What is behind Vietnam’s plan to ban gas-powered motorcycles
Vietnam has announced plans to cut air pollution by banning petrol-powered motorbikes in key areas of its capital city, Hanoi.
Scheduled for July 2026, the restriction will first cover the central Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts, areas that are popular with tourists and often suffer from heavy traffic and air pollution.
The ban will later expand to other parts of the city and eventually include cars that run on petrol.
The plan is part of a long-term goal to stop the use of gas-powered motorbikes nationwide by 2045.
With around 72 million motorbikes on the road, mostly using petrol, the change is expected to have a huge impact on daily life and the environment.
Vietnamese officials say they want to clean up the air, reduce traffic noise, and push people toward cleaner options like electric bikes and scooters.
Electric scooters are already gaining popularity in Vietnam, especially from local makers like VinFast and Selex Motors.
But many people are still unsure about switching, mostly because of high prices and not enough charging stations.
Despite these challenges, cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are now looking into similar plans.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
