TOKYO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo police will start issuing traffic tickets possibly later this month to electric scooter users for minor offenses such as ignoring traffic lights and riding on sidewalks to prevent an increase in accidents, local media reported Thursday.

The electric scooter, which is classified in the same category as motorcycles under Japan's road traffic law, requires users to get a license. Users who received several traffic tickets can be fined or have their licenses suspended.

However, police only have taken action on more serious offenses so far, such as riding without a license, riding under the influence of alcohol, or causing injury.

The decision was made since a total of 16 accidents in Tokyo involving electric scooters resulted in injuries between January and November this year, and 44 accidents that caused property damage.

In Japan, users of electric scooters are required to wear a helmet, attach license plates and mirrors, and take out motor vehicle liability insurance.

"The issuing of traffic tickets to electric scooter users for (minor) offenses in the populous Tokyo area will have a certain effect on reducing the number of accidents, and perhaps prompt police in other areas to follow suit," said Yuichi Nagase, a senior researcher at the Institute of Transportation Economics.

"But traffic rules for electric scooters are not widely recognized yet. It is necessary for the government to inform not only scooter users but also bicycle riders and pedestrians," he added. Enditem

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