Vietnam will prohibit the use of fossil-fuel motorcycles and mopeds in central Hanoi starting from July 2026, marking a significant step in the country’s broader strategy to combat air pollution and advance the shift to clean transportation. The directive, issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, will apply to areas inside and along the capital’s main ring road, with local authorities tasked to phase out two-wheelers by the deadline.
Motorcycles remain the dominant mode of transport in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, where the city’s 8 million residents own nearly 7 million motorbikes compared to just over one million cars. But rapid urbanization and rising incomes have worsened traffic congestion and intensified air pollution, leaving Hanoi frequently shrouded in heavy smog and consistently ranking among the most polluted cities worldwide.
The government views the transition to electric vehicles as a core solution to address environmental and climate challenges. Local EV manufacturer VinFast has already captured nearly one-fifth of the domestic electric vehicle market, according to the European Chamber of Commerce. However, its presence in the two-wheeler segment remains limited, leaving questions about the pace of transition for the millions of motorbike users.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the plan. While many people voice concern that the ban would disproportionately affect low-income workers. a part of capital’s population welcomes the push for cleaner air but argues the timeline was unrealistic without major improvements to public transport and stronger support measures.
Central Hanoi, which houses much of the city’s business activity, government offices, and commercial hubs, will be most affected by the 2026 phase-out. A second phase, scheduled for January 2028, will expand the ban to a wider area, covering all fossil-fuel two-wheelers and placing restrictions on some gasoline-powered cars.
Alongside the transport transition, Vietnam is introducing complementary measures to tackle pollution, including upgrades to waste-treatment facilities, greater use of digital monitoring systems, stricter penalties for environmental violations, and whistleblower incentives to encourage public oversight. Together, the government aims to chart a path toward cleaner air, healthier urban living, and a more sustainable transport system.
(Source: The Investor)
