To date, Luup has undergone 11 updates to improve the stability of the e-scooter and the operability of its various parts, in order to ensure safe riding. The transition to the new e-scooters will begin in Tokyo. We will consider introducing them to other areas in the future.
Image of riding the new e-scooterImage of LUUP station with new e-scooters installed
Luup Launches Demonstration Experiment Using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System “Michibiki”
Aims to detect e-scooter locations and update safety protocols
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”), which operates micromobility sharing service “LUUP”, has been selected to participate in the “Demonstration Project Using Michibiki,” operated by the Cabinet Office and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Services Inc. The project publicly accepted applications between April 12 and May 28, 2021 and Luup applied for an “E-Scooter Location Detection Demonstration Project”. We will start a demonstration for highly accurate detection of the vehicles, using the sub-meter level augmentation service of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System “Michibiki”.
Background of Adoption
In April 2021, Luup received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for a “New Business Exception System” and has been conducting a demonstration experiment of an e-scooter sharing service. Since the launch of the service, many users have been using the service, but the GPS commonly used for e-scooter sharing services has not been able to accurately detect the precise location of the vehicles, such as the distinction between roadways and sidewalks. In order for users to use e-scooters safely and in accordance with the correct riding rules, a system that can detect precise location data is also required, and the need for validation to realize this was highly evaluated and the project was adopted as a “Demonstration Project Using Michibiki.”
Regarding Demonstration Project for Locating E-Scooters Using “Michibiki”
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System “Michibiki” is a Japanese satellite positioning system consisting mainly of satellites in quasi-zenith orbit, and is sometimes called the “Japanese version of GPS.” Previous satellite positioning services used GPS satellites operated by the United States, but in urban and mountainous areas, the signals were sometimes blocked by buildings and trees, making it difficult to obtain stable positioning information. Therefore, Michibiki, which supplements GPS and provides highly accurate and stable satellite positioning services, began operations in November 2018. Due to its superiority, it is expected to develop a location data business that makes advanced use of geospatial information.
Image of Michibiki Source: qzss.go.jp
With the e-scooter location detection adopted by Michibiki, Luup will conduct a demonstration to realize highly accurate traveling location detection using the sub-meter level augmentation service.
Image of sub-meter level augmentation service Source: qzss.go.jp
Details and Schedule of the Demonstration
Details of the Demonstration (1) Attach the QZ1 sub-meter level positioning augmentation service-compatible receiver to e-scooters to collect and periodically analyze traveling data (2) Validate whether it is possible to detect whether a vehicle is traveling on a sidewalk or on a roadway (*1), and create guidelines for future practice
QZ1 receiver for sub-meter level positioning augmentation service
*1…Will do push walking when determining sidewalk riding. No violations will be committed in the demonstration.
Schedule – July 2021 to November 2021: Procurement of e-scooters for demonstration purposes and modification for installation receivers (*already done) – January 2022 to February 2022: Collect positioning data through traveling in the Tokyo area – March 2022 and beyond: Analyze traveling data and verify the accuracy of detecting traveling locations Luup aims to realize a society where people, vehicles, and cities can all co-exist in harmony through the development of a safe riding environment for e-scooters.
Luup Launches ”LUUP for Residential”, a Micromobility Sharing Service Exclusively for Residents
An exclusive micromobility sharing service for condominium residents to go on sale in spring 2022
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”) will begin introducing a residents-only model of “LUUP” to newly built condominiums. The first property to be introduced will be Park Homes Hamamatsucho (sold by Mitsui Fudosan Residential Co.,Ltd.), which is scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2022. Through this initiative, we aim to expand the range of comfortable mobility for residents and provide services that enrich their daily lives.
Background
Luup provides a sharing service for electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility with the mission to “create an infrastructure that makes the entire city ‘a station front.’” Currently, we provide high-density sharing services of e-scooters and e-bikes in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama.
LUUP is characterized by the highest “LUUP station density” in its service area. Currently, the number of LUUP stations in the entire service has expanded to about 700, and they are used by people for daily transportation, such as commuting and shopping. With LUUP stations located throughout the city, people can move freely and flexibly regardless of the walking time from a train station. With a LUUP station, we believe that even properties far from the nearest train station will become far more accessible, hopefully leading to an increase in value.
By installing LUUP stations in newly constructed condominiums for sale, residents can enjoy more convenient daily transportation to and from work, school, and shopping.
