Hanoi: Vietnam will prohibit fossil-fuel-powered motorcycles and mopeds in central Hanoi starting in July 2026 to tackle air pollution. The ban, announced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, targets the area within the main ring road, a central zone for much of the city’s business activities. This move aims to address the pollution issue linked to the current prevalence of nearly 7 million motorbikes and a million cars in the city.

According to Radio Free Asia, the Vietnamese government plans to replace gas-fueled motorbikes with electric vehicles to cut pollution and address climate change concerns. Despite the local electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast holding nearly a fifth of the market share, its presence in the two-wheeler market remains limited. The initiative, however, has raised concerns among residents who believe it may disproportionately affect low-income individuals reliant on motorbikes for transportation.

The directive also outlines a second phase, scheduled for January 2028, which will expand the ban to a larger geographic area and include some gas-powered private cars. This phased approach aims to gradually transition the city’s transportation system toward more sustainable alternatives.