When we talk about electric bicycles and e-bikes, some people in Japan believe they are illegal bicycles.

I would like to clarify the differences between "electric bicycles," "electric-assist bicycles," and "e-bikes," which can often be lumped together.

If you understand these distinctions, you can ride with confidence.

■ What is an Electric Bicycle?

Electric bicycles are also referred to as "full electric bicycles."

These are bicycle-shaped vehicles equipped with a motor or other drive unit, allowing them to start without pedaling.

They have a throttle, and twisting it initiates movement.

There is no speed limit (though it's 30 km/h on public roads), and if ridden on public roads in Japan, they are categorized as "motorized bicycles (mopeds)," requiring a license plate and a helmet for the rider.

Additionally, lights and turn signals are necessary, so even if they are sold, riding them on public roads as-is would be illegal.

There are no issues with riding them on private property, such as event venues or factories.

■ Electric-Assist Bicycle

Electric-assist bicycles are also equipped with an electric motor, but they do not have a throttle. The assist only begins when sensors detect that the pedals are being moved.

Initially, at speeds below 10 km/h (when starting), the human power to electric power ratio was 1:1. This was revised in 2008, increasing to 1:2 below 10 km/h, and the assist stops at speeds up to 24 km/h.

Naturally, riding them on roads and sidewalks is legal.

When riding on sidewalks, pedestrians have priority, and you should proceed slowly on the road side.

■ E-bike

An e-bike is a type of electric-assist bicycle.

While electric bicycles typically take the form of city bikes (i.e., "mamachari"), e-bikes specifically refer to sport-type electric bicycles, such as road bike or mountain bike types.

The term "e-bike" comes from overseas, so in Japan, which originally used "electric-assist bicycle," there is no clear definition of whether "e-bike" and "electric-assist bicycle" are different or the same.

However, judging from magazines and other sources, "mamachari" type bicycles are referred to as "electric-assist bicycles," while sport types like road bikes are called "e-bikes."

E-bikes are, of course, legal products that can be ridden on public roads in Japan and are categorized as regular bicycles.

They can also be ridden on sidewalks, just like regular bicycles.

However, pedestrians have priority, and you should proceed slowly on the road side.

■ Overseas Situation

The maximum speed and other regulations for e-bikes overseas vary by country.

There are slight differences tailored to the specific circumstances of each country.

China: There is no particular definition of an "electric bicycle," and even full electric bicycles are treated as bicycles if their speed is below 20 km/h.

In essence, they are judged by their maximum speed.

South Korea: In 2006, China introduced electric bicycles, and Japan, slightly later, introduced Yamaha's "PAS," but it didn't really take hold. Even around 2019, it only accounted for about 1% of the bicycle industry's market share.

In South Korea, bicycles have generally not been well-received due to the many hills.

There was a perception that they were for people who couldn't afford cars or motorcycles.

On the other hand, experimental electric bicycle sharing services have started and seem to be gradually expanding.

Europe: The Netherlands and Germany have high market shares.

According to EU standards, motor output is capped at 250W, and assistance is provided up to 25 km/h.

In Japan, the assist power gradually decreases between 10 km/h and 24 km/h, whereas with European standards, the assist suddenly cuts off at 25 km/h.

Neither bicycles nor electric bicycles are allowed on sidewalks.

Those with assist functions up to 45 km/h require a license and a helmet.

America: Electric-assist bicycles are now treated as motorized vehicles.

They cannot be ridden as bicycles.

Designs that resemble motor-type bikes have also increased.

Australia: Regulations are unclear, but there are reportedly electric-assist bicycles that provide assistance up to 80 km/h.

At that level, it's questionable whether they can even be called bicycles.