What is “LUUP for Residential”
“LUUP for Residential” is a residents-only model of “LUUP” exclusively for designated condominium residents. Through the “LUUP” smartphone application, residents can ride e-scooters from LUUP stations located in the residents-only area at a discount, and move to any LUUP stations of their choice.
Service Overview E-scooter sharing service
Available LUUP Stations Exclusive LUUP stations for property residents & general LUUP stations
Service Fees Plans to offer a resident-only plan that is less expensive than LUUP’s regular rates (details to be determined)
Terms of Use – Must be a resident of the property – To use the e-scooters, users must (1) register their driver’s license and (2) pass the driving rules confirmation test with a perfect score from the LUUP smartphone application
Insurance Covers property damage, bodily injury, and your own injuries.
Notes – Non-resident users are not allowed to get in or out at LUUP stations located in the condominium. – For safety reasons, we voluntarily designate roads with significant vehicle traffic as no-go zones for riding e-scooters. Prohibited roads are indicated on the map on the app as “hand-pushing zones” and users are urged to go around them.
Overview of “Park Homes Hamamatsucho”
– Property name: Park Homes Hamamatsucho – Location: 1-20-6 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo – Access: 8-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, and Tokyo Monorail; 7-minute walk from Daimon Station on the Toei Oedo Line and Asakusa Line; 2-minute walk from Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line – Units: 102 – Structure and scale: Reinforced Concrete / 18 stories above ground – Floor plan: 1K~2LDK – Original developer: Mitsui Fudosan Residential Co.,Ltd. – Property management company: Mitsui Fudosan Residential Service Co., Ltd. – Scheduled completion date: Late August 2023 – Scheduled move-in date: Late November 2023 – Website: https://www.31sumai.com/mfr/X1914/
The illustration of the location of the LUUP stations at “Park Homes Hamamatsucho”The exterior of “Park Homes Hamamatsucho”
Tokio Marine and Luup Agree on Partnership to Improve Safety of E-Scooters
Aim to build a safe and secure micromobility usage environment
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Group CEO: Satoru Komiya; hereinafter “Tokio Marine”) and Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”), which operates “LUUP,” a sharing service of electric micromobility including e-scooters and e-bikes, have entered into a capital and business alliance. Tokio Marine and Luup will work together to improve the safety of e-scooters.
Background and Purpose
E-scooters are a new mobility that began to spread around globally in 2017. Since e-scooters are electric and compact, they are attracting attention for their ability to significantly reduce CO2 emissions associated with transportation compared to regular cars, and also the spread of coronavirus has accelerated their use as a means of transportation to avoid crowdedness.
Since e-scooters are a new mobility for the world, each country is searching for appropriate riding rules, and regulations are being established to suit the environment of the public roads in that country. In Japan, e-scooters fall under the category of motorized bicycles, but demonstration experiments are underway to establish rules for safer riding.
In today’s increasingly complex society, Tokio Marine Group provides insurance and highly specialized risk solutions for various risks found in society. Tokio Marine Group is developing new services by conducting various data-based experiments in the areas of smart cities and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), which have been attracting attention in recent years.
Luup provides a sharing service for electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility with the mission to “create an infrastructure that makes the entire city ‘a station front.’” Luup offers not only e-bikes and e-scooters, but also electric, compact, and single-seat micromobility services, aiming for a future in which all people can move freely. Against this backdrop, Luup has launched an e-scooter sharing service in Tokyo and Osaka as a demonstration experiment. Since its launch, the service has covered a total distance of more than 300,000km, making Luup the operator with the most e-scooters traveled by any operator in Japan.
Major Initiatives
In this capital and business alliance, Tokio Marine and Luup will start collaboration to improve the safety and social acceptance of e-scooters, with the aim of creating a safe and secure micromobility usage environment.
1.Research on new services for micromobility using driving data and more Tokio Marine and Luup will work together to study new services for micromobility. We will study services that contribute to improving the social acceptance of e-scooters and how to provide appropriate compensation, while taking into account the appropriate traffic rules considered by the Japanese government and the perspective of victim relief. In the future, we will also conduct research on new products and services utilizing the driving data.
2.Improving the safety of e-scooters While e-scooters are easy-to-use mobility vehicles, we face violations by some of our users. . Through numerous demonstration experiments, Luup has accumulated the knowledge to provide e-scooters as a safe and secure sharing service, and now, with the participation of Tokio Marine, whose mission is to provide safety and security, we aim to further enhance safety and social acceptance. Specifically, after conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of all e-scooters, including Luup’s vehicles, we will jointly study ways to improve user communication to reduce dangerous driving on LUUP and also develop safer vehicles.
