Illegal Modification of Electrically Assisted Bicycles: Increasing Dangers and Regulatory Challenges

In recent years, while the spread of electric assist bicycles has been remarkable, accidents and dangerous acts caused by their illegal modifications have become a social problem. In particular, modifications that remove the speed limiter compromise the bicycle's inherent safety and could cause serious harm to pedestrians and other vehicles.

The other day, Osaka Prefectural Police sent five people to prosecutors for the first time nationwide on suspicion of violating the Trademark Law for selling parts to remove the limiter on electric assist bicycles. They used the logos of major manufacturers without permission and sold modified parts on auction sites and other places. The modified bicycles were believed to have accelerated to speeds of nearly 50 kilometers per hour in some cases, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

This incident highlighted the seriousness of the illegal modification problem of electric assist bicycles. The police are cracking down on the sale of illegal modification parts through cyber patrols and other means, but transactions on the internet are difficult to track, and eradication has not been achieved.

Current Legal Regulations and Challenges

In Japan, electric assist bicycles are classified as "bicycles" under the Road Traffic Act and are permitted to travel on sidewalks. However, modified vehicles with the limiter removed are considered motorcycles, and a driver's license, helmet use, and obtaining a license plate are required.

However, it is currently difficult to distinguish between modified electric assist bicycles and regular electric assist bicycles by appearance. Therefore, police crackdowns are not easy, and illegal modifications are currently rampant.

Increase in Accidents and Dangers

Accidents involving electric assist bicycles are increasing, having increased fivefold over the past five years. In particular, high-speed driving due to limiter removal significantly increases the risk of serious accidents and has become a social problem.

Illegally modified electric assist bicycles pose a significant threat to pedestrians. Collisions with bicycles traveling at high speeds on sidewalks can seriously injure pedestrians. Furthermore, for the rider themselves, balance control at high speeds is difficult, increasing the risk of serious injury from falls.

Similarities to Mopeds

Removing the limiter on an electric assist bicycle is similar to mopeds, pedal-assisted motorcycles. Mopeds can be driven by a motor and are capable of even higher speeds than electric assist bicycles.

Mopeds are treated as motorcycles and are subject to the same regulations as motorcycles, such as requiring a driver's license and license plate. However, electric assist bicycles are treated as bicycles, so these regulations do not apply.

This difference may be contributing to the illegal modification of electric assist bicycles. By applying regulations for motorcycles to electric assist bicycles as well, as is done with mopeds, a deterrent effect on illegal modifications can be expected.

Countermeasures and Future Outlook

To solve the problem of illegal modifications of electric assist bicycles, strengthening regulations, strengthening enforcement, and public awareness campaigns for users are important.

Regarding the strengthening of regulations, it is necessary to clearly define the removal of the limiter as an illegal act and strengthen penalties. It should also be considered to introduce regulations on appearance so that modified electric assist bicycles can be easily identified.

Regarding strengthening enforcement, it is necessary to strengthen cyber patrols and on-road crackdowns by the police. It is also important to request cooperation from bicycle retailers and others in preventing illegal modifications.

Regarding public awareness campaigns for users, it is necessary to widely publicize the dangers and illegality of illegal modifications of electric assist bicycles. In particular, it is necessary to strengthen education on safe bicycle use methods for young people.

Electric assist bicycles are environmentally friendly and convenient vehicles. However, compromising their safety through illegal modifications should never be tolerated. It is necessary for relevant organizations to cooperate and actively work toward the eradication of illegal modifications.