Battery Share Departure Ceremony for Electric Vehicle (EV) Motorcycles Aiming for 100% Non-Gasoline

The first EV motorcycle battery share departure ceremony in Tokyo was held on December 4 at the Itabashi Ward Office (Itabashi Ward) in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Itabashi Ward, and related companies. TMG is aiming to have all new motorcycles sold in the prefecture by 100% non-gasoline by 2035 in order to realize Zero Emission Tokyo, an environmentally advanced city that emits no CO2.
The EV motorcycle battery sharing project involves renting out EV motorcycles to individuals and businesses, and replacing batteries at a total of 15 battery replacement locations that will be set up at Itabashi Ward facilities, gas stations and convenience stores in the ward.
The ceremony included greetings from Mr. Shoichi Kurioka, General of the Bureau of Environment, and Mr. Ken Sakamoto, Mayor of Itabashi Ward, as well as a video message from Governor Koike and a battery exchange demonstration by Mr. Taiyo Sugiura, an actor who serves as the tourism ambassador for Itabashi Ward.
Mr. Kurioka said, “Itabashi Ward has a large number of motorcycles per capita, and when we approached them about cooperating, they kindly agreed. Itabashi Ward is actively working towards going carbon-free, with a car-sharing program for electric vehicles and government buildings that use 100% renewable energy. We would like to spread the use of the system by having people use it in various situations, listening to their opinions on usability, and providing feedback to manufacturers.

EV motorcycle for individuals	From left: Director Kurioka, Mr. Sugiura, and Mayor Sakamoto	Mr. Sugiura demonstrates battery replacement.

The battery is removed from a special box that is installed at convenience stores and other exchange locations. A smartphone app can be used to find exchange locations and charging status.	The battery can be replaced by lifting up the motorcycle seat.	A tester left on a motorcycle in front of the ward office. From left: Mr. Sugiura, Mayor Sakamoto, and Director Kurioka see the tester off.