Outlook for the Future
Tokio Marine and Luup will work together to promote sustainable means of transportation between the first and last mile through the safe and secure use of these micromobility vehicles.
About Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. – Location: 2-6-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo – Representative: Satoru Komiya – Founded: April 2002 – URL: https://www.tokiomarinehd.com/
E-Scooter Sharing Operator, Luup Raises 2 Billion Yen from Mori Trust, ESG-Focused VC, and Others
Will focus on ggrowing a product team to achieve the mission to make the entire city ‘a station front’
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”), which operates “LUUP,” a sharing service of “electric micromobility” including e-scooters and e-bikes, has completed raising a total of 2 billion yen.
In recognition of Luup’s ability to realize a sustainable society with low environmental impact through the implementation of electric micromobility, Luup has received investment from new investors including Mori Trust Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Miwako Date; hereinafter “Mori Trust”) and Open Network Lab ESG I Investment Limited Partnership (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; General Partner: DG Incubation, Inc.; hereinafter “Earthshot Fund”) and also additional investment from several existing investors including VCs and business companies.
Using the funds, Luup will strengthen the development of its micromobility business to create a sustainable society and will continue discussions with several potential investors for further business expansion in the future.
Background of Financing
With the mission to “create an infrastructure that turns the entire city into a ‘station front.’” Luup provides sharing services using e-scooters and e-bikes, and in the future aims to introduce mobility that is easy and safe for the elderly and/or disabled to ride.
With this financing, Luup will further strengthen the development of its micromobility business to create a sustainable society. Luup has been driving the project in discussions with local governments and relevant ministries and agencies, with the goal of creating an infrastructure that will turn the entire city into a ‘station front.’ However, in order for new products to spread in society, we must propose and be responsible for delivering higher quality and pleasant experiences as an infrastructure than ever before. With this financing, we will establish a development structure that can make better use of the data possessed by the product and quickly test hypotheses, and promote research and development of the micromobility business that goes beyond the accelerated development of LUUP.
Details of the Financing
Logos of selected investors who invested in this round
In recognition of the fact that the implementation of electric micromobility can realize a sustainable society with a low environmental impact, Luup has attracted new investors including Mori Trust, Earthshot Fund, ZFP No. 1 Investment Limited Partnership (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; General Partner: Zenrin Future Partners Co., Ltd.; hereinafter “Zenrin Future Partners”), and also additional investment from several existing investors including Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Katsuma Kobayashi; hereinafter “Daito Trust Construction”) and other VCs and business companies. Together with the 750 million yen in funding already raised in April 2021, this round brings the total funding raised to 2 billion yen.
With Mori Trust, we will work together to create a new way of urbanization and tourism using micromobility in the office areas that Mori Trust is focusing on, such as Toranomon and Akasaka in Tokyo, as well as in the resort areas that they are developing in various parts of Japan.
For Earthshot Fund, Luup is the first investment since the fund was founded. We are honored that the fund, which conducts investment activities with a focus on major social, technological, and environmental changes occurring on a global scale, has recognized our work, and we will continue to develop our business in line with the fund’s ESG initiatives.
Zenrin Co. Ltd. (Hereinafter “Zenrin”), the parent company of Zenrin Future Partners, and Luup will combine Zenrin’s granular map data on local buildings, sidewalks, and roadways with Luup’s mobility data to improve the functionality of safe and efficient services and develop new services.
Daito Trust Construction manages the largest number of residential rental buildings in Japan, and Luup will continue to strengthen the implementation of LUUP ports in properties managed by Daito Trust Construction, aiming to realize “a town or house you would want to live in if it has LUUP”.
Comment from Daiki Okai, CEO of Luup
Luup is creating a product called “LUUP,” which allows electric micromobility to be shared throughout the city, with the mission to “create an infrastructure that turns the entire city into a ‘station front.’”
Luup has focused not only on the development of software and hardware that shape the user experience but also on activities such as rulemaking for social implementation of new mobility and alliances to expand the number of ports. As a result, we were able to install more ports than convenience stores in Shibuya, an overcrowded city with little available real estate space, and the number of app downloads and users has continued to grow rapidly since the e-scooter was launched on April 23, 2021, under special government measures.
It has been about three years since Luup was founded, and I believe that Luup has finally reached its starting point. In order to make Japanese cities, which have the most developed railroads and station areas in the world, more comfortable to live in, we will accelerate our efforts to create the world’s one and only product by considering the most appropriate form of infrastructure.
