Motorbike 2026: What to Expect?

Motorbike 2026: What to Expect

Vietnam, a country where motorbikes reign supreme, will begin a historic transformation in 2026. The capital, Hanoi, will launch a gradual plan to ban petrol-powered motorbikes, with a clear objective: reduce pollution and modernize urban transport.
Here’s the complete timeline, the areas affected, and the impacts on residents.

July 2026: First Stage in the City Center

From July 2026, all petrol or diesel scooters, motorbikes, and mopeds will be banned inside and along Ring Road 1.
This zone covers Hanoi’s historic and administrative heart, where traffic density and air pollution reach critical levels.

January 2028: Expansion to Ring Road 2

In January 2028, the ban will extend to the entire area within Ring Road 2.
Petrol-powered motorbikes will remain prohibited, and some petrol cars will also begin to face restrictions in the most congested central zones.

2030: Hanoi Moves Toward a City Without Combustion Engines

By 2030, the ban will extend to all combustion-engine vehicles — motorbikes, scooters, and cars — within Ring Road 3.
This will be the final step before a complete transition to a fleet of 100% electric or low-emission vehicles.

Types of Vehicles Concerned

• Petrol-powered motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds: banned from 2026 in Ring Road 1.

• Petrol cars: affected from 2028 in certain central areas.

• All combustion vehicles: banned inside Ring Road 3 by 2030.

Why This Ban?

The Vietnamese government aims to:

• Reduce air pollution caused by emissions from petrol motorbikes.

• Improve quality of life in major cities.

• Modernize transport by developing electric mobility and public transit.

This transition will be supported by subsidies, tax exemptions, and new charging infrastructure.

Challenges Ahead

• Cost for users: electric vehicles remain more expensive to purchase.

• Limited infrastructure: charging stations are still rare in some areas.

• Changing habits: workers who depend on their motorbike, such as delivery drivers, will need to adapt.

Conclusion

The gradual ban on petrol motorbikes in Hanoi marks a major turning point for mobility in Vietnam.
If well managed, this transition could transform the capital into a model of sustainable urban living in Southeast Asia.
In 2026, the question will no longer be if the petrol motorbike will disappear, but how everyone will adapt.

Full Timeline of the Petrol Scooter Ban in Vietnam

2026: Start of the Transition in Hanoi
The year 2026 marks the official launch of the plan.

• July 2026: ban on petrol motorbikes and scooters inside and along Ring Road 1 in Hanoi. This zone covers the historic and administrative center, where traffic is heaviest. The aim is to test the measure’s effectiveness in a smaller area before expanding.

2027: Strengthening Low-Emission Zones
While 2027 will not see a major new ban, it will be crucial for:

• Expanding low-emission zones to other districts.

• Deploying new charging stations for electric scooters.

• Increasing subsidies and tax incentives to replace petrol vehicles.

2028: Expansion to Ring Road 2

• January 2028: the restricted area will extend to all of Ring Road 2.

• Petrol scooters, motorbikes, and mopeds will be banned, with gradual restrictions on certain petrol cars in the most polluted neighborhoods.

2029: Scaling Up Nationwide
From 2029, other major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hai Phong will adopt similar restrictions, including:

• Petrol scooter-free zones in city centers.

• National campaigns promoting electric mobility.

2030: Total Ban in Major Cities

• Elimination of all combustion-engine vehicles — motorbikes, scooters, and cars — inside Ring Road 3 in Hanoi.

• Generalization of restrictions to all major cities.

• Urban vehicle fleets will be composed exclusively of electric or low-emission hybrids.

After 2030: Toward a Fully Electric Vietnam

• Gradual nationwide ban on new petrol scooter sales.

• By 2040–2045, all two-wheelers in Vietnam will need to be electric or equivalent clean-energy models.

Summary

Vietnam’s strategy to phase out petrol scooters follows a gradual approach: starting with central zones, expanding step-by-step, then implementing nationwide. This allows time to prepare the population, develop infrastructure, and ensure mass adoption of electric scooters.

