Founded in 2018, LUUP looks to make inner-city living a bit more enjoyable and a lot more convenient, giving riders access to rental e-bikes and e-scooters for those shorter trips that would fly by with a set of easy-access wheels.
For those days when the nearest train station feels too far away, or that incline is looking a little too steep, LUUP is there to create “quick, easy, and pleasant” rides.
Still wondering what it is? Well, allow us to LUUP you in.
What is LUUP?
LUUP is a service that allows you to rent e-bikes and e-scooters for as little as a few minutes, giving you the freedom to zip around Japan’s cities. Wherever there’s a Port—LUUP’s term for a location where you can pick up or drop off one of its bikes or scooters—you can open the app, unlock your on-the-go transport, and ride like the wind.
LUUP’s main benefits are:
- Flexibility: Pick up your bike or scooter in one location, and drop it off somewhere else!
- Easy to understand: ¥50 to unlock and ¥15 for every minute after that.
- Safe: Insured and ready to go—don’t forget your helmet!
Can I use LUUP in Japan?
Yes! LUUP is available in several major Japanese cities, including:
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Yokohama
- Utsunomiya
- Kobe
- Nagoya
How to use LUUP?
It’s as easy as finding a nearby LUUP station with the app, unlocking the vehicle, and then returning it to another location in the area you’re heading to!
But just so you know exactly what you’re doing, here’s your step-by-step guide to using LUUP in Japan.
Step 1: Download the LUUP app
Search for “LUUP” in the App Store or Google Play Store:
Step 2: Register and confirm your identity
- Download the app and register a phone number. You’ll be sent a verification code to continue making your account.
- Add your name, date of birth and email address.
- Register your payment method.
- Enter a coupon code (if you have one).
If riding an e-bike:
- If riding an e-bike, you only need to register a credit card.
If riding an e-scooter:
- You must also supply identification (such as a driver’s license, passport, resident card or MyNumber card) to prove that you are over 16 years of age. You must pass a traffic rules test and answer 100% of the questions correctly.
Step 3: Find a Port (a.k.a LUUP Station)
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Open the map in the app and select the location of your ideal pick-up spot.
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Once you tap it, you’ll see how many bikes and scooters are available (along with how much battery they have left).
Step 4: Unlock your LUUP and ride!
- Scan the QR code on the scooter or bike.
- Designate the spot that you’d like to return it to—this can be the same Port, or one that’s closer to your destination.
- Put on your helmet (some stations provide these, but it may be more convenient to bring your own) and hit the road!
Pro tip: Check the battery level before you pull away!
Step 5: Return your LUUP to a Port
- Return your vehicle to the designated drop-off point.
- Take a picture of the vehicle in its parking spot.
- Once that’s all sorted, you’ll be charged the base fee and the additional ride fee, rounded up to the closest minute.
What do you need to rent a LUUP?
To use LUUP, you need:
- Photo ID: A form of ID with a photo (such as your passport) is needed for identification purposes*. *Only required for e-scooters.
- Credit card: A credit card is required for payment.
- Contact information: You need to provide your email address and phone number.
How much is LUUP in Japan?
In Tokyo, unlocking a vehicle typically costs ¥50, with each following minute of usage being charged at ¥15. However, these fee structures vary by location and mode of transport.
| Prefecture | Location | Fee structure |
|---|---|---|
| Mie | Tsu | ¥200 for the first 10 minutes + ¥15 per minute after that |
| Okinawa | Kanucha Resort | ¥250 + ¥50 per minute |
| Saitama | Seibu Chichibu Station | ¥800 per 60 minutes |
| Kyoto | Maizuru | ¥150 per 10 minutes |
| Tochigi | Sano | ¥200 per 30 minutes |
| Fukui | Ooi | Free for the first 10 minutes, then ¥100 per hour |
| Aichi | Okazaki | ¥50 + ¥15 per minute |
| Gifu | Takayama | ¥200 per 20 minutes |
| Chiba | Abiko | ¥100 per 20 minutes |
| Toyama | Toyama | ¥100 + ¥20 per minute |
| Toyama | Imizu | ¥400 + ¥100 per 10 minutes |
| Hokkaido | Biei | ¥3,000 for up to 120 minutes, then ¥500 per 30 minutes |
| Chiba | Solana Smart INN Narita Airport | ¥50 + ¥15 per minutes |
*Source: LUUP Pricing by location. Correct as of 23 June 2025.
Can foreigners rent LUUP?
Absolutely! There is an English-language version of the app, meaning that foreigners from English-speaking countries can use LUUP with ease.
How do I change LUUP to English?
The LUUP app is available in both English and Japanese, and the language will automatically change to English when the language setting of the app or browser is set to English.
Give LUUP a try when you’re in Japan
For more information, head to LUUP’s official website or download the app next time you’re looking to fly through Japan on an e-bike or e-scooter.
If you want to brush up on a few more rules and recommendations before you hop onto the saddle, find out how to rent a bike in Japan, learn Japan’s cycling rules and explore one of Japan’s best cycling routes with the Shimanami Kaido.
LUUP in Japan: FAQs
Do I need to wear a helmet when using LUUP?
There is no law in Japan that says you must wear a helmet when using a bike or scooter, but the Road Traffic Act was updated in April 2023 to encourage cyclists of all ages to wear helmets. This was previously only recommended for those under the age of 13.
However, LUUP’s official stance on wearing a helmet is:
“Wearing a helmet is a required effort. Please wear a helmet to protect yourself in the event of an accident.”
So, if you want an innovative LUUP-branded helmet that can even be compressed for travel, they exist and are being sold on Amazon! Safety and style.
Do I need a mobile connection to use LUUP?
Since you need to download the LUUP app, complete some pre-transit checks, and then use the app to unlock a bike or scooter, you’ll at least need to be connected to Wi-Fi (such as from a nearby convenience store) or data (from an eSIM).
How does LUUP compare to Japanese buses and trains?
Compared to buses and trains, LUUP may be a more expensive option for traveling around, but you’re paying for complete freedom. You can choose where to pick up your bike or scooter, where to go, and even drop it off at a different location.
How does LUUP compare to other rental bikes (like Docomo Bike Share)?
LUUP’s rental bikes are similarly priced to other rental bike services, though their e-scooters are slightly more expensive. As a relatively new bike-share service, LUUP has modern, sleek bikes, while other services may have a wider range of designs. LUUP is growing all the time, offering a breadth of pick-up and drop-off spots in major cities. However, rental services that have been around for longer still have the upper hand when it comes to the service area.
How far can a LUUP go on a full battery?
On a full battery, a LUUP can go as far as 45km, though this will depend on your speed, driving style, and the terrain of your journey. Source: LUUP.