We have raised additional funds to enable all teams involved in LUUP to achieve maximum performance. The investors who participated in this round made the decision to invest and collaborate with us because they believe in a future where LUUP, which is still in its infancy at this point, will become a sustainable infrastructure that will support Japan. The entire Luup team will continue to make every effort to “create an infrastructure that turns the entire city into a ‘station front’ for the sake of all the people who live in the city and for the investors who participated in this financing.
E-Scooter Sharing App Luup Raises ￥750M, Led by Spiral Capital
Begins hiring of sales managers and tech leads for further area expansion
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”), which operates a sharing service “LUUP” that handles “electric micromobility” such as e-scooters and e-bikes, raised 750 million yen through a third-party allotment of new shares from Spiral Capital Japan Fund Ⅱ Investment Limited Partnership (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Tomokazu Okuno; hereinafter “Spiral Capital”) as lead investor, and Anri Investment Fund Limited Partnership No.3 (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Anri Samata; hereinafter “ANRI”), ENEOS Innovation Partners LLC. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yasunori Yazaki; hereinafter “ENEOS Innovation Partners”), Adastria Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Chairman of The Board: Michio Fukuda; hereinafter “Adastria”), and several undisclosed investors.
We will continue discussions with several potential investors toward the final closing around the summer of 2021. At the same time, we will begin accepting applications from companies throughout Japan that wish to install LUUP.
From left: Shunsuke Nakaji, Principal at ANRI; Daiki Okai, Representative of Luup; Takashi Chiba, Partner at Spiral Capital
Luup provides a sharing service for electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility with the mission to “create an infrastructure that makes the entire city ‘a station front.’” Since April 23, 2021, we are operating an e-scooter sharing service under a special government measure, the first in Japan to make the wearing of helmets optional. In the future, we aim to introduce a universal mobility that can also be ridden easily and safely by the elderly and/or people with disabilities.
Currently, the company is experiencing a rapid increase in demand since the launch of the e-scooter sharing service. With this investment round, we will strengthen our organizational structure for further area expansion and functional enhancement, as well as develop safer and more convenient vehicles.
Furthermore, ENEOS Innovation Partners and Adastria are each looking to collaborate in the future. With ENEOS, we will build an energy supply system for electric micromobility, aiming to realize a society where everyone can move freely. With Adastria, we will start collaboration to provide a new means of transportation at stores.
Luup Launches Japan’s First Helmet-Wearing-Optional E-Scooter Sharing App on April 23
Safety workshop scheduled for Golden Week at Miyashita Park, as a new means of transportation that avoids close-contact
Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”) announces the launch of its e-scooter sharing app on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 5:00 pm. The e-scooter will be introduced within the app of the next-generation electric shared cycle “LUUP,” which has already been released. This will be the first e-scooter sharing service in Japan where helmets are optional under a special government measure. Since this service is also a demonstration experiment of new mobility, a safety workshop will be held at Miyashita Park (*1) during the Golden Week holidays from Thursday, April 29 to Wednesday, May 5.
(*1 If the state of emergency is declared, the decision to hold a safety workshop will be made in accordance with the policies of the facility holding the safety workshop and the parties involved. In case of cancellation, we will announce in advance via our corporate website and official Twitter account.)
Image 1: Image of e-scooter running
Background
With the mission to “create an infrastructure that turns the entire city into a ‘station front,’” Luup is developing a sharing service for electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility vehicles. Luup aims to establish first and last-mile transportation by offering not only e-bikes and e-scooters, but by providing a comprehensive offering of electric, compact, and single-passenger electric micromobility, and create a future where all people can move freely.
Luup has been offering the “LUUP” sharing app using e-bikes since May 2020. In anticipation of the introduction of e-scooters, we developed e-bikes the same size as an e-scooter, enabling the installation of ports in space-saving locations. As a result, high-density sharing has been realized, with the highest density of ports in the available area. The introduction of e-scooters in this service is expected to provide a more convenient short-distance transportation, as well as the collection of riding data that is expected to lead to the discovery of issues for the future rulemaking for e-scooters.
The e-scooter to be introduced in the “LUUP” app is one of the electric micromobility that is widely used in the world. It has the following features and is becoming popular around the world as a new means of transportation that avoids close-contact during covid pandemic.
