The Lengths Japan’s Bicycle Moms go to for a Sale

[Jesus Malverde]

One of the first slang terms you’re likely to learn when visiting or moving to Japan is the term mama-chari or, “mom bike.” These bikes, visible all over Japan, come equipped with a tell-tale front basket large enough for a haul of groceries and are typically piloted by either frazzled-looking moms who somehow manage to cram three children onto their bike’s various baskets and cargo racks, or by ancient old ladies who somehow manage to pedal these behemoths at a pace that’s actually slower than just walking.

With their unwieldy size and utilitarian purpose, mama-chari aren’t typically known for their speed and maneuverability… but according to this Softbank video promoting a new smartphone bargain-hunting service, the determination to save a couple of bucks on groceries can drive some of Japan’s moms to turn any mama-chari into a bitchin’ stunt bike:

[secondwind]

1. loved this n/t