HANOI – The Hanoi People's Committee has unveiled an ambitious plan to ban gasoline-powered motorbikes from its central districts by July 2026, a move aimed at tackling chronic air pollution and traffic congestion but which has ignited a fierce debate among the city's residents.
The proposal, part of a broader scheme to modernize the capital's transport infrastructure, would prohibit internal combustion engine (ICE) motorbikes from entering the area within Ring Road 1. This zone encompasses the city's historic and administrative core, including Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and parts of Hai Ba Trung districts—areas with the highest density of traffic and commercial activity.
Official Rationale: A Push for a Greener Capital
City officials argue the ban is a critical and necessary step to improve Hanoi's deteriorating air quality, which frequently reaches hazardous levels, with PM2.5 particulate matter concentrations often ranking among the world's worst. The nearly six million motorbikes registered in the city are identified as a primary source of pollutants and a major contributor to constant traffic gridlock.
"This is not just about transportation; it's about public health and the future livability of our capital," stated a representative from the Hanoi Department of Transport. "Transitioning away from fossil fuels towards cleaner electric vehicles is an inevitable global trend, and Hanoi must be proactive in this transformation."
The plan is intended to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and encourage greater use of the city's expanding public transport network, including the new metro lines and an upgraded bus system.
A City Divided: Voices of Support and Concern
The proposal has been met with a mix of strong support and significant apprehension.
Supporters, primarily urban planners, environmental groups, and health experts, have lauded the plan as a bold and forward-thinking measure. They point to the potential for drastic reductions in respiratory illnesses and the creation of a more pedestrian-friendly city center. The EV industry also stands to benefit immensely from the policy, anticipating a surge in demand for electric motorbikes.
However, the opposition is vocal and widespread, rooted in deep economic and practical concerns. For millions of Hanoians, the motorbike is not a luxury but an essential and affordable tool for daily life—for commuting to work, taking children to school, and running small businesses.
"A new electric motorbike costs nearly double what a standard gasoline one does. How can a regular worker like me afford that?" questioned Nguyen Thi Lan, a 45-year-old street food vendor who relies on her motorbike for daily supplies. "And where would I even charge it? My apartment building has no charging stations."
Her concerns are echoed across the city. Critics argue that the 2026 timeline is far too aggressive and fails to account for the financial burden it places on low- and middle-income families. Furthermore, the city's current infrastructure is seen as woefully unprepared for a mass transition to EVs. A significant lack of public charging stations, coupled with questions about battery longevity and charging times, presents a major practical hurdle.
Logistics and ride-hailing companies have also expressed concern, as the ban would fundamentally disrupt last-mile delivery services, a critical component of the city's modern economy.
The Road Ahead: A Need for a Clear Roadmap
For the plan to be viable, experts suggest the city must roll out a comprehensive support package. This would need to include substantial government subsidies for purchasing EVs, a clear and rapid roadmap for developing a dense network of public charging stations, and continued investment in making public transport a more convenient and reliable alternative.
As Hanoi stands at a crossroads, attempting to balance its environmental aspirations with the socioeconomic realities of its citizens, the coming months of public consultation will be crucial. The final shape of this landmark policy will depend on whether the city can build a consensus and provide the necessary support to ensure a just and equitable transition for all.
