Hi, reading this forum it seems most people have a good knowledge of the U.S. and Canada, but does anyone know about Japan?

It seems most bike shops in Tokyo have one electric bike (usually a Yamaha or Panasonic) in stock, but is there a place that stocks a lot of brands and where the staff actually know what they're talking about?

Also, does anyone know what the minimum rider age for electric bikes in Japan is? I've read the Wiki link on electric bike rules but there seems to be know minimum age - which I find hard to believe.

Finally, anyone know if Giant sells electric bikes here in Japan? (The rules here make it impossible for some makers to meet the legal requirements).

Hi, not sure on some of those questions but what are you looking for specifically? Is age a concern? Many of the panasonic/yamahas are good with their bottom bracket setups but I do not like the basket/mama chari look of them myself.

I opted for a kit from Taiwan to convert my hybrid to electric for here in Tokyo. If your looking to do the same I am about to flog my kit and your welcome to drop by and have a look at it. I am now looking for a hub motor system. Good to see there are other cyclists down here who are into ebikes as well.

I can't help except there is a guy named "Dee Jay" who lives in Tokyo and posts over at endless-sphere.com

You might want to post there or PM him.

Thanks for the replies.

I seem to have found a good shop.

RayB, thanks for the offer, but I'm helping out a friend who just wants a electric mamachari - and I was wondering whether her son (12) would legally be able to take it for a spin. Seems that in Japan he can.

I read in BusinessWeek couple of weeks back that Sanyo also makes them. I found this blog from March 08: Sanyo Introducing Li-Ion Bike with Regenerative Braking (http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/03/sanyo-introduci.html)