Motorcycles are fast-running, economical, easy to operate and have more parking spaces available to them. They are thus very suitable for short-distance travel. Due to Taiwan’s limited land and high population density, motorcycles have become the most common means of transportation, numbering 13.73 million in total. To control pollution from motorcycle emissions, the central government is currently taking measures in the following four areas: phasing in tightened emission standards on new vehicles, establishing inspection and testing systems, promoting clean fuels, and phasing out old motorcycles. Together, the measures will provide comprehensive control of motorcycle pollution emissions from the design and production stages all the way to end-use, effectively reducing air pollution from mobile sources and improving air quality.

I. Tightening emission standards on new vehicles in phases

The EPA’s control of motorcycle emissions began over 30 years ago on 1 January 1988 with Phase 1 emission control standards, while Phase 6 commenced on 1 July 2017. To keep up with global motorcycle technology development trends and vehicle emission regulations, Phase 7 air pollutant standards for motorcycle emissions are to be implemented on 1 January 2021.

Controls on new vehicles include new model approval inspections, new vehicle random inspections, and inspections on pollution emitting components. Motorcycles are the most common means of transportation in Taiwan, and their large numbers make them a major air pollution source. Besides measures such as periodic exhaust inspections, roadside inspections, and incentives to phase out old motorcycles, it is also necessary to gradually tighten emission standards for new motorcycle models.

II. Establishing inspection and testing systems

A. Regular inspections

Motorcycles over five years old shall be brought to motorcycle emission inspection stations every year for inspection, within the period from one month before to one month after the anniversary month of the original issuance of the driver's license. If the inspection results do not meet the emission standards set out in Article 36 paragraph 2 of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法), the motorcycle shall be repaired and undergo a second inspection within one month.

B. Random and roadside inspections

According to the Air Pollution Control Act, industry competent authorities of different levels can perform random emission testing or inspections on in-use mobile pollution sources at train stations, airports, roadsides, ports, water bodies or other suitable places. They can also notify the owners of vehicles with high pollution risk to bring their vehicles to designated places for inspection within a given period. The authorized random testing or inspection at suitable places ensures that motorcycles meet emission standards even after being used for a period of time and increases drivers’ awareness to regularly maintain their vehicles.

III. New vehicle approval inspection, recall, and correction

Controls on new vehicles include new model approval inspections, new vehicle random inspections, and inspections on pollution emitting components. Whether vehicles are made domestically or imported, enterprises are required to apply for a Compliance Certification for Gasoline Vehicle Emissions Inspections from the EPA. They have to submit all documents for the new models and test reports showing compliance with emission, on board diagnostic, and endurance standards. Only when reviews are complete and the certification is granted can sales of new models commence. Moreover, the EPA mandates enterprises that have obtained emission certificates to set up a complete quality control system. Sample testing for emission pollution are to be conducted randomly on vehicles, whether from assembly lines or imported, at a ratio required by law. Quality control test results, production and sales information shall also be submitted to the EPA on a monthly basis.

Annual random testing is conducted by the EPA on manufacturers' or importers’ new motorcycles. Randomly chosen motorcycles are sent to designated testing facilities for emission tests to ensure motorcycles meet standards. If test results show incompliance, the models’ emission compliance certificates will be revoked. All potentially non-complying motorcycles that have been sold must be recalled for correction within a given period of time.

Not only are new motorcycles required to meet emission standards, motorcycles within their durability warranty period must also comply with the same emission standards. According to the regulations, the durability warranty period for Phases 6 and 7 emission standards is five years or 20,000 km of travel for motorcycles whose maximum speed is under 130 km/h,    or five years or 35,000 km of travel for motorcycles whose maximum speed is 130 km/h or more.

For in-use motorcycles, the EPA also conducts annual testing for recalls and correction, choosing vehicles within their durability warranty periods and testing their pollution emissions. This is to ensure that in-use motorcycles within their durability warranty period are compliant with emission standards. Should any motorcycle fail the testing, manufacturers or importers will be mandated to recall potentially non-complying vehicles that have already been sold to undergo correction within a given period of time. Through the above measures, comprehensive controls at all stages for motorcycle pollution emissions – from design and production to in-use – are implemented.

IV. Proactive actions: expediting the phasing out of old motorcycles

To expedite the phasing out of old and high-polluting motorcycles, in 2008 the EPA began to subsidize the phasing out of two-stroke motorcycles. It also started to subsidize the trade-in of two-stroke motorcycles for electric ones in accordance with the Electric Motorcycle Industry Development and Promotion Plan (2009-2013) approved by the Executive Yuan. A few years later, the EPA combined the related programs and increased the subsidy for electric two-wheeled vehicles (electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles) and promulgated the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Scrapping Two-Stroke Motorcycles and Purchasing New Two-wheeled Electric Vehicles on 20 July 2015, in a further attempt to encourage the scrapping of two-stroke motorcycles and promote two-wheeled electric vehicles. Furthermore, in a multi-pronged approach to speed up the replacement of old motorcycles, the EPA expanded subsidization for trade-ins of motorcycles manufactured before 30 June 2007 for petrol-fueled environmentally friendly motorcycles or electric two-wheeled vehicles from 2020, and targeted old motorcycles as the main focus for inspection and control.

V. Future Outlook

The vehicle emission control system with respect to motorcycles is fairly established in Taiwan at this stage. On this basis, promoting the use of the mass transportation system and reducing the use of private vehicles will reduce pollution from motor vehicles more effectively. Henceforth, the EPA will keep pushing for the use of clean vehicles and clean fuels, with planning and utilization of the mass transportation system as the medium-term goal. Moreover, as a long-term sustainable development goal, it will seek to reduce the use of private vehicles in order to lower pollution from traffic and move toward a truly clean planet.

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (2)