The Global Scooter Capital Is Set to Turn Off Gas Power | Carscoops

      Electric alternatives with interchangeable batteries may shape the future of transportation in Vietnam.

      In Hanoi, a ban on gas-powered motorcycles will take effect in the central districts starting July 1, 2026. This restriction will expand to more areas by 2028 and cover the entire city by 2030. Currently, roughly 5.6 million out of 7 million motorcycles in the city still operate on gasoline.

      As scooters and motorcycles navigate the bustling streets of Hanoi, they symbolize not only transportation but a lifestyle. However, come mid-2026, the Vietnamese capital will gradually eliminate the presence of combustion-engine two-wheelers. This represents a significant shift in a country where affordable motorbikes are a daily staple, and it could serve as a model for other cities and nations in the region.

      According to a new directive from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, gas-powered scooters and motorcycles will be prohibited in most downtown areas starting July 1, 2026. The ban will extend to a larger section of Hanoi from January 1, 2028, ultimately covering the whole city by 2030.

      Hanoi is estimated to have around 7 million motorbikes and scooters, predominantly gas-powered, while the entire country boasts approximately 72 million. The objective of the ban is to decrease toxic emissions and pollution within the city.

      Reports from VNExpress indicate that around 5.6 million of the registered motorbikes in Hanoi run on gasoline, with approximately 1.3 million being electric. There are also about 1 million cars on the city’s roads. Although several companies, including Selex Motors and VinFast, sell electric motorbikes in Vietnam, there is a notable lack of charging infrastructure.

      Is the transition to electric feasible?

      Many of the electric bikes offered in Vietnam come equipped with swappable batteries, akin to those widely available in Taiwan. A key challenge in this transition is the absence of government incentives for purchasing electric motorcycles, although electric cars do benefit from waived registration fees.

      The financial outlook is daunting as last year's average income for a Hanoi resident was just under $6,250. The cost of a new electric scooter ranges from $1,150 to $1,900, making it unattainable for many. The former chairman of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association has proposed that the city provide financial assistance through subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to facilitate this transition.