As a record number of tourists flock to Japan, attracted by the weak yen, some are encountering issues with authorities due to the increasing popularity of motorized, rideable suitcases.
Two major Japanese airports have already requested that travelers refrain from riding motorized suitcases within their premises, as reported by the Kyodo news agency. Meanwhile, police are urging domestic retailers to inform customers about the strict regulations governing their use.
In recent years, motorized luggage, similar in concept to children’s scooters but powered by lithium-ion batteries, has become more popular among travelers, with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Shilpa Shetty contributing to their appeal.
According to Kyodo, Japan currently classifies these electric suitcases, which are popular in other parts of Asia, as “motorized vehicles,” meaning they can only be operated on roads with the appropriate safety equipment and a driving license.
In June, a Chinese woman in her 30s, who was studying in Japan, was referred to prosecutors for driving without a license. She allegedly rode a three-wheeled suitcase on a sidewalk in Osaka on March 31, according to the Osaka Prefectural Police.
Under Japan’s traffic laws, the woman’s suitcase, capable of reaching speeds of up to 13 km per hour, is classified as a “motorized bicycle,” similar to some mopeds. The police reiterated in June that licenses are required for such mobile luggage.
In July, a boy from Indonesia rode a motorized suitcase through a crowded street in Osaka’s bustling Dotonbori shopping district. According to Kyodo, his family was surprised to learn that a driving license was necessary for such vehicles in Japan.
Takeru Shibayama, a senior scientist at the Vienna University of Technology’s Institute for Transportation, suggested that Japan’s broad classification of vehicles—including motorized bicycles—might necessitate a new category specifically for electric suitcases.
Japan has faced challenges in adapting to new forms of transportation. Traffic violations involving electric scooters increased fourfold in the six months following the relaxation of restrictions in July 2023, according to the National Police Agency.
The relaxed regulations now allow people over 16 to ride them without a driver’s license, making them a common sight in major cities like Tokyo.
