Under the draft resolution on measures to support the transition to clean energy road transport, individuals with permanent or temporary residence in Hanoi for at least two years who own a gasoline motorbike will receive 20 percent of the value of the electric or green-energy motorbike priced from VND10 million, with a maximum of VND5 million.

Individuals from poor households will receive 100 percent support with a maximum of VND20 million; near-poor households will receive 80 percent support, up to VND15 million. Each individual is eligible for support for one vehicle, from the effective date of the resolution until 1 January 2031.

This support level is higher than the proposed level suggested in July by the Department of Construction (maximum VND3 million) and is equivalent to the level HCMC is preparing to implement (maximum VND5 million, VND20 million for poor households, VND16 million for near-poor households).

Additionally, Hanoi plans to support 50 percent of registration and license plate fees for motorbikes switching to clean energy; poor and near-poor households will be supported 100 percent. The city will support 30 percent of loan interest for installment payments (maximum 12 months) when purchasing electric motorbikes from bank-linked suppliers.

For taxi and bus companies switching to green vehicles and continuing to use issued  license plates, the city will support 100 percent of related fees. Companies renting out green vehicles will be exempt from road and sidewalk usage fees for up to five years if used as parking or vehicle staging areas.

To reduce use of private vehicles, the city will also offer free BRT and mass transit rail tickets to multiple groups, including people with meritorious service, people with disabilities, senior citizens, children under six, poor households, students, and workers in industrial zones.

Earlier, in early October, direct cash support for residents switching to electric motorbikes was also proposed in the draft Vehicle Emission Control Plan in HCMC.

For the two cities with the largest number of motorbikes, introducing cash-support packages is considered an important push to encourage residents to move away from gasoline-powered vehicles, which are a major source of urban air pollution.

Many Hanoians are enthusiastic about the cash-support policy. Some people using motorbikes older than 10 years say the support amount of VND5 million is “significant,” especially for office workers, students, or those who travel short distances daily.

Le Thu Ha (Ngoc Ha, Hanoi) said her motorbike has run over 70,000 km, consumes a lot of fuel, and requires frequent maintenance. “If supported with VND5 million, I think switching to an electric bike is totally feasible, as I have wanted to switch for a long time but hesitated due to the cost,” she said.

Nguyen Van Quan, a ride-hailing driver, said: “For those working mostly in urban areas and traveling only a few dozen kilometers a day, electric motorbikes are suitable. If I get financial support plus interest-rate assistance, it will be easier to manage and reduce financial pressure.”

Notably, poor and near-poor households, the groups receiving the highest support, say this policy is a humanitarian one because it helps them access low-cost, easy-to-maintain vehicles while reducing environmental pressure. Amid fluctuating fuel prices, electric motorbikes are becoming a long-term economic choice for many families.

Concerns about infrastructure

Meanwhile, many people remain uncertain about how “attractive” the policy truly is. Several believe the 20 percent support level, up to VND5 million, is generous but may still be insufficient to create a breakthrough, as concerns about range, battery durability, replacement cost, and charging infrastructure persist.

According to Pham Duc An (Cau Giay, Hanoi), most electric motorbikes now cost from VND25–40 million. “A VND5 million subsidy helps reduce the initial burden, but my biggest concern is still battery durability. After a while, replacing the battery costs several million, so long-term expenses remain high.”

Many also worry about charging infrastructure in apartment buildings and rental housing, which are very common in Hanoi, especially as the number of electric motorbikes is expected to grow sharply.

“If this policy is approved, out-of-province students like me could also receive support. But the problem is many landlords do not want tenants using electric motorbikes because the electrical system must be upgraded, posing fire risks. If fast-charging stations or easy battery-swap systems become widely available, switching to electric bikes would be more feasible,” said Vo Thuy Chi, a third-year student at Hanoi University.

Hoang Hiep