Luup Japan

The company operates a sharing service for electric scooters and e-bikes through a smartphone application. Users can locate and rent vehicles from a dense network of designated 'ports' and return them to any other port within the service area. The service is designed for short trips, with a pricing model typically consisting of a base fee to unlock the vehicle and a per-minute charge. The app, which supports English, requires users to register with a credit card and, for e-scooter use, verify they are over 16 and pass a traffic rules test. A driver's license is not required to operate the e-scooters, a significant change following a revision to Japan's Road Traffic Act in July 2023.

Luup launched its service in 2020 and has since expanded its operations to major Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nagoya, and others. The company has established thousands of pick-up and drop-off ports, often located near train stations, convenience stores, and office buildings, aiming for a high-density network that enhances convenience for first and last-mile travel. As of early 2024, its fleet had grown to approximately 10,000 vehicles. The company has secured significant funding to fuel its expansion, raising a total of approximately 9.1 billion yen (around $68 million) by April 2023. It has formed strategic business and capital alliances with major transportation and real estate companies like Tokyu and Seibu Holdings to enhance the value of areas along their railway lines.