New Tourist Trend Faces Legal Hurdles
As Japan welcomes record numbers of tourists, many are discovering that riding motorised suitcases can lead to legal trouble. Popular in parts of Asia and endorsed by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Shilpa Shetty, these lithium-ion battery-powered suitcases are now catching the eye of Japanese authorities.
Strict Regulations at Airports
Major Japanese airports have started requesting that travelers refrain from using motorised suitcases within their premises. The Japanese police are also urging domestic retailers to inform customers about the stringent regulations governing their use. According to Japanese law, these electric suitcases are classified as “motorised vehicles” requiring safety equipment and a driver’s licence.
Legal Consequences for Violators
In a notable case, a Chinese woman studying in Japan was referred to prosecutors in June for riding a three-wheeled suitcase on a sidewalk in Osaka without a licence. Her suitcase, capable of speeds up to 13km/h, falls under the same category as mopeds, necessitating a driving licence. Similarly, a boy from Indonesia and his family were surprised to learn about these requirements after he rode his motorised suitcase in Osaka’s bustling Dotonbori district.
Need for New Regulations
Takeru Shibayama, a senior scientist at the Vienna University of Technology’s Institute for Transportation, suggests that Japan might need to establish a new vehicle classification to accommodate the growing popularity of electric suitcases. The country has already faced challenges with new transportation forms, as evidenced by a fourfold increase in traffic violations involving electric scooters after restrictions were eased in July 2023. These scooters, now commonly seen in Tokyo, can be ridden by anyone over 16 without a driver’s licence.
Conclusion
Japan’s struggle to regulate new transportation modes highlights the need for updated laws to ensure safety and compliance amid a tourist boom.
