Photo/Illutration A woman rides her electric kick scooter up a slope in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward on July 1. (Photo by Tetsuro Takahana)

A driver’s license is no longer required for motorized kick scooters, although people under the age of 16 will be banned from riding them.

Now classified like bicycles under revisions to the Road Traffic Law that took effect July 1, electric kickboards with a maximum speed of 20 kph can be ridden on the left side of the road or in bicycle lanes.

Models with a maximum controlled speed of 6 kph may be ridden on sidewalks where bicycles are allowed.

Scooter riders are required to wear helmets, although it is not mandatory.

The new rules are expected to trigger a surge in electric kickboard use. Concern was also expressed about the prospect of a corresponding increase in accidents and violations.

A member of the Shibuya Police Station in Tokyo handed out fliers urging people to follow the rules and use the machines safely.

Bic Camera’s Shinjuku East Exit Store (Tokyo) was quick off the mark to begin sales. Purchasers are required to watch a video that confirms traffic rules.

“I can now go to stores on my lunch break that I had difficulty reaching before when I was going on foot,” said Yusuke Nishida, 35, an office worker who purchased an e-scooter. “Since I will be riding alongside cars, I plan to pay close attention to my surroundings.”

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