Why Do Police Turn a Blind Eye to Electric Kickboard Violators Despite Noticing Illegal Driving?

The suspect, who inflicted serious injuries and fled, stated, “I thought I didn’t need a license.”

On February 3rd, in the streets of Naka Ward, Nagoya City, a collision occurred between a 47-year-old man crossing the road and an electric kickboard driven by Suspect X, which had traveled 150 meters in the wrong direction on a one-way street. The man sustained serious injuries. According to surveillance camera footage of the accident scene, after the collision, Suspect X ran towards the man but quickly fled the scene on the electric kickboard.

Subsequent police investigation revealed that Suspect X’s electric kickboard falls under the category requiring a license and helmet. Suspect X admitted to never having obtained a license before and stated, “I thought a license wasn’t required for driving an electric kickboard.”

Regarding the new rules for electric kickboards, FRIDAY Digital has reported on them several times in the past. To recap, on July 1st, 2023, amendments to the Road Traffic Act introduced a new classification called Special Exception Light Motorcycles. To qualify, the vehicle must meet certain criteria regarding size, safety standards, and a maximum speed of 20 km/h, for which a motorcycle license is not required, and wearing a helmet is optional. Generally, they should operate on roads.

Furthermore, within the category of Special Exception Light Motorcycles, vehicles that can be set to speeds of 6 km/h or less are classified as Special Exception Light Motorcycles. These can also travel on sidewalks in bicycle-permissible areas. Neither a license nor a helmet is required, but they must have license plates and compulsory automobile liability insurance.

While it’s uncertain what type of electric kickboard Suspect X was using in the hit-and-run incident, it’s likely an unregistered “wild board,” which is prohibited from operating on public roads and restricted to private property.

New Rules for Electric Kickboards, Only Understood by Few?

More than six months have passed since the start of the new rules for electric kickboards, but likely, only a minority understand them correctly. Many may have a superficial understanding, thinking that electric kickboards can be ridden on sidewalks without a license or helmet, and they are convenient. However, few people can accurately explain the definition of specific light motorcycles or the differences from conventional electric kickboards. Moreover, unless an accident occurs, there is almost no enforcement by the police.

There are also issues with the police. Around the time of last year’s July amendments to the Road Traffic Act, there were a few instances of publicized crackdowns in areas such as Shibuya and Minato wards, where electric kickboard usage is prevalent. However, in other areas, police officers often turn a blind eye to illegal vehicles or violations, or simply give verbal warnings.