The latest advance in suitcases is causing problems in Japan. It is a rideable suitcase that travellers can sit on. They have a speed of up to 13 kph. The speedy luggage is growing in popularity. People are riding their suitcases around airports, train stations and streets. However, the luggage is classed as a motorized vehicle in Japanese law. This means the rider needs a helmet, a driver's license, and insurance. The suitcases must be registered, and have a rear-view mirror and indicator lights. Japanese airports have asked tourists to pull rather than ride the suitcases.
Electric luggage has been around since 2016. One company that made them had a slogan. It was "the carry-on that carries you". The rideable suitcases are now popular with celebrities. K-pop stars Blackpink and singer Katie Perry have posted online videos of themselves riding their luggage. Companies also have rules for this new way of getting around. British Airways will only allow them on airplanes if the batteries can be removed. A transport expert said: "Unexpected new forms of transport will continue to emerge." He added that new laws will always be needed.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Rideable Suitcases - Level 0, Rideable Suitcases - Level 1 or Rideable Suitcases - Level 3
Sources- https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/17bb6dc8b49c-japan-puts-the-brakes-on-electric-suitcases-amid-tourism-boom.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/29/japan-rideable-luggage-suitcases-ban-crack-down-tourism
- https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/motorised-suitcases-banned-from-airports-in-japan-after-crashes/ar-BB1qOVnL
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