The Japanese press is announcing that Honda will stop manufacturing 50cc engines in May 2025, as it does not pass future anti-pollution laws. Could this be the beginning of the end for mopeds?
Mopeds, vehicles that by law cannot be larger than 49 cc, have been in decline for decades, but not just in Europe. In fact, in a large part of the planet, especially in Asia, motorcycles with a displacement of 110-125 cc have given way. One of the reasons is essentially due to environmental rules, which are increasingly strict around the world.
The Japanese press suggests that Honda would stop manufacturing 50 cc gasoline engines in May 2025. The biggest brand in the world has always taken care of this sector, it has iconic models such as the Super Cub 50, and in my case, I remember perfectly the emblematic ‘Mini-Trail’ 50, today replicated in a larger format on the Monkey 125 – which just by chance wasn’t my first bike!
Catalysts are expensive elements, which are not only manufactured with materials that cost a lot of money, but also must operate at very high temperatures. Two aspects that negatively affect mopeds. The next (and more demanding) anti-pollution laws – which in Japan will come into force from November 2025 – appear to be the final ‘nail in the coffin’ for mopeds.
In much of the world, mopeds have been supplanted by 110-125cc scooters and motorcycles. Even from a practical point of view, it is not very different to drive a moped or a 125 cc motorcycle (although for the 125 in Europe an A1 license is required).
The disappearance of mopeds for homologation reasons could affect not only Honda, but also the rest of Japanese manufacturers.
