“PAS baby” | Yamaha’s new electric assist bicycle is easy for both mom and dad to ride! | PAS Kiss・PAS ULU

A child-rearing model that takes into account joint parenting

First, the three-seater models “PAS babby” and “PAS kiss,” which meet the standards for carrying two small children, will be fully redesigned and released on January 30, 2025. The price for “Babby” will be 184,000 yen including tax, and for “Kiss” it will be 187,000 yen including tax. The distinctive feature of “Babby” is that the child seat is located at the rear, while that of “Kiss” is located at the front.

This small-diameter tire model is equipped with 20-inch wheels and features a completely redesigned body frame. The center of gravity of the body has been lowered compared to previous models, and the layout around the drive unit has been changed, making it easier to straddle. This not only improves stability while riding, but also when pushing the bike. By providing more space between the front child seat and the handlebars, it is said that taller users will find it easier to pedal. The saddle shape has also been revised, and it is said to be able to accommodate 97.5% of Japanese body types.

Incidentally, the latest improvements to the bike were also made with the possibility of it being shared between married couples in mind. There are differences in physique between adult men and women, making it difficult to share a bicycle. However, the new model maintains the ease of handling for petite women, while also providing a comfortable, spacious positioning for men to sit comfortably.

No need to worry about reduced bus service! New model for students

Yamaha also announced a new model of the PAS called “PAS ULU.” It will be released on March 21, 2025, and will be priced at 155,000 yen (tax included).

The “Uru” is a model developed for students commuting to school. It is designed for everyday use and is practical for long distances, while also adopting a fashionable design that high school students can use without hesitation.

As it is intended for everyday use by students, the frame is sturdy and gives a tough impression, and it is equipped with a wire basket and wide rear carrier with a load capacity of 5 kg so that it can also accommodate large items for club activities, as well as a rear roller brake with large heat dissipation fins.

It also comes in four highly fashionable colors: the casual “Matte Khaki Green,” the subtle “Matte Dusty Dark Blue,” the elegant “Matte Ecru,” and the “Matte Black 2,” which goes well with any outfit.

The reason for creating a new grade for commuting to school is said to be the recent changes in transportation demand. Currently, buses and other forms of transportation are being reduced in frequency, which has become a social issue. Changes in transportation schedules, reductions in service, and elimination of services have a direct impact on students’ mobility. The role of bicycles is to mitigate this impact, and if they have an electric assist function, commuting to school will be even easier.

Shipments doubled from 10 years ago

“PASS” is a brand that specializes in electrically assisted bicycles and has been on the market since 1993. According to Yamaha, shipments have continued to grow, from 446,000 units in 2014, 10 years ago, to 742,000 units in 2023.

Initially, the target audience was the senior generation, but in recent years, the number of younger users has been increasing. In particular, the emergence of the parenting generation known as “ikumen” (fathers raising children) has also contributed to the increase in the number of Pass units shipped.

The latest model changes and the introduction of new models are intended to appeal to this demographic. With the market size approaching double what it was 10 years ago, Yamaha believes there is still room for growth.

Although the Pass has a 30-year history, it is likely that it will attract attention along with the electric assist bicycle market in the future. The reason for this is the rise of specific mopeds and small electric mobility vehicles, including electric kick scooters.

Are specific mopeds reliable?

Although specific mopeds are easy to ride as they do not require a license or the wearing of a helmet, they are still proper mopeds and require the issuance of license plates and the purchase of compulsory automobile liability insurance.On the other hand, electric assist bicycles are bicycles, so they do not require license plates or the purchase of compulsory automobile liability insurance.

And above all, they have 30 years of trust and a proven track record. With the lifting of the ban on designated mopeds, the number of new manufacturers has increased exponentially, but it remains questionable whether all of them can guarantee reliability. There are still issues with replacing consumables and dealing with breakdowns, and above all, if a mechanical problem occurs while riding and you injure yourself or others, it could be an irreparable accident. Despite the convenience of not having to pedal, the designated moped industry actually poses enormous risks.

Electrically assisted bicycles have the drawback of requiring the rider to pedal, but they are also safer. While people tend to focus on the convenience of designated mopeds these days, they still have a long way to go in terms of safety and reliability.

Impressions

“The new seat is designed to fit the shape of almost all Japanese people’s buttocks, and is thick and firm. It’s less likely to cause pain in the buttocks. Also, the seat height is adjusted with a quick lever, rather than the traditional rotating type. The slit on the frame is longer, so even people with little strength can operate the lever easily (Yamada, Editorial Department).”