Many Hanoians hesitant to go electric, holding on to decades-old gasoline motorbikes

The debate over Hanoi's plan to shift from gasoline to electric bikes, impacting the city's Ring Road 1, a loop around central areas, starting in July 2026, has generated diverse opinions.

While the debate continues, I believe this transition is both reasonable and an inevitable step for modern cities. Here are the key reasons why electric bikes are a better fit for urban environments.

Why are electric bikes more suited for city streets?

The primary difference between gasoline and electric engines lies in how they operate. Gasoline engines perform best on long, consistent routes, but city streets, with their frequent stops and starts, are not ideal. This "forced" operation leads to higher fuel consumption and faster wear on components, causing the bike to degrade more quickly. Those riding manual bikes feel tired from constantly using the clutch, while automatic bike riders experience delays when accelerating.

In contrast, electric motors provide instant acceleration, making them more efficient in city traffic. When stopping at red lights, the motor shuts off, saving energy and reducing noise and emissions. This makes for a more comfortable and cost-effective ride compared to gasoline bikes, which continue running while idling.

Are concerns about electric vehicle batteries still valid?

Battery technology has advanced considerably, addressing many earlier concerns.

Concerns about running out of battery mid-ride are understandable, but most people rarely travel more than 100 km a day in the city. Modern electric bikes easily cover this distance on a full charge, making them more than adequate for daily commuting. Just plug the bike in overnight, and it will be ready to use the next day.

Regarding safety and durability, lithium iron phosphate batteries are commonly used in electric bikes today. These batteries are considered safe, resistant to explosions even after impact, and boast impressive lifespans, enduring thousands of charge cycles. Provided the bike is used as intended and is not modified with unauthorized components, the built-in safety features ensure reliability.

Commuters on gasoline motorbikes in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The cost dilemma: Which vehicle is cheaper to maintain?

While many people take pride in their gasoline-powered bikes that have lasted 20 years, the true cost of ownership can be more complicated than it appears. We often focus on durability and overlook the smaller but recurring costs that accumulate over time. Regular expenses like gasoline, oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, and chain replacements can add up to an amount that may surprise you, sometimes enough to buy several new bikes.

Electric bikes, on the other hand, eliminate most of these costs. The primary ongoing expense is the electricity for charging, which is less expensive than gasoline. Additionally, battery replacement only occurs after several years (typically 7-10 years), and the cost of new battery technology is steadily decreasing. Those who have switched to electric bikes, especially ride-hailing drivers, often report significant monthly savings from reduced fuel costs and less frequent maintenance.

Do electric bikes pollute the environment as much as gasoline bikes?

Some argue that electric bikes still rely on power plants that burn coal and contribute to pollution. While this is true, the issue is more complex. The real question is whether pollution is concentrated in one manageable location or spread throughout the city. The smog from millions of gasoline bikes and cars fills our streets, and we breathe it in every day.

Regulating emissions from individual vehicles is difficult to enforce. In contrast, pollution from power plants is centralized, where it can be managed more effectively with advanced filtration and emission control systems. Moreover, we can gradually replace coal and oil-powered plants with renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear power, making the entire electric vehicle ecosystem much cleaner. Transitioning to electric bikes centralizes pollution management, making it easier to control, rather than allowing it to spread uncontrolled through our streets.

In conclusion, when considering operation, cost, and environmental impact, electric bikes clearly emerge as a smarter, more efficient choice for urban transportation. They not only contribute to cleaner and quieter cities but also offer long-term savings for riders. The best advice is to try one for yourself. Riding a smooth, smoke-free, and silent bike offers a truly unique experience, one that may persuade you more than any analysis could.