In Japan, the government has no restrictions on the age at which motorcycles can be scrapped, but only forces owners to replace key safety components within a specified period.
50cc motorcycles account for about 50% of all motorcycles in Japan. Many housewives will buy a 50cc scooter to take their children to kindergarten and buy groceries, and the mileage traveled is very small; some office workers will also ride small-displacement scooters between their homes and the train station. Cars above 251cc can be said to be the “patent” of young people.
In Japan, motorcycles are inspected every two years; after ten years of use, they are changed to annual inspections. Motorcycles with a displacement of 251cc or above require annual inspections, but there is no age limit for scrapping. For motorcycle brake pads, clutches and other key safety components, government legislation requires replacement within a specified service life.
Japan’s motor vehicle inspection sites are designated by the government. Japanese law stipulates that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of the government shall review the equipment and personnel of private vehicle inspection workshops (vehicle inspection sites); personal motor vehicles can be sent directly to private vehicle inspection workshops for annual inspection, or they can be entrusted to dealers to send them for inspection. (Excerpted from Beijing Youth Daily)