In the six months since Japan eased regulations on electric scooters last July, traffic violations involving such vehicles increased fourfold, according to the National Police Agency.

Reports of traffic violations by e-scooter riders totaled 1,879 in the month of December, a significant increase from the 405 cases reported in July of last year.

The eased e-scooter regulations made it possible for people over the age of 16 to ride the vehicles without a driver＊s license.

The total number of reported violations during the six months from July to December was 7,130. Almost half of the violations were in relation to riders driving in the wrong traffic lane, while 38% concerned riders ignoring traffic lights. Eighty-five scooter accidents have been reported, along with 86 injuries as a result. So far, no deaths involving e-scooters have been reported.

The figures mark an increase from previous years. In 2022, 41 accidents involving e-scooters were reported, following 29 such cases in 2021 and four in 2020.

As use of e-scooters continues to increase in cities nationwide, more people have expressed concerns over their safety. According to an online survey released by major insurance company Sompo Japan last Friday, 78.8% of the 796 respondents said they ※feel (scooters) are dangerous§ after seeing how they are driven on the streets.

The same survey found that the biggest concern people have about e-scooters is that they are unsure of the traffic rules regarding the vehicle, and that they are scared of falling down or colliding with other people on the street while riding a scooter.

E-scooters have been gaining popularity in Japan since 2021, especially among people in their 20s and 30s. One of the most popular domestic scooter rental services is Luup, which has around 5,900 ports around the nation. Those over 16 can easily rent a Luup e-scooter by using the company＊s app. However, first-time users are required to pass a quiz on traffic regulations and the app sends periodic reminders as well.

To prevent traffic violations from turning into major accidents, the NPA is calling on e-scooter riders to be mindful of the rules. Traffic regulations prohibit users from riding while intoxicated, as well as double riding, and also require users to wear a helmet.

Users who are caught violating the rules are required to pay a fine and those with repeated violations will have to attend a lecture by the National Public Safety Commission.