– There is no need to straddle or pedal, so even people in skirts and suits can ride
– Users can stop immediately when they feel danger because their feet are close to the ground
– The installed IoT device allows area-specific and user-specific control for safe driving in the future
On the other hand, e-scooters are classified as “motorized bicycles” under Japan’s current law, which imposes riding conditions that make it difficult for them to become widely used, which include: wearing a helmet, having a license plate and a side-view mirror, having a driver’s license, and riding only on the road. In an effort to optimize regulations and make rules, Luup has established an industrial association called the “Micromobility Promotion Council,” which has held discussions with related ministries and agencies and conducted a series of demonstration experiments under various conditions. The demonstration experiment plan of Luup was approved on Friday, April 23, 2021 under the “New Business Exception System” under the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act, and the sharing service has now been launched.
Image 2: Luup has been providing a series of step-by-step demonstrations of e-scooters as well as an e-bike sharing app.
Service Details
Image 3: The mobility at LUUP will be updated in stages. In addition to e-bikes, the introduction of e-scooters has now started.
– Description: E-scooter and e-bike sharing app – Available Areas: All of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Setagaya, Minato and Meguro wards where LUUP is already available – Pricing: 110 yen/first 10 minutes, 16.5 yen/minute (tax included) *Special price for the demonstration experiment – Number of Ports: Approximately 200 of LUUP’s 300 ports in Tokyo allow users to get on and off e-scooters. The number of ports will be increased gradually. – Number of E-Scooters: Starting with 100. The number of units will be increased gradually. – Maximum Speed of E-Scooters: Limited to 15 km/hr – Conditions of Use: The e-scooters must be used after (1) registering a driver’s license and (2) passing a perfect score on the test to confirm driving rules via the app. Users only using e-bikes do not need to go through these steps. – Insurance: Property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury are covered by the insurance. – Note: For safety reasons, we voluntarily prohibit riding on roads where there is a significant amount of vehicle traffic. Roads that are off-limits are indicated in the app, and users are urged to detour around them.
Image 4: A port map of LUUP. Realized the highest density of port installation in the available area.
Details of the Safety Workshop to be Held at Miyashita Park
Since this service is also a demonstration experiment of new mobility, a safety workshop will be held at Miyashita Park during Golden Week from Thursday, April 29 to Wednesday, May 5.
– Content: Lecture on how to ride the e-scooter and use the LUUP app – Date: Thursday, April 29, 2021 to Wednesday, May 5, 2021 – Time: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Location: Shibuya Ward Miyashita Park 1F, space next to adidas (6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) – How to Participate: Please come to the venue during the event time. No prior reservation is required. – Participation Fee: Free – Regarding Prevention Measures against Coronavirus Disease: Masks must be worn at all times, temperature checks and alcohol disinfection to be done at the event site
If a state of emergency is declared, the decision to hold a safety workshop will be made in accordance with the policies of the facility holding the safety workshop and the parties involved. In case of cancellation, we will announce in advance via our corporate website and official Twitter account.
How to Use
1. Download “LUUP” and register as a member. App download link: https://luup.onelink.me/Myjb/cfcdb04a 2. Register your driver’s license and take the test to confirm driving rules from the Account Settings screen. It is recommended that you complete the test in advance as it may take some time for approval. 3. Locate the port where you would like to start your ride from the map screen. From the Port Details screen, you can confirm if the port has an e-scooter. 4. Press the “Unlock” button to activate the camera and scan the QR code. 5. Select the destination port and reserve a place to return the e-scooter. The destination port can be changed later. 6. Once the smart lock is unlocked, the e-scooter will emit a sound and the speed display LCD will turn on. Enjoy your ride safely. 7. Upon arrival at the destination port, please return the e-scooter within the frame line. 8. When you send the photo of your return, your payment is completed and your ride is over. *While riding the e-scooter, you can pause the ride, but cannot make an emergency stop outside of the port.
[How to ride the e-scooters] 1. Kick the ground for initial speed and place both feet on the e-scooter. 2. Press the throttle slowly to accelerate electrically. 3. Make a gentle turn while kicking the ground with your feet. 4. Under the new special measures, a person pushing a motorized scooter is considered a pedestrian. When making a right turn on a busy road, it is recommended to get off from the e-scooter at the intersection and push the e-scooter across the pedestrian crossing. 5. There is a brake similar in shape to that of a bicycle at hand. When stopping, brake slowly. You can also stop with your feet.