Vietnam’s Electric Transition: How the Country is Preparing for the End of Petrol Scooters

Vietnam is anticipating the end of petrol scooters. Infrastructure, charging stations, and green energy — here’s how the country is preparing for its transition.

By 2030, petrol scooters will have almost disappeared from Vietnam’s major cities. But to make this revolution a success, the country must overcome a major challenge: ensuring reliable charging infrastructure and sufficient electricity production to power millions of electric two-wheelers.

Massive Deployment of Charging Stations

The first step is to install thousands of charging stations nationwide, focusing on big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

• Fast chargers along major roads and in existing gas stations.

• Slow chargers in public car parks, residential buildings, and commercial areas.

• Development of battery swap stations for electric scooters to minimize downtime.

Local manufacturers such as VinFast and Dat Bike are already working with authorities to integrate these infrastructures into high-traffic districts.

Strengthening the Electric Grid

The widespread adoption of electric scooters will lead to increased energy demand. Vietnam therefore plans to:

• Modernize power lines to reduce losses and improve distribution.

• Install additional transformers in high-consumption urban areas.

• Implement smart grid systems to avoid demand peaks.

Energy Production: A Shift Toward Renewables

To ensure the transition is truly ecological, Vietnam is focusing on:

• Solar power: installing rooftop panels on buildings, parking facilities, and factories.

• Wind power: developing onshore and offshore wind farms, particularly in the south and central regions.

• Hydropower: optimizing existing dams and adding micro-hydro plants in certain provinces.

The goal is for a large share of the electricity used for mobility to come from clean sources.

Public-Private Partnerships

The Vietnamese government is relying on partnerships with businesses to accelerate deployment:

• Electric scooter manufacturers are investing in their own charging networks.

• Traditional fuel stations are adding electric charging points to their services.

• Property developers are encouraged to integrate charging infrastructure into new projects.

Incentives for Users

To encourage the population to switch to electric, several measures are planned:

• Subsidies for purchasing electric scooters.

• Tax exemptions and reductions in registration fees.

• Free or discounted parking for electric vehicles in city centers.

Conclusion

The end of petrol-powered scooters in Vietnam is not just a regulatory change — it’s an energy revolution.
Between charging stations, grid modernization, and investments in renewable energy, the country is building a complete ecosystem to support clean mobility.
If these efforts continue, Vietnam could become one of Asia’s leaders in electric mobility by 2030.

Current Prices of Electric Scooters in Vietnam

As of 2025, a new electric scooter in Vietnam costs between 12 and 32 million VND (about €440 to €1,150), depending on the brand, battery size, and range.
The average price is around €1,040, roughly double the cost of an equivalent petrol scooter. Entry-level models are designed for city use, while high-end versions offer greater power and longer range.

France–Vietnam Energy Partnership

During his 2025 visit to Vietnam, Emmanuel Macron signed several agreements to support the country’s energy transition.
Key commitments included:

• A €500 million concessional loan to finance grid modernization and decarbonization.

• A €67 million financing agreement to strengthen high-voltage lines and substations in the south, enabling greater integration of renewable energy.

These agreements are part of a broader cooperation effort, including new energy production capacity, infrastructure modernization, and support for electric mobility.

Conclusion: Vietnam Enters a New Era

The progressive ban on petrol scooters and the massive rollout of charging infrastructure mark a historic turning point for Vietnam. By investing in renewable energy, modernizing its electric grid, and encouraging citizens to adopt clean vehicles, the country is beginning a deep transformation of its urban mobility.

This transition goes beyond a change in motorization — it opens the door to a new era where air quality, technological innovation, and sustainable development are central to everyday life. In just a few years, Vietnam could become a regional model for green cities and smart mobility.

FAQ – Driving Electric and Hybrid in Vietnam: What You Need to Know

What type of powertrain should you choose in Vietnam: hybrid, all-electric, or petrol?

In Vietnam, petrol vehicles running on gasoline and diesel will gradually be replaced by clean vehicles such as electric cars and hybrids. All-electric powertrains offer zero-emission operation, while plug-in hybrids combine a combustion engine with an electric motor to optimize fuel consumption and reduce environmental impact.

Is buying an electric or hybrid vehicle worthwhile in Vietnam?

