#Japan #Luup #Toyama #Imizu

Electric Kickboard Sharing Service 'LUUP' Launches in Imizu City, Toyama

Starting from May 12, 2025, Imizu City in Toyama will witness the introduction of the electric kickboard sharing service 'LUUP'. This initiative is part of the 'LUUP for Community' program by LUUP Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, aiming to partner with local governments, businesses, and organizations to enhance local mobility solutions.

Background of LUUP's Mission

LUUP has a mission to transform cities into accessible hubs that resemble a station-front experience. Their service encompasses the sharing of electric kickboards and assistive bicycles, aiming to facilitate daily activities such as commuting, shopping, and tourism. By establishing convenient pick-up and drop-off points, LUUP promotes sustainable urban mobility, utilizing vacant real estate efficiently while enhancing residents’ convenience.

Imizu City is centrally located in Toyama Prefecture, nestled under the majestic Tateyama mountains. The city’s vision, titled 'Irodori Hirogaru Muzumuzu Imizu', aims to nurture a diverse and tolerant community that values individuality, creating new interactions through shared local resources. The local government has been actively pursuing policies to encourage growth and development, particularly in response to the district's aging population and decreasing community numbers.

Integrating LUUP in the Local Culture

In the Takaozan district of Imizu, the launch of the LUUP electric kickboards is part of a community revitalization effort in collaboration with residents and local authorities. Recognizing the benefits of easy access to transport for everyone aged 16 and older, the program supports a wide range of user mobility needs. This sustainable solution intends to enhance the quality of life, ensuring that Imizu can evolve into a more connected and sustainable society.

Comments from Community Leaders

The president of the Takaozan area renovation council, Taisuke Ejiri, emphasized the significant changes the area has undergone since large-scale town developments in the 1960s to the 1970s. However, with ongoing demographic shifts leading to challenges in maintaining community cohesion, the renovation plan initiated in March 2021 is a response to those pressing issues. By incorporating innovative mobility solutions like LUUP, they aim to set off an upward trajectory in community engagement and maintenance.

Details of the LUUP Service

The LUUP sharing service allows users to ride electric kickboards or bicycles utilizing a smartphone app for seamless navigation between designated ports. Here are the key details:

• - Service Availability: May 12, 2025 – October 30, 2025
• - Ride Pricing: Initial fee of 400 JPY plus 100 JPY for every ten minutes thereafter (tax included)
• - Vehicle Fleet: 8 electric kickboards and 2 electric bicycles
• - Port Locations: Six pick-up and drop-off locations include major sites like Kozo Station and Albis stores, spread across the city for easy access.
• - Operating Hours: The service operates 24 hours a day.

To guarantee a smooth customer experience, users must register their age via the app and pass a traffic rules test before they can utilize the electric kickboards. Insurance covering property damage, personal injuries, and medical incidents will also be in place, ensuring safety for all users.

Conclusion

LUUP's initiative in Imizu City signifies a step towards enabling modern, efficient transportation solutions that cater to local needs while promoting sustainability. As part of a broader community strategy, this service not only enhances mobility for residents but also fosters interactions that can lead to an enriched urban fabric. By embracing such innovations, LUUP hopes to contribute towards a future where everyone enjoys accessible transport in a thriving, interconnected community.

For more information and to download the LUUP application, please visit LUUP.