Are you tired of the daily city traffic and looking for an eco-friendly and convenient way to get around the city? The Evercross Electric Kickboard might be just what you need. In this review, we’ll dive into the specs, benefits, and drawbacks of the Evercross Electric Kickboard. We’ll also cover the rules and regulations of electric scooter usage in Japan, how to register your electric scooter, and what to keep in mind while riding one.
Table of Contents
Specs
| Maximum Speed | 30km/hr |
| Range | ~25km |
| Weight | 12kg |
| Wheel Size | 8in |
| Storage Size | 19cm width, 94cm length, 37cm height |
| Extended Size | 104cm length, 94-114cm height |
| Price | 51000JPY |
Advantages
- Cost-saving and eco-friendly mode of transportation – you can save money from riding the train/bus and may even save time depending on where it is you want to go.
- 25km distance gets you far! For example, the below is a picture showing a 10km radius from Shibuya Station. You can go as far as Ueno or cross the Tamagawa river into Kanagawa Prefecture:
- Speed can go up to 30km/hr, but can also be a disadvantage (see rules and regulations further down the article).
- Lightweight and easy to carry – comes with a bag you can put the kickboard in to carry with you onto the train/bus.
Pitfalls
- Be careful of the brake in steep downhill – though this scooter’s brakes are regenerative brakes, it is not powerful enough to stop you completely in a steep decline. It is advised to control your speed and use both the EBS and foot brake on the back of the scooter in such situations.
- It can take a while to charge – I’ve never charged from 0% battery before but I remember it taking 4-6 hours to charge fully.
- Not to be used in substantially rainy conditions – it can take a light drizzle but water is prone to run into the circuits and battery. I’ve had to call customer support to send a new battery once after using it in heavy rain!
Rules and Regulations in Japan
In Japan, electric scooters like the Evercross Electric Kickboard are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and convenience. However, it’s important to keep in mind the rules and regulations of using electric scooters on Japanese roads. According to the Japanese government, electric scooters can only be used on roads with a speed limit of 30 km/h or less, and riders must have a valid driver’s license when using faster electric scooters such as this one.
With regards to whether this scooter can be used on pedestrian walkways, the official answer is NO. However, at its slowest speed setting the electric kickboard runs up to 15km/hr, which is an acceptable speed to use on pedestrian walkways. It is not clear if regulations look at a kickboard’s maximum speed or the speed the rider happens to be using at that time, so proceed at your own risk.
Another thing you will need to do is to register your electric kickboard at your local ward office. You will be required to register the make/model, when you purchased it, serial number, and the potential maximum speed it can run. In exchange you will receive a license plate which you will need to affix onto your scooter. NOTE: This kickboard wasn’t designed to have a license plate attached to it, so you will need to DIY it!!
Lastly, it is necessary for you to purchase liability insurance (自賠責保険) when operating your electric kickboard. Insurance provider rates differ but not by a significant amount. For electric kickboards you will need to purchase the type used for e-scooters (up to 125cc “原付”). For example, Sompo Japan charges 8850JPY for two years of insurance, but it is up to you how long you would like to use the scooter. Personally I imagine the lifetime of an electric kickboard to be around two years. Technically you can “transfer” the insurance to a new electric kickboard but it is up to you to decide how long you plan to use it.
Personal Anecdotes
I have been using the Evercross Electric Kickboard for about a year now, and I am generally satisfied with my purchase. My battery broke down from heavy rain once but it was within the 6-month warranty so I had them ship another battery to me. Replacing the battery wasn’t trivial but I had the tools to get it done. Not only is it an eco-friendly mode of transportation, but it’s also incredibly convenient and easy to use in Tokyo. There are some areas in Tokyo that aren’t quite convenient to get to by train – the electric kickboard is absolutely perfect in these situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and convenient way to get around the city, the Evercross Electric Kickboard is a great option. Keep in mind the rules and regulations of electric scooter usage in Japan, and consider your personal needs and preferences before making a purchase. You can easily purchase the Evercross Electric Kickboard here on Amazon (clicking on these links help to support me and this website.. thank you so much!!).