Buying an electric or hybrid vehicle is encouraged by policies promoting the shift to electric transport. Driving electric reduces fuel costs, limits pollutant emissions, and prepares for the gradual phase-out of petrol cars. Brands such as Tesla Model S, Kia, and Volvo offer models suited to local needs.

How do you charge an electric or hybrid vehicle in Vietnam?

Charging can be done via a domestic socket for daily use or at public charging points in major cities. Fast electric charging is ideal for long trips. Infrastructure is expanding to make charging electric vehicles easier, with stations suitable for city cars, SUVs, and sedans.

What is the range of electric and hybrid cars available in Vietnam?

Current electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles offer ranges from 200 km to over 500 km, depending on the model and usage. All-electric vehicles such as some Tesla models or Kia EVs are designed for long trips, while electric city cars are perfect for urban commuting.

What are the environmental benefits of green vehicles in Vietnam?

Green vehicles — whether electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid — help reduce fossil fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. A zero-emission vehicle helps combat climate change, improve air quality, and make transport in Vietnam more ecological and sustainable.

FAQ – All About Electric Vehicles, Hybrids, and Hydrogen

Why choose an electric vehicle?

An electric vehicle enables zero-emission driving, reducing CO2 emissions and pollutants from traffic. Thanks to its electric motor, it offers quiet, clean driving, ideal for urban journeys. Automakers such as Tesla, Nissan (with the Nissan Leaf), and others now offer a wide range of electric cars for all needs.

What is the environmental impact of an electric car?

According to ADEME, the environmental impact of an electric car depends on the energy mix used to charge it. Even in countries using nuclear or fossil fuels, it emits less CO2 than a petrol vehicle. Producing lithium-ion batteries does require lithium extraction, which has environmental challenges to address.

What’s the difference between electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids?

Electric vehicles run solely on an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. Plug-in hybrids combine a petrol engine with an electric motor, allowing short trips in electric mode and switching to the petrol engine for longer distances. This reduces pollutants while offering flexibility.

How do you charge an electric car?

You can charge an electric car at home or at public charging points. Charging can be slow, fast, or ultra-fast (ion), with capacities measured in kWh. Tesla and Nissan Leaf models, among others, are compatible with various charging systems. The eco-bonus encourages home charging installations and access to public infrastructure.

What role does hydrogen play in zero-emission mobility?

Hydrogen cars use a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor, emitting only water. While less common than lithium-ion battery electric cars, they offer very fast refueling and long range. They complement electric and hybrid vehicles in diversifying zero-emission solutions and reducing the automotive sector’s environmental footprint.

FAQ – Understanding Hybrid, Electric, and Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

What is the difference between an internal-combustion engine and electric drive?

An internal-combustion engine (ICE) uses gasoline or diesel for fueling, producing tailpipe emissions and greenhouse gases. In contrast, an electric drive relies on a battery pack and an electric motor to move the vehicle, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

How do hybrid-electric vehicles work?

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), such as the Toyota Prius, combine an internal combustion engine with an electric drive system. They use regenerative braking to recharge the battery pack and improve fuel efficiency. Automakers use this technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while still offering extended driving range.

What are plug-in electric vehicles?

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) include both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. These vehicles can be plugged into a charger at home or at a public charging station. Fast-charging and standard EV charging options are available, allowing for recharging in various time frames depending on the charger type.

How does electric vehicle charging work?

Electric vehicle charging can be done through a home charging station, public EV charging network, or utility-supported charging points. Fast-charging stations can recharge most battery electric vehicles to 80% in under an hour, while slower chargers are ideal for overnight recharging.

What incentives exist for buying alternative-fuel or electric vehicles?

Many regions offer a tax credit or rebate for the purchase of plug-in electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or battery electric vehicles. These incentives help offset the cost of the battery pack and charger installation, making electrification more accessible to consumers.

How do buses and large vehicles use electrification?

Electric buses and alternative-fuel buses use battery electric or hybrid-electric systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They often feature regenerative braking and large battery packs, and can be plugged into fast-charging stations at depots or along their routes for efficient vehicle charging.