Osaka Prefectural Police conducted a crackdown on illegal electric kick-board use in Osaka on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The operation targets a rise in dangerous riding behaviors that threaten pedestrian safety and violate Japanese road law. Local authorities are increasing visibility to curb common infractions that have become prevalent in urban areas.
During the enforcement action on May 28, police issued warnings to five people [1]. The officers targeted riders for several specific violations, including two-person riding, traveling on sidewalks, running red lights, and driving in the opposite direction of traffic [1].
These behaviors are strictly prohibited under road laws to prevent accidents in high-traffic city zones. The crackdown follows a period of significant non-compliance with safety regulations regarding small electric vehicles.
Data from the previous year indicates the scale of the issue in the region. Osaka recorded approximately 4,900 electric kick-board violations in 2025 [1]. This high volume of infractions has prompted police to shift toward more active enforcement and public warnings.
Regulations for these vehicles include specific age requirements to ensure operator competency. The minimum age to ride an electric kick-board without a license is 16 years old [1]. Police officials said these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of both riders and the general public as the popularity of micro-mobility grows in Japan.
“Osaka recorded approximately 4,900 electric kick-board violations in 2025.”
The shift toward active enforcement in Osaka reflects a broader struggle in Japanese cities to integrate micro-mobility devices into existing traffic laws. With nearly 5,000 violations in a single year, the police are moving from passive regulation to active deterrence to prevent fatalities and injuries caused by sidewalk riding and signal violations.
