Go Tokyo Your Experience
For many travel enthusiasts, one of the most challenging aspects of traveling abroad is dragging a heavy suitcase while strolling through city streets. However, with the development of technology, a novel product has emerged on the market that combines the functions of an electric vehicle and a suitcase, truly alleviating the burden for travelers.
These electric suitcases can not only move autonomously but can even be ridden, moving along with the user, significantly reducing the burden of transporting luggage. However, the accompanying question is whether this convenient mode of transportation is legal under the regulations of various countries.
Recently, a noteworthy case occurred in Japan, highlighting the legal issues surrounding electric suitcases. A Chinese international student in Japan was charged with driving without a license for riding an electric suitcase on the road, making it the first case in Japan of legal sanction for “riding an electric suitcase on the street,” which immediately sparked widespread public attention and discussion.
According to reports, this female Chinese international student in her thirties claimed that she was not aware that riding an electric suitcase required a driver’s license.
This incident occurred in the busy urban area of Osaka. Due to the electric suitcase’s speed, which can reach up to 13 kilometers per hour, and its appearance and size being similar to that of a regular lightweight motorcycle, it has been classified by local police as a vehicle that requires a driver’s license. Riding on the road without a license clearly violates Japan’s on-site traffic laws.
However, when visiting major tourist attractions in Japan, we find that foreign tourists riding electric suitcases are by no means rare.
At famous tourist spots such as Fujikawaguchiko Town in Yamanashi Prefecture, one can often see tourists riding these automated luggage boxes as they explore the area.
This phenomenon is also very common in the bustling Shinjuku District of Tokyo.
Especially in crowded places like airports, travelers riding electric luggage are indeed very common.
To this end, Japanese media have called on tourists planning to bring electric luggage to Japan to be sure to understand the relevant traffic regulations in advance, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble during their travels. If the regulations do not permit it, do not use electric luggage on public roads.
In fact, electric suitcases not only solve the problem of luggage transportation but also bring many conveniences. For example, some models of suitcases are designed to be smarter and have an automatic follow function, allowing the suitcase to automatically follow the owner, further freeing the user’s hands.
A respondent explained that he knows this device cannot be used on the road in Japan, so he only uses it within the airport area to avoid violating the rules.
In addition, there are some extra considerations when using electric suitcases. For example, the batteries used in these devices must comply with international air transport regulations when being checked in.
Batteries that exceed the limits or are not packed properly may be denied boarding during the check-in process. Therefore, it is recommended that travelers with electric suitcases carefully check the specific requirements for battery transport related to their flights and local regulations before their trip.
Whether to make travel more convenient or for safety considerations, travelers using electric suitcases should understand the laws and regulations of their destination country in advance to ensure the legality and compliance of such devices, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble. This is not only a respect for the law but also a safeguard for one’s own safety.
