Parking in Japan

[Timpo]

What do you think?
The idea of underground parking is nothing new, but apparently these things are popping up everywhere in Japan lately.

Although these parking structures are constructed by companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Giken Seisakusho Ltd., JFE Engineering, etc.. the service is almost always run by the city.

Each unit can hold approximately 200 bikes, but some can hold 750 bikes for busy urban areas.

Most cities charge 300 yen ($2.80 @ today's rate) per 24hrs or monthly fee of 3000 yen ($28.03)
Would you pay $336.36 / year for this service?

Because if your ebike is worth $1,500 for example, I'm not sure if it's worth it. (That's over 20% of your bike a year)
Also, if you're riding a $300 non-ebike for example, I really don't know if it's worth it.

 

[Nova Haibike]

What do you think?

For me, it would be preferable than using a lock. Much more secure, dare I say theft-proof, and there is the added bonus of essentially a garaged bike. It won't get wet or damaged. But it would only work in an area that normally gets hundreds of bikes, otherwise the cost of building it would take forever to repay. Does such a place even exist in the USA? My guess is no.

 

[byunbee]

What do you think?
The idea of underground parking is nothing new, but apparently these things are popping up everywhere in Japan lately.

Although these parking structures are constructed by companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Giken Seisakusho Ltd., JFE Engineering, etc.. the service is almost always run by the city.

Each unit can hold approximately 200 bikes, but some can hold 750 bikes for busy urban areas.

Most cities charge 300 yen ($2.80 @ today's rate) per 24hrs or monthly fee of 3000 yen ($28.03)
Would you pay $336.36 / year for this service?

Because if your ebike is worth $1,500 for example, I'm not sure if it's worth it. (That's over 20% of your bike a year)
Also, if you're riding a $300 non-ebike for example, I really don't know if it's worth it.

Do they offer to replace the bike or offer compensation if the bike is damaged or stolen?

 

[byunbee]

I think it's a great idea and as long as the bike garage was close by, I would use a service like that.

 

[Mister B]

I think even in the US, dense urban centers, shopping malls, movie theaters, sports venues, etc, will find this concept profitable and successful. If I were to ride my expensive ebike to such places, a few bucks to protect my ride so I can enjoy myself without any worries would be well worth it.

 

[PDoz]

I want one in my shed. There's only 8 bikes in there, but for some reason the kids use 8m x 12 m of floor space....

 

[bikeman242]

Whenever I go to Japan, all I see is bikes sitting outside stores / subway stations / retaurants / wherever with the kickstand down, and no lock at all.

Crime really isn't an issue there - at all.