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Cargo bikeJapan

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Japan. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Japan

82. Cargo bike

A cargo bike is a bicycle designed to transport goods, children or other larger loads than can normally be carried on a conventional bicycle. Cargo bikes may use a box or platform in front of or behind the rider, an extended rear carrier or a multi-wheel design.

Cargo bikes can be powered entirely by the rider or equipped with electric pedal assistance. Their permitted dimensions, passenger capacity, use of cycle paths and electrical-assistance limits depend on the local traffic and vehicle regulations.

Cargo bike
An electric cargo bike. (Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Clément Bucco-Lechat • CC BY-SA
What is a cargo bike?

A cargo bike is a bicycle designed to carry goods, children or larger loads than a conventional bicycle.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15.1, 36 and 44, cycles, helmets and passengers; Belgian example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 27 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

Can a cargo bike carry children?

Yes, when it is designed and equipped for passenger transport. Children should use the seats, restraints, foot protection or other safety equipment provided by the manufacturer and required by local law.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15.1, 36 and 44, cycles, helmets and passengers; Belgian example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 27 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

Is a helmet compulsory on a cargo bike?

This depends on the country's bicycle rules and the vehicle's classification. A model legally classified as a faster motorised vehicle may have different helmet requirements from an ordinary cargo bicycle.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15.1, 36 and 44, cycles, helmets and passengers; Belgian example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 27 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...