Uber-backed escooter startup Lime enters Japan after South Korea exit

Lime’s entry in Japan is the latest sign of the country’s belated acceptance of the sharing economy, thanks in part to years of dialogue between Luup and regulators, local governments and police. The escooter market is expanding in Japan, in contrast to slowdowns elsewhere. — AFP

Uber Technologies Inc-backed Lime is entering Japan’s growing escooter ride market in a foray that pits the San Francisco-based startup against homegrown Luup KK.

Lime, which has a global fleet of around 200,000 ebikes and scooters, on Aug 19 launched its service in some of Tokyo’s most densely populated neighbourhoods of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Meguro and Setagaya wards.