LED Trikes Light Up Tokyo Streets

By Marke Hodge @Mrhodgey

A GROUP of eccentric motorcycle enthusiasts light up the streets of Toyko with their modified trikes

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Videographer: Steve's POV
Producer: Mark Hodge, Chloe Browne
Editor: Joshua Douglas, Ian Phillips

Park and ride: A group of LED trike owners meet up in a Tokyo car park

The colourful footage, shot by American filmmaker Steve Feldman, shows the gang riding their three-wheeled bikes which are customised with LED lights, strobes and custom pearl paints.

A gang of trike owners congregate in a Tokyo car park to share their love for customised three wheelers

Steve, 44, who is a Japanese business consultant, explained that trikes are popular in Japan because they do not require the same safety regulations as standard two wheeled motorcycles.

City lights: A highly customised three wheeled trike snapped by petrol head Steve Feldman

He said: “Three wheelers does not require a helmet in Japan, unlike a normal motorbike.

A Japanese motorhead lights up the Tokyo streets at night with his eye-catching LED trike

“Also trikes are considered quintessentially American and offer more real estate to customize with lights.

“Many of the bikes are based on Harley Davidsons but there are Japanese models as well.

White lightning: A trike enthusiast poses for the camera

“Tens of thousand of US dollars are easily spent customizing each bike – everything from engine tuning, to custom paint, lights, wheels and chrome paint wraps.”

Burn rubber: A Japanese petrolhead cruises through Tokyo's streets at night

And New York-born Steve said while most Japanese petrol heads are reserved, there is a small sub culture which loves to be noticed.

Black and blue: American filmmaker Steve Feldman hangs out with a group of trike owners

“I think growing up in Japan, individualism isn't necessary something that is stressed, but there are some people, young and old, who like to stand out.

Deep Purple: A distinctive three-wheeled trike modified with purple LED lights

“The trike owners are not young guys, but they choose to express their individuality by getting better bikes, more horsepower, more lights and strobes.”