This article is written for specific customers only. We do not normally rent out 50cc bikes. If you’re interested, please contact us directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u3007 About the Ape50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Under Japanese law, a 50cc bike isn’t classified as a “motorcycle” \u2014 it’s officially called a “motorized bicycle” (\u539f\u52d5\u6a5f\u4ed8\u81ea\u8ee2\u8eca), meaning literally “a bicycle with an engine.” It’s also commonly known as a “moped.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 50cc and under is legally treated as a bicycle category, you don’t need a motorcycle license to ride one. That said, you do still need a car license. If your IDP has a stamp in the “B” section, you’ll likely be able to ride one (this varies by country, so it can’t be guaranteed \u2014 but in most cases, it should be fine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 50cc bikes come with their own unique set of rules that don’t apply to cars or regular motorcycles. We’ll go over these below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u3007 50cc Rules<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since these 50cc-specific rules can be confusing, we normally don’t rent this bike out to overseas visitors. If you do use it, please make sure to review the points above carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u3007 How to Operate It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ape50 has only the most minimal, simple mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting the engine<\/strong> Idling<\/strong> The three lights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Left-hand switches<\/strong> Refueling<\/strong> That said, no need to worry \u2014 the Ape50 is extremely fuel-efficient. You can expect close to 50km per liter of gas, sometimes even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use regular gasoline \u2014 the red nozzle. Please be careful not to mix this up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended routes<\/strong>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ride-tourism.bike\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/PXL_20260930_122723013-1024x771.jpg\")
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There’s no electric starter \u2014 it’s kick-start only. Turn the key to ON, then firmly stomp down on the lever mounted beside the engine with your foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ride-tourism.bike\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/PXL_20260930_121552709-e1790851941711-771x1024.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
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This isn’t a carburetor bike \u2014 it uses fuel injection (computer-controlled), so idling stabilizes relatively quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ride-tourism.bike\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/PXL_20260930_121623244-1024x771.jpg\")
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Most of the switches are on the left side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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The Ape doesn’t have a fuel gauge warning light! If you run out of gas and the bike stops, flip the lever under the tank downward to switch to the reserve tank. Once on reserve, you’ll need to find a gas station soon to refuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ride-tourism.bike\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/PXL_20260930_122716646-1024x771.jpg\")
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Since the Ape50 can’t use expressways, the areas you can ride to are somewhat limited. That said, aside from “Stop 6: Umihotaru Parking Area” on our guided model course 3 (“Ferry route, Chiba Boso Peninsula”), the rest of the route can be enjoyed entirely on regular roads. 2-3 days would be a good amount of time for this distance.
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