Hanoi Faces Electric Motorbike Transition Hurdles

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Residents of Hanoi’s Old Quarter are finding it tough to switch to electric motorbikes due to a lack of charging stations and financial issues. A plan to trial a low-emission zone in Hoan Kiem Ward, set to restrict gasoline motorbikes starting July 1, has sparked discussions among locals like Ngan Ha. The limitations pose significant challenges for residents trying to adapt their transportation methods.

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For over sixty years, Ngan Ha and her husband have lived on Hang Bac Street, earning modestly from a motorbike taxi service and a tea stall. Though considering an electric motorbike to comply with the upcoming restrictions, they face the challenge of charging it in a narrow alley without proper infrastructure. The nearest public charging stations are too far, and the aging electrical grid raises safety concerns.

Thuy Minh, another resident and shop owner, echoes similar struggles. Her business has already suffered since the pandemic, and the new constraints threaten further decline. With bulky goods transported primarily on weekends, an electric motorbike seems impractical due to high costs and insufficient charging options.

Pham Van Hoa, a neighborhood committee chief, notes that approximately 200 households in the area will face significant disruptions. The underlying problem is the overcrowded parking and inadequate charging facilities. Hoan Kiem Ward's infrastructure currently supports only up to 3,500 electric motorbikes out of 89,000 two-wheelers, compounding these challenges.

The future of this initiative hinges on infrastructure development, such as planned battery-swapping stations which remain non-operational. Expert Tran Huy Anh suggests implementing priority lanes for essential goods and making broader environmental improvements. As of now, families like The Toan’s are using temporary solutions, cautiously charging electric bikes under supervision to mitigate risk.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 15 May 2026