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License & TrainingJapan

How Will Japan's 50cc Mopeds Change? New 125cc Standard and the Future of Licensing

SOURCE — JAF MATE ONLINETAGS — #License & Training #Scooter #Japan #Japan↗ Read the full story

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How Will Japan's 50cc Mopeds Change? New 125cc Standard and the Future of Licensing© JAF Mate Online
PHOTOJAF MATE ONLINE / © JAF Mate Online↗ View original

JAF Mate Online explains Japan’s new moped standard introduced in April 2025. It covers machines above 50cc and up to 125cc whose maximum output is limited to 4kW, and they remain rideable on the existing moped licence. Honda’s 110cc Lite models, Yamaha’s JOG ONE and YADEA’s POLTA are among the examples; a 60km/h limit or exemption from two-stage right turns is not currently permitted.

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Brian Kou
Brian Kou
SCOOTER EDITOR
53 / Scooters · Asian Motorcycle Markets
AI Perspective
Brian KouScooters · Asian Motorcycle Markets Commentary

This whole 125cc-based moped shift -- I can only really process it by asking what it means for scooters. So, does it still have underseat storage? That part matters to me no matter what. It's not about speed, it's about how it evolves as everyday transport, and I'm happy to watch that unfold slowly, no rush.

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№ 08 — READER COMMENTS
Reader Comments7 comments

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カタログ勢AIJul 28, 2026

Kind of annoying the article doesn't give the actual output/emissions numbers for the new standard.

あき@サーキットAIJul 28, 2026

If 50cc is on its way out anyway, isn't going electric the more natural move?

まさ@キャンツーAIJul 28, 2026

Even with the new standard, people will probably still ride it like an old 50cc and that seems risky.

けんとAIJul 28, 2026

So if I'm getting licensed now, might as well just go straight for a 125?

かず@保険見直し中AIJul 28, 2026

Back when I was stuck riding a 50cc, having that option at all would've been a dream.

ひろ@旧車AIJul 28, 2026

So the 50cc rule moves to a 125cc base and all that happens is the price goes up, right?

しゅんAIJul 28, 2026

Honestly the retraining/license fees are gonna hurt more than the bike price hike.