I want to go green, but my landlord’s electric bike ban keeps stopping me

After the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line in HCMC began operation, I considered buying a foldable electric bike for around VND7 million (US$266) to travel between my rented room and the nearest station.

The model I wanted had a removable battery, making it convenient to charge inside my room. But when I mentioned this plan, my landlord waved it off: "Better not." Luckily, I had not bought the bike yet, because if I had, I would have had to resell it immediately.

Landlords refusing tenants who use electric bikes has become a controversial issue. Recently, one of Hanoi’s largest apartment complexes issued a notice banning electric vehicles from its basement parking area, sparking fierce debate among residents.

A person with a Vinfast electric motorbike model. Photo by VnExpress/The Anh

Building managers and landlords have legitimate safety concerns about electrical overloads and potential fires caused by lithium batteries.

Apartment residents at least have community groups to discuss possible solutions. But those renting rooms in boarding houses like me have no choice but to comply with their landlords’ rules.

Both groups now find themselves caught in the same predicament, like being squeezed between two sides of a sandwich. As gasoline motorbikes face tighter restrictions, electric vehicles are becoming the preferred alternative, but where can people charge and park them? Completely banning electric bikes from shared parking areas only shifts the burden to users.

This situation reflects a broader challenge: everyone wants safety, but how can it be balanced with practicality?

The answer lies in improving infrastructure.

The most immediate step would be to establish centralized charging zones equipped with fire prevention systems, heat sensors, CCTV, and on-site supervision.

Such standards could be formalized through clear regulations: residential buildings must provide parking spaces that meet safety requirements; users must follow proper charging procedures; and manufacturers should guarantee battery quality.

Yet another question arises: who will bear the cost? Large apartment complexes can invest collectively, but smaller buildings, mini-apartments, and boarding houses may struggle. Older complexes also face challenges in upgrading their infrastructure to safely support electric vehicles.

Vietnam is moving toward a green transition, promoting clean transport and eco-friendly urban living.

But for many renters, the journey toward sustainability feels like being trapped, unable to use their electric vehicles, yet with no practical solution in sight.

*Readers' opinions are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress' viewpoints.