With less than three months before the city begins piloting LEZ measures under Resolution 57/2025 of the municipal People’s Council, the market for electric motorbikes is already showing clear signs of acceleration.

From July 1, Hanoi will introduce time-based or area-based restrictions on petrol-powered motorcycles within Ring Road 1, with plans to expand coverage across the entire zone by 2028 and extend to areas within Ring Road 3 by 2030. The policy is expected to reshape travel habits for millions of urban residents.

According to industry analyst The Dat, electrification is an inevitable global trend, and Vietnam is no exception. Rising fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, combined with domestic policy shifts, are expected to further drive demand for electric vehicles.

Market data reflects this momentum. In 2025, Vietnam recorded approximately 700,000 electric motorbike sales, with more than 209,000 units sold in the first half alone, nearly doubling year-on-year. The country currently ranks third globally in electric two-wheeler market size, behind China and India. Sales are projected to reach 1.2–1.3 million units in 2026, representing growth of around 150%.

Leading manufacturers have reported significant gains. VinFast maintained its dominant position with over 406,000 units sold in 2025, marking a nearly fivefold increase compared to the previous year. Other brands, including Yadea, Pega, Dat Bike and Selex Motor, have also posted strong growth.

From a consumer perspective, affordability remains a key driver. Mid-range models priced between 20–30 million VND (760-1,140 USD) are particularly popular, aligning with the purchasing power of most households. At the same time, buying behaviour is becoming more rational, with consumers increasingly evaluating total cost of ownership rather than upfront price alone.

Retailers report a surge in showroom visits and test rides in recent weeks, as customers compare long-term costs between petrol and electric vehicles, including fuel, maintenance and battery expenses. Some high-performance models offering ranges exceeding 200 kilometres per charge have faced temporary shortages due to rising demand.

However, infrastructure constraints remain a critical bottleneck. Limited charging facilities, particularly in apartment complexes, continue to pose challenges for widespread adoption. Many residential buildings lack adequate charging points or impose restrictions on electric vehicle parking, slowing the transition.

City authorities are stepping up efforts to address these gaps. Hanoi has identified more than 100 potential sites for charging stations and is developing support mechanisms related to land use, financing and investment procedures to attract private sector participation.

Experts emphasise that sustained market growth will depend on a comprehensive policy framework, including incentives such as registration fee reductions, parking preferences and expanded charging infrastructure. Accelerating the deployment of public charging and battery-swapping networks will be essential to ensure convenience and safety for users.

With a clear policy trajectory, active business engagement and evolving consumer preferences, Hanoi’s electric motorbike market is poised for rapid expansion. Ensuring synchronised progress in infrastructure and regulatory support will be key to translating this policy momentum into a long-term, sustainable green mobility ecosystem./.