A hinge device includes a support member, a pivotable member supported by the support member, a first gear located at one of the support member and the pivotable member, a second gear located at the other of the support member and the pivotable member, a friction member configured to apply rotational frictional resistance to the second gear, and means for disengaging. The pivotable member is configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a closed position and a different position where the pivotable member is in a position that is different from the closed position. The second gear is configured to rotate in engagement with the first gear based on pivoting of the pivotable member. When the pivotable member is at the closed position, the means for disengaging disengages the first gear and the second gear from each other.