Vietnam bans fossil-fuel motorcycles in Hanoi to tackle pollution
- Vietnam plans to eliminate fossil-fuel motorcycles and mopeds from central Hanoi by July 2026 due to rampant air pollution.
- Residents express concerns over the impact of the ban on their daily lives and livelihoods, particularly for those who rely on motorcycles for work.
- The initiative is part of a wider strategy to shift towards electric vehicles and improve overall air quality in Vietnam.
Vietnam is set to implement a ban on fossil-fuel motorcycles and mopeds in central Hanoi beginning in July 2026, as part of a broader strategy to combat rising air pollution levels that plague its capital. With nearly eight million residents predominantly relying on two-wheelers for transport, the ban comes in response to deteriorating air quality that has seen Hanoi consistently rank among the most polluted cities globally. Government data indicates that air quality index levels in the city are often categorized as 'poor' to 'very poor', prompting concerns about public health and environmental sustainability. The initiative aims to shift Hanoi's transportation landscape towards cleaner alternatives, with plans to promote electric vehicles. VinFast, a domestic electric vehicle manufacturer, is positioned to play a significant role in this transition, holding about 20% of Vietnam's electric vehicle market share. However, despite these efforts, the adoption of electric two-wheelers has been slow, and many residents fear the immediate impacts of the impending ban. The timeline for the ban has faced criticism from various segments of society. Nguyen Van Hung, a 62-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, expressed concerns about the repercussions for those who depend on motorcycles for their livelihoods. Similarly, local office clerk Hoang Duy Dung, 32, supports the need for cleaner air but questions whether the necessary infrastructure is in place to support such a significant change within the proposed timeframe. In addition to the motorcycle ban, Vietnam's government aims to enhance waste treatment facilities, employ digital technologies for pollution monitoring, and impose tougher penalties for environmental violations in order to address the pollution crisis holistically. A second phase of the plan is scheduled to begin in January 2028, which will expand the ban to a broader area and include restrictions on gasoline-powered private vehicles as well, highlighting a comprehensive approach to tackling air quality issues throughout the country.