Is upgrading standard bike to e-bike legal in Japan/Tokyo?

2 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

   —

   **Is upgrading standard bike to e-bike legal in Japan/Tokyo?**

   Im heading to Tokyo this September to see how I might “fit in” longer term. I would like to buy a used 7 speed to see how i do around Tokyo with it and then might wish to upgrade to making it an Ebike. Is that allowed? Is it able to be registered after upgrade? Thanks

   *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/movingtojapan) if you have any questions or concerns.*

2. Short answer: No.

   Long answer: After the upgrade to a fully electric bicycle, ones that does not require you to pedal for it to go, it will be classified as a motorized vehicle- **no longer a bicycle-** thus you will need:

   * a driving license to ride it (either an ordinary car license or a <50cc “gentsuki” license)
   * a helmet

   and the bike will need:

   * registration and a proper number plate, with compulsory road tax (jibaiseki hoken)
   * braking devices (front and rear wheels)
   * headlights, brake/taillights, turn signals, number plate lights
   * rear view mirror
   * horn

   to be able to be ridden legally on the street.

   Better to keep it a bicycle as-is, or get a motor-assisted bicycle (ones that will not go forward without pedaling), which is very common here.