Woman suspected of violating traffic law for riding an electric suitcase

Police in Japan have sent papers to prosecutors concerning a woman under suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act for allegedly riding an "electric suitcase" on a sidewalk without a license.

The police say this is the first time someone has been identified for an alleged traffic offense involving such ridable luggage in Japan.

They accuse the woman in her 30s of using an electric suitcase on a sidewalk in Osaka City, western Japan, in March this year without a license.

Electric suitcases can move at a maximum of 13 kilometers per hour, and are legally in the same category as small motorcycles.

But they are not allowed on public roads in Japan as they do not meet standards for brakes and blinkers set by the Road Transport Vehicle Act.

The woman is reportedly denying the charges saying during voluntary questioning that she was not aware that the suitcase is a vehicle that requires a driver's license.