Source: Japan Today

As Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi grapples with some of the world’s worst urban air quality, electric motorbikes are gaining traction as a potential solution to the city’s pollution crisis. With over 77 million petrol-powered motorbikes dominating Vietnam’s roads, the government is urging a transition to cleaner electric alternatives.

Petrol-powered vehicles contribute significantly to Hanoi’s air pollution, with estimates from city authorities attributing over two-thirds of the smog to motorbikes. In response, the government has set a target for 25% of two-wheelers to be electric by 2030.

Uptake of electric motorcycles and challenges

Electric motorbikes, priced as low as $500, are gaining popularity, especially among students, who account for 80% of the market, according to transport analyst Truong Thi My Thanh. Low running costs further drive adoption. However, it is believed that older drivers remain resistant to change, due to their historical reliance on petrol motorbikes for significant periods of time.

Charging infrastructure and battery safety concerns also present hurdles. While many users can charge vehicles at home, shared living spaces and fears stemming from incidents like a deadly Hanoi fire in 2022 deter some. Nasdaq-listed VinFast, a major e-motorbike manufacturer, has addressed these issues by installing 150,000 EV charging points nationwide.

For riders who don’t want to spend hours at charging stations, new solutions like battery-swapping stations offer a promising alternative. Selex, a Vietnamese start-up backed by the Asian Development Bank, has introduced stations allowing riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in seconds. This innovation is particularly beneficial for delivery and taxi services, which require longer operational ranges.

Industry and policy efforts

Vietnam’s push for electric motorbikes has attracted significant corporate and governmental attention. E-motorbike brand Selex has partnered with logistics companies like Lazada and DHL Express to integrate e-motorcycles into delivery fleets. Meanwhile, Vingroup operates a taxi service with thousands of electric vehicles.

Selex founder Nguyen Phuoc Huu Nguyen suggested that a vehicle registration fee waiver for EVs would help “end-users see the benefits of buying an e-bike. We all understand that EVs are good for the environment. But it needs investment.”

Transport analyst Truong Thi My Thanh highlights that while e-bikes are a step forward, Hanoi’s long-term solution requires embracing public transportation to ease gridlock. However, the rising popularity of electric motorbikes represents a critical shift toward sustainable urban mobility.

Despite challenges, transport analyst Thanh described the growth in electric vehicle ownership as “a beacon of hope” for Hanoi’s fight against pollution.