#Japan #Kyoto #electric scooters #Luup #Community Watch

Luup Enhances Safety in Kyoto Pedestrian Areas

Introduction
In an innovative move to promote safety and protection for pedestrians, Luup, a micro-mobility sharing service headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has unveiled its unique "Community Watch Stop Function." This feature was developed in collaboration with the Kyoto Prefectural Police to prevent electric scooters and similar vehicles from entering prohibited areas along the Kamo River. As a pioneering attempt within the industry, Luup aims to create a safer urban environment tailored to local characteristics.

Background
Luup’s mission revolves around transforming urban infrastructure to ensure that every city area feels like a convenient station. Since launching its services in Kyoto in November 2021, Luup has established over 1,440 bike and electric scooter ports, becoming an integral part of the residents' daily commute. Additionally, the company signed a groundbreaking partnership agreement with Kyoto Prefecture to allow public officials to utilize its services starting January 2026, further strengthening community ties.

Through its operations in Kyoto, Luup strives to balance tourism promotion with the living convenience of its residents. With the increasing congestion on city buses impacting local travel, Luup is actively working to diversify tourist routes to ease the burden on civic transport systems and mitigate over-tourism.

Maintaining Local Integrity
A key focus for Luup has been maintaining dialogues with community members to uphold Kyoto's unique lifestyle, culture, and scenic integrity. However, it has been observed that certain sections along the Kamo River, which are designated as pedestrian-only areas, have seen unauthorized scooter activity. To address this issue while preserving the historical backdrop and aesthetic of Kyoto, Luup employed GPS technology to implement controls that ensure compliance with local regulations.

While implementing remote control through GPS for ride management, Luup recognizes the potential risks associated with sudden stops in mixed-traffic environments. Hence, the system is specifically designed to function in designated areas devoid of vehicular traffic. Luup emphasizes that its foundational safety measures include promoting adherence to traffic rules through its unique warning and penalty system, known as LUDAS, alongside community education efforts provided through their app.

Future Objectives
Moving forward, Luup will continue to engage with local authorities and citizens to assess the effectiveness of these new safety functions. The company also pledges to address issues related to over-tourism while enhancing the convenience of daily life for Kyoto's residents. Luup is dedicated to contributing to the development of neighborhoods that foster freedom of movement while ensuring a safe and enjoyable transport experience for everyone.

Details on 'Community Watch Stop Function'

The innovative "Community Watch Stop Function" utilizes GPS technology to monitor pedestrian spaces, ensuring urban safety. This feature detects movement in real-time; if scooters are found in restricted zones, they are automatically and safely brought to a halt, accompanied by audible alerts.

• - Target Mobility: Electric scooters (with gradual implementation).
• - Implementation Area: Specified sections along the Kamo River bank.

Safety Measures in Kyoto

1. Push Zone Implementation
- Certain roads deemed off-limits for scooters and bicycles, such as Shijo and Kawaramachi Streets, are clearly marked in the Luup app to raise awareness before rides commence.

2. LUDAS Warning and Penalty System
- This system detects dangerous behavior based on data from the scooters' GPS, detecting unauthorized access to restricted areas and enforcing penalties to prevent future infractions.

3. Infringement Prevention Feature
- Users are warned in advance of restricted zones through the app, allowing them to plan routes effectively while comparing their destinations with prohibited areas.

4. Increased Awareness During Gion Festival
- During the Gion Festival, Luup plans to implement educational campaigns about traffic rules, including temporary suspension of scooter access to particular ports adjacent to restricted streets.

For other safety measures and detailed insights, please refer to the Luup website's Safety page.

Company Overview
Locate Luup at: Shinagawa, Tokyo. Founded in July 2018, the company aims to provide enhanced mobility options. For more information about their app and services, visit their official website.