
Japan’s bustling cities and charming neighborhoods are perfect for exploring on two wheels—and LUUP, a shared electric bike and e-scooter service, makes that easier than ever. Whether you’re sightseeing or just going a short distance, LUUP gives you the freedom to move at your own pace. This guide walks you through how to borrow and return a LUUP vehicle, what you’ll need, rules to follow, and where you can use the service.
🚲 What Is LUUP?
LUUP is a Japanese micromobility platform offering electric bicycles and e-scooters that you can rent via a smartphone app. It’s available in many major cities and tourist destinations across Japan, and it’s especially popular for short trips around train stations, hotels, shopping areas, and sightseeing spots.

📲 Step-by-Step: How to Rent a LUUP Vehicle
LUUP’s process is simple but thorough to ensure your safety and compliance with local laws.
✅ Step 1: Download the LUUP App
- Available on iOS App Store and Google Play.
- Select English in the language settings for international use.
✅ Step 2: Create an Account
- Register using your email and phone number.
- You do not need a Japanese driver’s license.
- Instead, upload a valid photo ID such as:
- Your passport
- An international driver’s license
- A residence card (if you’re living in Japan)
📝 Note: The app will guide you through uploading documents and verifying your identity.
✅ Step 3: Watch a Safety Video & Pass the Test
- LUUP requires all users to complete a traffic rules learning course and short test before their first ride.
- All content is available in English and is designed to be tourist-friendly.
- The quiz takes only a few minutes and ensures you understand basic riding rules in Japan.
✅ Step 4: Find a Nearby LUUP Spot
- Open the LUUP app map to locate available vehicles near you.
- You’ll see icons for either electric bikes or e-scooters.
- Tap a vehicle to reserve it—reservations are held for a few minutes while you walk to the location.
✅ Step 5: Unlock and Start Your Ride
- Once you arrive at the LUUP vehicle, scan the QR code using the app.
- Wait for the “unlocked” message and then start your ride.
- For e-scooters, push off with your foot once or twice before accelerating using the throttle.
- For electric bikes, simply pedal—the motor will assist you.

🧤 Helmets are recommended, and some LUUP spots provide free helmets in lockers nearby.
Step-by-Step: How to Return a LUUP Vehicle
You must return LUUP vehicles to designated LUUP parking ports.
🅿️ Step 1: Locate a Parking Port
- While riding, check the LUUP app map for available parking spots.
- Not all areas allow returns—returning to an incorrect location may result in extra fees.
🅿️ Step 2: Park Properly
- Park the vehicle neatly inside the white rectangle marked “LUUP.”
- Do not block sidewalks, ramps, entrances, or other pedestrians.
- If it’s a shared bike rack, make sure you don’t block others.
🅿️ Step 3: End the Ride in the App
- Tap “End Ride” in the app.
- You may be asked to take a photo of the parked vehicle to confirm it’s parked correctly.
How Much Does LUUP Cost?
LUUP is affordable and charged by the minute.
- Unlock fee: ¥50–¥100 (varies by city)
- Per-minute fee: About ¥15–¥20
- Example: A 10-minute ride typically costs around ¥200–¥300.
💡You can check the fare estimate in the app before starting a ride.
⚠️ Important Rules and Safety Tips
- ❗ Do not ride on sidewalks, unless signs specifically allow it.
- ❗ One rider per vehicle only.
- ❗ No use of phones or headphones while riding.
- ❗ Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- 🚦 Follow all traffic signals, road signs, and bike lane rules.
🚫 Illegal Parking is a Serious Offense
If you leave a LUUP vehicle outside a designated parking port:
- You may be violating Japanese traffic laws, which can result in fines or penalties.
- The ride will not end, and fees will continue to accumulate until the vehicle is returned properly.
- These charges will be billed directly to your credit card.
- Improperly parked vehicles can block sidewalks or roads, causing inconvenience or danger to others.
Please always return LUUP vehicles to official parking spots and double-check before ending your ride.

Where Can You Use LUUP?
As of July 2025, LUUP is available in the following cities:
Cities:
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Yokohama
- Nagoya
- Fukuoka
- Sapporo
- Kobe
- Hiroshima
- Sendai
- Okayama
- Nagasaki
- Kitakyushu
- Oita
- Utsunomiya
- Takamatsu
- Kumamoto
- Toyama
- Fujisawa
- Chigasaki
- Kawasaki
- Hachioji
- Kamakura
- Niigata
- Tsu
- Matsuyama
- Shizuoka (limited areas)
- Kagoshima (pilot testing in progress)


🌐 LUUP is constantly expanding. Check the app for the latest availability in your area.
Is LUUP Good for Tourists?
Absolutely! Here’s why travelers love LUUP:
- No need for a Japanese license
- App and test are fully in English
- Great for sightseeing in neighborhoods and parks
- Avoid traffic and crowded public transit
- Easy payment with credit card or Apple Pay/Google Pay
- Eco-friendly and fun!
Final Tips Before You Ride
- Check weather conditions (riding in rain is not recommended).
- Always check battery level before starting.
- Take your time with the safety test—understanding the rules helps everyone.
Ready to explore Japan like a local?
Download LUUP, take the safety test, and ride with confidence!