Definition of a regular bicycle
Length within 190cm, width within 60cm. Four wheels or less. No sidecar.
Electrically assisted bicycles are included in the category of regular bicycles.
The upper limit of the assist power of an electric assist bicycle
| Per hour | Assist power |
| 24km/h or faster | 1:0 (human power: assist power) |
| Between 10km/h and 24km/h | The higher the speed, the lower the assist ratio becomes. For every 1 human power, it is 2 – (speed – 10) ÷ 7. (Example) At 15km/h, 2-(15-10) ÷ 7 is approximately 1.3, so the ratio is 1:1.3. (Example) At 17km/h, 2-(17-10) ÷ 7 is approximately 1.0, so the ratio is 1:1. |
| Less than 10km/h | 1:2 (human power: assist power) |
Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations
Anything that exceeds the assist power of an electric assist bicycle is likely to exceed 20km/h when pedaled by foot, and would likely be classified as a general motorized bicycle .
| – | Moped | ||
| Special small motorized bicycle | Specific small motorized bicycle | General motorized bicycle | |
| driver licence | Not required (16 years old and over) | Not required (16 years old and over) | Required (16 years old and above) |
| Maximum speed | 6km/h or less | 20km/h or less | 30km/h or less |
| Maximum speed light | Flashing green | Solid green | none |
| Rated Power | 0.6kW or less | 0.6kW or less | 0.6kW or less |
| length | 1.9m or less | 1.9m or less | 1.9m or less |
| width | 0.6m or less | 0.6m or less | 0.6m or less |
| height | – | – | – |
Keep left
You must drive on the left side of the road, and on roads without lanes, you must drive on the left side of the road.
[Penalties] Imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen, etc.
Traffic lights
Go straight
When riding on the road, bicycles must obey traffic signals for vehicles.
When stopping at a red light, they must stop in front of the stop line for vehicles before the crosswalk.
[Penalties] Imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen, etc.
When a bicycle is on the road, it must follow the traffic signals for vehicles.
When a bicycle is on a pedestrian crossing, it must follow the traffic signals for pedestrians.
If there is a “pedestrian and bicycle only” or “bicycle only” traffic light, follow the instructions.
Turn right
If a bicycle is traveling on the road, follow the traffic lights for vehicles and make a right turn in two stages.
[Penalty] Fine of up to 20,000 yen or a penalty
If there is a “pedestrians and bicycles only” or “bicycles only” traffic light, follow the instructions and make a right turn in two stages.
If there are no traffic lights, turn right in two stages.
Intersection image source: Ehime Prefectural Police website ( URL )
Railroad crossing
At crossings with a crossbuck , you must stop immediately before the crossing (or just before the stop line if one is installed) and ensure it is safe before passing through. At crossings with traffic lights (
no crossbuck signs), you can proceed without stopping just before the crossing if you obey the traffic lights.
[Penalties] Imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen, etc.
“Stop” sign
If a road sign indicates that you should stop, stop.
[Penalties] Imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen, etc.
Road closed
Bicycles are not permitted where the following signs are displayed.
(no traffic for cars, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.)
(for cars, bicycles, etc.)
No entry
Bicycles are not permitted to enter areas where there are signs prohibiting vehicles from entering.
However, if there is an auxiliary sign saying “Excluding bicycles,” bicycles are allowed to enter.
Maximum speed
When riding on the road, obey the maximum speed signs.
If there are no maximum speed signs, there is no legal speed limit like for automobiles (60km/h limit on general roads).
When riding on the sidewalk, drive slowly.
Drink driving
Do not ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol.
[Based on] Article 65 of the Road Traffic Act
[Penalty] Imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to 1 million yen (for drunk driving, etc.), etc.
Nighttime lights on
At night, lights must be turned on. Reflective equipment must be worn.
[Penalties] Fines of up to 50,000 yen, etc.
No double riding
As a general rule, riding two people on a bicycle is prohibited.
However, people aged 16 or older may ride with a child who has not yet entered elementary school in a child seat.
[Penalties] Fines of up to 50,000 yen, etc.
One-handed driving
It is prohibited to talk on or operate a mobile phone, or drive with one hand while holding an umbrella or carrying something.
[Penalties] Imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
Measures to take in case of a traffic accident
In the event of a traffic accident, provide first aid to the injured, prevent danger, and report the incident to the police.
[Penalties] Imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 100,000 yen, etc.
Wearing a helmet
Try to wear a riding helmet.
