Japan has had enough of these moped-style electric suitcases used by tourists and is cracking down

Japan is strictly implementing laws on electric rolling suitcases used by tourists, in its latest attempt to fight overtourism as the Asian country faces a massive growth in visitors.

Already under Japanese law, users will have to show safety documents to be able to 'drive' these suitcases, but many tourists are unaware of such regulations. The law defines electric suitcases as “motorised vehicles that can be ridden on roads only with the required safety equipment and a driving licence.”

While the motorised suitcases have been popularised by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Shilpa Shetty, the luggage-on-the-go has been subject of safety concerns recently. In June, a woman from China allegedly drove such a suitcase on a sidewalk, Kyodo news agency reported. An Indonesian kid rode such a suitcase in a busy Dotonbori shopping district, causing commotion in July.

Kyodo reported that two Japanese airports have already banned the use of such suitcases in their premises.

Japanese police have asked retailers to warn about the laws regulating their use before they make the purchase.

The rolling suitcases have become ubiquitous in Japanese airports and elsewhere in Asia. These usually have three or four wheels attached to moped-like frames and handles, with advanced models even featuring navigation panels. Looking similar to toy bikes used by children, these electric suitcases are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Users can 'ride' the bags just by sitting on them and navigating the handle. 

The ongoing crackdown on rideable luggage is the latest in Japan's attempts to curtail overtourism and the nuisances associated with it.

Just a few months ago, it blocked the view of Mount Fuji with a giant black barrier. This was because the popular instagram photo site became a hotspot for tourists who often exhibited rowdy behaviour.

The barrier, made with a meshed wire  2.5 metres high and 20 metres long, was erected in May.

Another move being mooted is differential pricing for tourists. With this, Japan will charge foreign tourists more for certain items under a two-tier system.

The price difference is as high as 1,100 Yen in some restaurants, according to Asia News Network, which noted that the depreciation of the Japanese currency has made several items incredibly cheap for foreign visitors.

The moves come amid a massive tourism boom in Japan that broke records this year. In the first half of 2024, Japan saw 17.78 million tourists, according to its tourism agency. The weakening of Yen has helped drive these numbers. Currently, the tourism inflow has crossed pre-Covid pandemic levels, according to a report in Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)