Vietnam will start banning petrol motorbikes from 2026

The authorities of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, will ban the use of motorbikes with internal combustion engines in the city centre from 1 July 2026. In 2027, the ban will be extended to most parts of the city, and even later cars with internal combustion engines will be banned - although the exact date has not yet been announced.

Here's What We Know

Vietnam plans to completely phase out internal combustion engine motorbikes and scooters nationwide by 2045. This is a move to combat air and noise pollution, as in megacities like Hanoi, millions of motorbikes are a major source of smog and street noise.

But the switch to electric transport will be a serious blow to Vietnamese wallets: the average salary in the country is about US$600 a month, and buying an electric scooter is a tangible expense. By next July, hundreds of thousands of residents of the capital will have to switch to electric transport.

So far, the state has not offered support programmes, but the authorities are reportedly considering such a possibility. Among the main beneficiaries will be VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer that also produces electric scooters. Local company Selex, which offers a quick battery swap system, will also benefit.

The ban is expected to really change the face of Vietnamese streets. They will become quieter and cleaner, but it looks like the residents themselves will have to pay for the ecology.

Source: electrek