Official
Let's go around the city of Chuo-ku with the electric kickboard of "LUUP"
Recently, many people have seen electric kickboards with green belts in central Tokyo, including Chuo-ku.
This is a shared mobility called LUUP, which was launched in 2021 by Luup, which is developing a sharing business for short-distance mobility of electric, small, and single-seater micromobility, with the mission of "creating infrastructure that makes the entire city" station square. (* In addition to electric kickboarding, electric assist bicycles are also available.)
Sharing mobility is a service that shares and uses vehicles in the city rather than owning them personally. In the case of small mobility such as bicycles, it is often possible to drive from a port in the city to another port by drop-off, and LUUP takes such a form.
Anyone who has a driver's license and has passed the traffic test on the app can use it.
Walk around Chuo-ku with LUUP electric kickboard!
(Background of the map: Geographical Institute map (light map))
I originally had tried using this LUUP a little, but this time, a campaign was held until February 6 to allow unlimited rides within 60 minutes for free to spread the use, It's a good opportunity! I thought I decided to go around Chuo-ku.
First, rent an electric kickboard at a port in Horidome-cho and go to River City 21 via Kayabacho and Shinkawa. After returning it once at the port at Tsukuda 2-chome, taking a walk, rent an electric kickboard again at the port at Tsukishima 1-chome, and ride near Shimbashi Station via Kachidoki, Tsukiji and Ginza.
It took about 30 minutes from Horidome-cho to Tsukuda and about 25 minutes from Tsukishima to Shimbashi. It is a little slower than a bicycle, but faster than walking (up to 15 km / h). It's perfect for traveling a slightly wider area of city while feeling the atmosphere of the city.
Crossing Chuo-ohashi Bridge and Kachidokibashi, passing through the middle of Ginza.…I was able to enjoy a lot of scenery of the city of Chuo-ku in a short time. I can't release my hand while riding, so I remember that I couldn't take a picture.
Ports are often installed in corners of condominiums and buildings.
Ports are often provided in condominiums, buildings, vacant lots, etc. in this way. Originally, I think it would be convenient if you put it right next to the exit of the station, but the current issue is that it is difficult to put a port in such a location.
The handle looks like this!
The handle is shaped like this. If you lower the lever called Push&Go on the right side, an electric accelerator will be applied.
In addition, a winker or horn is attached to the left side, and a smartphone can be fixed at the top of it.
As you may have noticed that there is a signer, this electric kickboard has obtained a number as a small special car and you have to drive on the road. Driving on the sidewalk can be a violation, so be sure to press and hold it when walking on the sidewalk!
In addition, wearing a helmet is optional as a special case. However, I have to run on a road with many large cars in an unprotected state, so I'm really nervous about that point. Especially when turning right, it is a small special car, so it is necessary to make a small turn normally instead of turning right in two stages. I was afraid of this, so when I turned right, I decided to push the sidewalk. If you think you're scared, it's personally recommended to switch to a push and act as a pedestrian.
The screen of the app will be replaced by navigation.
While driving, the screen of the LUUP app looks like this, showing maps, surrounding ports, and running time. As mentioned above, you can fix your smartphone to the handle, so you can use it instead of navigation.
In addition, what is displayed red on the map is the "hand push zone", in which you must walk by hand. Streets and parks with heavy traffic are designated, and some of Showa-dori and Yaesu Street correspond in the ward.
The slope is also easy!
Because it is electric, unlike ordinary kickboards, the slope is easy. The terrain of Chuo-ku is flat, but the bridge when crossing rivers such as the Sumida River has a surprisingly slope. With the electric kickboard, such places can be easily moved.
As of February 1, 2022, LUUP's electric kickboard fee is 110 yen for the first ride for 10 minutes and 16.5 yen per minute after 10 minutes (all including tax). There is the word "last mile", but is the electric kickboard a little farther to walk, such as the journey to the destination after getting off at the station, rather than going far? It seems to be a convenient means of transportation to use such places.
※In addition, after noon on March 1, 2022, the price will be revised to the basic ride fee of 50 yen and the hourly fee of 15 yen per minute (both tax included).
However, the campaign up to February 6 this time is free up to 60 minutes!
It is good to try it by short-distance travel, but if you have such an opportunity in the future, why not use it for a tour in the city?