Notes
Please make sure you have proper knowledge of traffic laws and regulations before riding an e-scooter. In particular, please note the following: – Riding on sidewalks is prohibited. – If there is a bicycle lane on the road, please ride in the lane. – On roads with vehicle traffic zones, you must ride in the first vehicle traffic zone counting from the left edge of the road. – A hook turn is prohibited for LUUP’s e-scooters.
Future Plans
We will be gradually increasing the number of ports and the number of e-scooters available. We also plan to introduce e-scooters to Osaka by the summer. Through this service, we will continue to consider rulemaking for the safe and convenient social implementation of e-scooters and collect data for this purpose.
About Luup, Inc. Luup, Inc. will create a new short-distance mobility infrastructure that makes the entire city “a station front” through the sharing business of electric, compact, and single-passenger micromobility. 2 ongoing projects include: “demonstration of a new vehicle” to safely and conveniently use new mobility such as e-scooters in Japan, and “demonstration of a new sharing service” to validate the shared mobility experience. – Location: 16F Link Square Shinjuku, 5-27-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051 – Financial Institutions: Sumitomo Mitsui Bank, MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank – Representative: Daiki Okai – Founded: July 2018 – Service URL: https://luup.sc/
● President and CEO of Luup, Inc. Daiki Okai Profile After graduating from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Agriculture, Daiki worked at a strategy consulting firm, mainly in charge of PMI for listed companies and business DD for PE funds. After that, he founded Luup, Inc. In May 2019, he established the Micromobility Promotion Council, which aims to promote the social implementation of new micromobility technologies, with major e-scooter operators in Japan, and became its chairman. He was selected for “Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia” in April 2021.
Press Contact ● Luup, Inc. Public Relations: Misato Matsumoto E-mail: pr@luup.co.jp
Plan for Demonstration of E-Scooter with Optional Helmet Approved under “New Business Exception System”
EXx, mobby ride, Luup, and Hasegawa Kogyo plan to launch sharing services
EXx Inc. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yamato Aoki; hereinafter “EXx”), mobby ride Inc. (Head office: Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka; CEO: Ryo Hyuga; hereinafter “mobby ride”), and Luup, Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daiki Okai; hereinafter “Luup”), and Hasegawa Kogyo Co. (Head office: Osaka-shi, Osaka; President: Yasumasa Hasegawa; hereinafter “Hasegawa Kogyo”), all of which are members of the Micromobility Promotion Council (a voluntary association, Chairman: Daiki Okai of Luup, Inc.) that consists mainly of domestic e-scooter operators, have received approval for their plan to conduct a demonstration experiment of e-scooters on public roads under the “New Business Exception System” based on the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act. For this demonstration experiment, the vehicle will be treated as a “small-sized special motor vehicle” under the Road Traffic Act, and several changes in driving conditions will be applied, including the optional wearing of helmets and a maximum speed limit of 15 km/h.
Image 1: Logo of the newly certified businesses
Details of Special Measures
Special measures below will be applied to businesses that have applied for and received approval:
– Classification under the Road Traffic Act: Small-sized special motorized vehicles (*Under the Road Transport Vehicle Act, it is treated as “e-bikes” as in the current law) – Speed limit: limited to a maximum of 15 km/h – Riding areas: In addition to the roadway, bicycle lanes will be available as in the previous version. In addition, “bicycle roadways” and “roadways that are one-way but allow bicycles to pass in both directions” will also be available. – Rules for riding: The wearing of helmets became optional (wearing helmets is recommended for safety reasons). Carrying a driver’s license when riding and the purchase of liability insurance will remain mandatory. – Vehicle requirements: The vehicle must continue to meet the security standards required for mopeds, such as the installation of license plates and mirrors.
These special measures apply only to demonstration experiments conducted under an approved new business activity plan. The above special measures do not apply to the e-scooters owned by non-certified businesses or individuals.
Image 2: Comparison of special measures in this demonstration experiment with those in the current law and in the previous demonstration experiment
Overview of the Demonstration Experiment
Implementation period – Start: After April 23rd, 2021 (the exact date depends on operators) – End: Scheduled for October 2021
Areas of implementation – EXx: All areas of Setagaya-ku and Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Kashiwa-shi, Chiba; Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa; and Toyooka-shi, Hyogo – mobby ride: Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka; Kobe-shi, Hyogo (TBD) – Luup: Shibuya-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Shinagawa-ku, Setagaya-ku, Minato-ku, and Meguro-ku in Tokyo; Osaka-shi, Osaka – Hasegawa Kogyo: Part of Chiba-shi, Chiba; Osaka-shi, Osaka
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