Policy Bureau

Use of Mobility Scooters on Trains

March 2018
Policy Bureau and Railway Bureau
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
 
Use of Mobility Scooters on Trains
 
A study committee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has been examining the basic requirements for the use of mobility scooters on trains in Japan, taking various factors into account, including the state of existing rules, the necessity to meet the needs of visitors from overseas, relevant rules applied in other countries, as well as mobility scooter users’ usage of commuter trains, for which the requirements for the structural specifications of such vehicles have not been established. As a result of the committee’s deliberations, the following rules will take effect from April 1, 2018.
(See here for a summary table)
How these rules are actually implemented, however, may vary with each railway company. To find out more, please contact the relevant railway company.
 
NOTE: A “mobility scooter” refers to an electric wheelchair with a handlebar to control the direction, or one with a similar structure.
 
1. Requirements for mobility scooter users on trains (requirements for users)
The requirements for mobility scooter users on trains will be abolished as of March 31, 2018.
 
2. Requirements for the structures of mobility scooters (structural requirements)
(1) For commuter trains (with no vestibules)
  There are no requirements concerning the structures of mobility scooters.
 
(2) For bullet trains (shinkansen) and other limited express trains (with vestibules)
  Due to the physical constraints of limited express trains, such as aisle widths, mobility scooters must meet the following structural requirements   
  to access designated wheelchair spaces on trains:
   - Dimensions
    • Total length: 1,200 mm or less
    • Total width: 700 mm or less
   - Turning Ability
    • Ability to turn a right-angled corner (both (1) and (2) must be met):
     (1)Able to turn a 0.9-meter-wide, right-angled corner without reversing more than five times
     (2)Able to turn a 1.0-meter-wide, right-angled corner without reversing
    • Ability to make a 180-degree turn:
     Able to make a 180-degree turn within an area smaller than 1.8 meters in width
    NOTE: Mobility scooter users can use multipurpose rooms upon request.
 
 Passengers whose scooters do not meet the structural requirements for using designated wheelchair spaces on trains may be able to travel in multipurpose rooms or vestibules. For further information, please contact the relevant railway company. (Some limited express trains, however, may not have multipurpose rooms.)
 
3. Accessible Train Carriages
(1) Commuter trains (with no vestibules)
   Mobility scooters are allowed in all commuter train carriages.
 
(2) Bullet trains and other limited express trains (with vestibules)
  If carriages have designated wheelchair spaces, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and aisle widths at least as large as those in the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen’s N700 series carriages, passengers with mobility scooters can comfortably use the onboard facilities. For further information including the accessibility of other types of limited express trains, please contact the relevant railway company.
 
4. Accessible Train Stations
  Generally, mobility scooters can be used in train stations where elevators, ramps and other facilities have been installed to overcome level differences. Some stations, however, may not be accessible due to their structural constraints or construction work in progress. For further information, please contact the relevant railway company.
 
5. Rules for Acceptable Use
  Passengers with mobility scooters, as with other passengers, should use train services under their own responsibility.
  Since many people use train stations, passengers are advised to ensure safe travel and follow instructions if given by station staff. Railway companies may refuse to let any passenger, with or without a mobility scooter, use their train services if they find the passenger could harm other people or damage facilities and equipment. Please be aware that this is a measure to prevent the passenger from causing an accident or problems, or getting involved in one with other passengers, and all passengers are requested to cooperate with this.
  According to the study conducted by MLIT in fiscal 2007, mobility scooters can be ridden stably on platforms under certain conditions, provided that the speed does not exceed 2 km/h. However, the actual conditions of each platform may vary. When riding scooters on platforms, at stations, or in carriages, passengers should ensure safety by paying attention to their surroundings while riding at a sufficiently low speed, or going even slower than required.
 
6. Inquiries to Railway Companies
  For further information regarding the requirements specified by individual railway companies concerning the use of mobility scooters on trains, please check their websites or contact their customer service.

Contact Information

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and TourismPolicy Bureau Policy Division for Universal Design
TEL (03)5253-8111

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