Hanoi will ban fossil fuel (gasoline) motorcycles within Ring Road 1 starting July 1, 2026, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s Directive 20. The ban will extend to Ring Road 2 in early 2028 and to Ring Road 3 by 2030, alongside restrictions on gasoline-powered cars.

This timeline leaves just under a year for authorities and Hanoi residents to prepare for a “green revolution,” starting with phasing out gasoline motorcycles and shifting to eco-friendly alternatives like electric trains, buses, electric cars, and electric motorcycles.

Nguyen Gia Hung, a resident of an apartment in Yen Hoa Ward (Hanoi), said although his home is outside Ring Road 2, he frequently uses a motorcycle to commute to his workplace within Ring Road 1.

He said the ban on gasoline motorcycles within Ring Road 1 from July 1, 2026, will affect his daily commute. He considered using electric trains or buses but found them less convenient than motorcycles. As a result, Hung is planning to buy a compact electric motorcycle solely for work and inner-city travel.

“Switching from a gasoline to an electric motorcycle isn’t too difficult, but the biggest concern is that my apartment lacks sufficient parking and charging outlets. I’m seeking motorbike models with removable batteries that can be charged separately, which is both convenient and safe,” Hung said.

VietNamNet reporters observed at an apartment in Dong Da Ward (within Ring Road 2) that the management board had set up a dedicated area for electric motorcycles and bicycles, with over 100 parking spots. The operator plans to expand this to around 400 spots by the end of 2025, while adding 100 new charging outlets to meet demand.

“Since late 2024, we’ve designated a separate area for electric motorcycles near the garage entrance, close to the security post. Vehicles can charge overnight, but we always advise unplugging once fully charged,” a management representative said.

At other apartments within Ring Road 2, many management boards are reviewing electrical systems, checking transformers, and planning to upgrade charging infrastructure to handle the expected surge in electric vehicles within the next 1–2 years, while ensuring fire prevention compliance.

Concerns

For high-rise apartments, adding parking spaces for electric motorcycles is feasible, especially as Hanoi gradually implements the gasoline motorcycle ban.

Compared to cars, electric motorbikes take up less space and do not require overly complex infrastructure. Just rearranging part of the basement or shared yard area would be enough to create a charging lot. Residents will be willing to shift to using electric motorbikes if they can charge motorbikes safely.

On the residents' side, the mentality of switching to electric motorbikes will be more positive if they are provided with safe parking and charging facilities.

However, for those living in old collective housing or rental properties, the transition is less straightforward, as it depends on factors like infrastructure and, crucially, landlord approval.

Nguyen Van Trong, who has lived for years on the fourth floor of a collective housing block in Thanh Cong, parks two motorcycles at a ground-floor of a household with ample space. He noted that over 20 other households are parking there.

However, the landlord, citing safety concerns, refuses to store electric motorcycles or install charging outlets. Residents using electric bikes must carry them upstairs or find alternative parking. This poses challenges for families like Trong’s, who face both a lack of parking and inconvenient charging options.

“In the long run, as electric motorcycles become common, we can’t keep carrying bikes upstairs. We need convenient parking and charging spaces. We’re discussing pooling money to help the landlord upgrade the electrical system and install charging outlets. Doing this now will make transitioning to electric motorcycles easier and safer,” Trong said.

Nguyen Thu Huyen, a landlord of a rental property with nearly 20 self-contained rooms in Thanh Xuan Ward, said she previously refused tenants with electric bicycles or motorcycles due to fire risks. When prospective tenants had such vehicles, she either declined or asked them to park elsewhere.

However, Huyen has shifted her stance, allowing tenants with electric motorcycles, provided they follow rules like charging in designated areas and avoiding overnight charging.

“With the city’s gasoline-powered motorbike ban, I will have to accept electric motorbikes. I charge an extra VND30,000 per vehicle per month for electricity,” she said.

Hoang Hiep