Vietnam Plans Fossil-Fuel Motorcycle Ban in Central Hanoi by 2026

Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, will ban fossil-fuel motorcycles and mopeds within the main ring road starting July 2026 to combat severe air pollution, as mandated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The city, home to nearly 7 million motorcycles and over 8 million residents, faces growing pollution concerns exacerbated by increased private vehicle use. To facilitate the transition, Hanoi authorities are developing support mechanisms to assist residents in exchanging petrol motorbikes for electric ones, including covering most conversion costs and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure such as charging stations and green public transport options like electric buses and metro lines. Experts emphasize the need for expanded and flexible public transportation to meet demand, warning that without adequate alternatives, the ban could cause significant inconvenience, especially for commuters from suburban areas. However, some residents and workers reliant on motorcycles express concern about the ban's impact on livelihoods and the feasibility of the timeline, calling for better public transport and clearer phase-out plans. The local EV manufacturer VinFast leads in shifting to electric vehicles but currently holds a small share of the two-wheeler market, underscoring the challenge ahead for Hanoi's green transport goals.