Osaka police to patrol using motorized kick scooters.
Osaka police will use motorized kick scooters for patrols amid rising violations, but public skepticism about their effectiveness persists.

At least it's a step up from those recumbent bikes, right? Urban transport is getting wild; we’ve got go-karts and rideable suitcases cluttering the streets. But the buzz these days? Motorized kick scooters. You see them everywhere, and guess what? No license needed. But with that lack of oversight, you’ve got folks who don’t really know the rules zooming around. So, the Osaka Prefectural Police decided, “Hey, let’s show 'em how it’s done!”
Starting September 19, a squad of six officers on scooters will be cruising the streets. They’re not just putting on a show; they’ll actually be doing their policework on wheels. Last year alone saw over 4,500 traffic violations and nearly 60 accidents involving these scooters. The biggest issue? Riders flippin' back and forth between the 20 km/h speed limit and the slower street laws. People online are divided, though. Some see this as a gimmick, urging a total ban on scooters, saying, “These things should all just be banned.” Regardless, we all know that using these scooters responsibly could actually help reduce traffic chaos if people just get with the program.
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