What is a specified small moped? What has changed with the legal revisions in July 2024?
The revised Road Traffic Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, created a new category of " specified small mopeds (specified small motorized bicycles) ." This has made electric kick scooters and small electric motorcycles more accessible, and they are attracting attention as a form of mobility that can be ridden without a license.
A specific small moped is an electric mobility vehicle that meets the following conditions:
- Maximum speed: 20km/h or less
- Rated output: 0.6kW or less
- Vehicle size: Length 190cm or less, width 60cm or less
- The maximum speed setting cannot be changed while driving
This new classification means that they are treated differently from traditional mopeds, making them easier to use.
[Important] No license is required for a specific small moped! But there are conditions
No driver's license required
The biggest advantage of a designated small moped is that you don't need a driver's license . However, there are the following conditions:
- Be 16 years of age or older (driving is prohibited for those under 16)
- Traffic rules such as drunk driving and dangerous driving apply in the same way as for regular vehicles.
- It is necessary to understand traffic rules and drive safely.
No license is required, but traffic rules must be observed.
Just because you don't need a license doesn't mean you don't have to follow traffic rules. Running red lights, failing to stop signs, and drunk driving are all punishable by law.
Is wearing a helmet mandatory? Or is it just a matter of effort?
Helmet wearing rules from July 2024 onwards
Wearing a helmet on a specific small moped is a voluntary obligation .
- There is no penalty for not wearing one
- However, it is strongly recommended to wear one for safety reasons.
- Bicycle helmets are acceptable (does not have to be for mopeds)
[Advice from a specialist store]
Although it is a legal obligation, wearing a helmet can mean the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. At SQUARE Mobility, we recommend that all customers wear a helmet.
Is compulsory automobile liability insurance necessary? What about optional insurance?
Compulsory automobile liability insurance (mandatory insurance)
All specified small mopeds are required to have compulsory automobile liability insurance :
- If you do not join, it is illegal to drive on public roads.
- Insurance fee: Approximately 7,000 to 8,000 yen per year
- Compensation: Personal injury compensation only (maximum 30 million yen in the event of death, maximum 1.2 million yen in the event of injury)
- An insurance sticker must be affixed to the license plate.
Should I consider optional insurance?
Compulsory automobile liability insurance alone does not cover the following cases:
- If you damage the other person's car or property (property damage compensation)
- Repair costs for your injuries and vehicle
- High compensation exceeding the amount of compensation provided by the Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you also take out optional insurance . There are insurance plans available for around 1,000 to 2,000 yen per month.
How to obtain a license plate
To drive a specified small moped on public roads, you must obtain a license plate .
Acquisition process
- Go to your local city hall
- Submit required documents (sales certificate, ID, etc.)
- Receive your license plate and license certificate
- Attaching the license plate to the vehicle
Cost: Free (Some municipalities may charge a fee of several hundred yen)
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
*SQUARE Mobility also offers a license plate registration service . If you are busy, please feel free to use this service.
Where can I ride? Where can I ride?
Basically, drive on the road
As a general rule, small mopeds should ride on the left side of the road :
- Riding on sidewalks is prohibited in principle
- If there is a bike lane, you can ride in it
- If you switch to the maximum speed mode of 6km/h (specially designated small moped mode), you can ride on some sidewalks.
What is the special specified small moped mode?
By limiting your speed to 6km/h or less and turning on the green flashing light, you can ride on sidewalks that have signs that say "For ordinary bicycles, pedestrians, etc."
Recommended small moped models for 2025
At SQUARE Mobility, we have a wide selection of specialized small mopeds to suit your needs:
Electric kickboard type
- RICHBIT ES1 Pro - Lightweight and portable
- RICHBIT ES2 Pro - Long range, perfect for commuting
- YADEA KS6 Pro - Peace of mind from a major brand
Electric bike type
- glafit NFR-01 Pro - Stylish Design
- RICHBIT CITY - Foldable for easy storage
- SWALLOW MOPERO mini cargo - Also suitable for transporting luggage
A detailed comparison of each model will be presented in a separate article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I ride on rainy days?
A. Although many specified small mopeds are waterproof, please avoid riding them in heavy rain or on flooded roads. Also, as it is easy to slip in the rain, please drive carefully and slow down.
Q2. Can two people ride on the bike?
A. Two people riding on a specified small moped is prohibited. Violation will result in penalties.
Q3. Where should I park my car?
A. They are treated the same as mopeds and can be parked in motorcycle and bicycle parking lots. However, rules vary depending on the facility, so be sure to check in advance.
Q4. Where can I charge the battery?
A. For most specified small mopeds, the battery can be removed and charged using a household outlet (100V). It takes about 4 to 8 hours to fully charge.
Summary: Comfortable travel with a specific small moped
A small moped is a new means of transportation that you can easily start using without needing a license. However, there are some points you should keep in mind:
- ✓ No license required if you are 16 years or older
- ✓ Helmets are mandatory (we recommend wearing them)
- ✓ Compulsory automobile liability insurance is required
- ✓ License plates must be obtained
- ✓ Generally, drive on the left side of the road
At SQUARE Mobility, we not only sell specific small mopeds, but also provide total support, including license plate registration, insurance information, and after-sales support.
If you are having trouble choosing your first electric mobility vehicle, please feel free to contact us.