In early September 2023, Japan’s National Police Agency announced its plans to review vehicle classification for certain motorcycles. The NPA has assembled a group of various experts, including instructors, industry personnel, and academics to study whether motorbikes that make 4 kilowatts (about 5.36 horsepower) or less and have 125cc or less of displacement should be reclassified as ‘motorized bicycles.’
For those unfamiliar, Japan currently has a tiered licensing scheme in place for motorcyclists. Riders can test to obtain a standard motorcycle license at age 16, or a large motorcycle license at age 18. Notably, all license holders for all types of vehicles—whether two- or four-wheeled—are eligible to legally operate vehicles classed as ‘motorized bicycles’ in Japan as of September 2023.
