Sit Down but Don’t Pedal: A New Mobility Option Comes to Japan

With its extensive network of rail lines, trams, monorails and buses, Japan is well known for having a wide array of public transportation choices. There is still room for improvement, however, and new and complementary mobility options to reach the “last one mile” from primary transportation hubs are gaining traction in the country. OpenStreet Co., Ltd., a SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) group company, is a leader in this space with its app-based “HELLO CYCLING” bike-sharing platform that uses electrically-assisted bicycles, or e-bikes. As of February 13, 2024, OpenStreet had over 3 million registered users and more than 7,500 bike-sharing stations located across Japan. On January 30, 2024, OpenStreet unveiled a brand new mobility option to further build on its leadership position.

Give HELLO CYCLING a test ride

In this walkthrough article, learn how to get around with OpenStreet’s HELLO CYCLING’s e-bikes. A smartphone with the HELLO CYCLING app and a credit card are all that’s needed to get started. Major credit cards issued outside Japan and non-Japanese phone numbers also work with the service*.

*
Note that debit cards cannot be used.

The app menus also support English and Chinese (simplified characters and traditional characters).

Adding to its extensive network of pedal-powered e-bikes, OpenStreet began providing Japan’s first sharing service for small-sized sit-down mopeds, or what it calls “electric cycles.” A press conference and test-ride event were held in Tokyo on January 24 prior to the January 30 launch.

Striking a balance between convenience and traffic orderliness

Tomoaki Kudo, President and CEO of OpenStreet, and representatives from two major cities near Tokyo–Chiba City, which ran trials with electric cycles, and Saitama City, which has a partnership agreement with OpenStreet–spoke at the press briefing.

The electric cycle, jointly developed by OpenStreet and manufacturer glafit, inc., represents a new mobility category for Japan. Characterized by its fully electrical operation without the need to pedal, the electric cycle rides like a bicycle with moped-style throttling. Under Japan’s Road Traffic Law, which was revised on July 1, 2023, this electric cycle falls under the category of "specified small motorized bicycles" and therefore requires license plates.

Striking a balance between convenience and traffic orderliness

While the electric cycle is similar in size and shape to a small bicycle, it can travel on roadways up to a maximum speed of 20 km/h (in roadway-only mode), and is equipped with a maximum speed indicator light. While riders do not require a license, they do need to pass rules-based test on the HELLO CYCLING app to operate the vehicle safely.

While electric kickboards, or electric scooters, are seeing increased use in Japan, Kudo explained that OpenStreet made a conscious decision to go with the sit-down electric cycle design as it offers a steady ride and its sturdy tires are suited to Japan’s roads and sidewalks, which are prone to bumps and irregularities.

Riders can toggle between roadway-only mode and sidewalk mode, which has a maximum speed of 6 km/h

As with most mopeds in Japan, automobile liability insurance is required

Maximum speed indicator light (green lamp)

Riders need to pass a test to operate the electric cycles

Explaining the background behind the introduction of the electric cycle to Open Street’s service mix, Kudo said, "We recognize the need to strike a balance between convenience and traffic orderliness in the social implementation of new modes of mobility. We believe that the way to develop electric cycles in Japan is to gradually address three elements–vehicle form, operational methods, and space for riding–while promoting their widespread use. First, we’ll collaborate with partners in the collection and analysis of riding data in areas that have been developed to some extent, such as the two cities where we’ll start this project," he explained.

See how the electric cycle provides steady operation in this test ride

Both Chiba City and Saitama City, which have already introduced sharing services with electrically-assisted bicycles to address public transportation and mobility challenges, installed stations with OpenStreet’s electric cycles. Chiba City is working to increase social acceptance of electric cycles by implementing workshops with the Chiba Prefectural Police and private facility operators, and Saitama City is anticipating that the electric cycles will offer a new means of transportation for its citizens as it works to revitalize the city by incorporating various mobility options.

Electric cycle test ride sessions (left) and traffic safety lessons held in Chiba City (right)

Electric cycle launch event in Saitama City on February 1, 2024
Third from right is Saitama City Mayor Hayato Shimizu and to his left is OpenStreet CEO Tomoaki Kudo

With more than 7,500 stations nationwide, HELLO CYCLING offers a great way to get around

By downloading and registering on the free HELLO CYCLING app, you can make reservations to use electrically-assisted bicycles and search for stations anytime and anywhere.