Japan's new motorized luggage trend sparks legal confusion for tourists

As Japan grapples with an influx of new transportation technologies, the rise of motorized luggage has highlighted gaps in its regulatory framework.

According to Japanese law, using motorized luggage—popular in certain parts of Asia—requires safety equipment and a driver's license, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

As record numbers of tourists come to Japan to benefit from the weak yen, many are encountering issues with authorities due to the increasing use of motorized, rideable suitcases. Kyodo news agency reports that two major Japanese airports have requested travelers not to use these motorized suitcases on their premises. Meanwhile, the police are urging local retailers to inform customers about the strict regulations governing their use.

In recent years, motorized luggage—resembling children’s scooters but powered by lithium-ion batteries—has become increasingly common among travelers and has gained visibility through celebrities like Paris Hilton and Shilpa Shetty. According to Kyodo, Japan now considers these electric suitcases, popular in other parts of Asia, as "motorized vehicles" that require safety equipment and a driver’s license to be used on roads.

In June, a Chinese woman in her 30s, who was studying in Japan, was referred to prosecutors for riding a three-wheeled suitcase on a sidewalk in Osaka on March 31 without a license, as reported by Osaka Prefectural Police. Under Japanese traffic laws, the suitcase, capable of speeds up to 13 km/h, is classified similarly to a "motorized bicycle" or moped. In June, police reminded the public that a license is necessary for operating such mobile luggage.

In July, a boy from Indonesia rode a motorized suitcase through the busy Dotonbori shopping district in Osaka, and his family was surprised to discover that Japan requires a driving license for such vehicles, according to Kyodo. Takeru Shibayama, a senior scientist at the Institute for Transportation at Vienna University of Technology, suggested that Japan might need to consider creating a new classification for electric suitcases, given their inclusion under the broader category of motorized bicycles.

Japan has faced difficulties managing new transportation modes recently. The National Police Agency reported a fourfold increase in traffic violations involving electric scooters in the six months following the relaxation of restrictions in July 2023. The new rules permit individuals over 16 to ride electric scooters without a driver’s license, and they have become a common sight in major cities like Tokyo.