Hanoi residents prefer public transport after 2026 gasoline motorbike ban

The survey, done on July 15, gathered responses from nearly 13,000 readers, 86% of whom live in Hanoi. Most respondents were between 30 and 50 years old, followed by those aged 18–30 and over 50. Participants were asked about their preferred mode of transport once the ban takes effect within the Ring Road 1 area.

They were given the choice of three main alternatives for commuting up to Ring Road 1 if the ban on gasoline motorbikes took effect: public transport, ride-hailing and other taxi services and buying an electric motorbike.

Public transport was the most popular option, chosen by 33.6% of respondents, followed by electric ride-hailing services or taxis (28.9%) and electric motorbike (24.2%). Other choices included cycling, walking and relocating their place of residence or work outside Ring Road 1.

Hanoi’s public transport within the Ring Road 1 area includes the metro and buses. But trains are currently limited in terms of routes and access to core central neighborhoods, while buses are overcrowded during rush hour.

Most participants said the city should improve and expand the public transport network, with many thinking electric buses are the most straightforward solution. Their recommendations included increasing the frequency of bus services, adjusting routes and starting shuttle services to improve connectivity between Ring Road 1 and outer districts.

On July 15 city People's Committee vice chairman Duong Duc Tuan announced plans to expand electric public transport vehicles. The plan is to convert all buses, taxis and shuttle buses operating within Ring Road 1 to electric vehicles.

The city will also accelerate expansion of the urban railroad network as the use of private vehicles becomes restricted. Asked about replacing gasoline motorbikes with electric vehicles, most survey participants hoped for supportive policies from authorities to make this transition.

The most common request was for a direct trade-in program enabling owners to exchange gasoline motorbikes for electric ones at no additional cost or at minimal expense. Over 66% of respondents favored this solution.

The second most popular demand (46%) was for subsidizing the purchase of electric vehicles in the form of cash assistance, lower interest rates on loans and reductions in or waivers of taxes and fees on electric vehicles.

The third most popular demand (44%) was for incentives for electric vehicle use like priority parking, free parking, discounted charging costs, and designated parking areas at intersections.

Residents traveling on the Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro railway. Photo by VnExpress/Pham Chieu

For those hesitant about the switch to electric motorbikes (55%), the primary concerns were fire and explosion risks, long charging times, an underdeveloped charging station network, and lack of home charging options.

A similar number also worried about rapid battery degradation, 48% said electric vehicle prices were too high and 45% said their commute distance did not justify the purchase of a new vehicle.

Responding to these concerns, vice chairman Tuan said the city would work with vehicle manufacturers to ensure lower prices and operating costs. Hanoi would also propose further registration and licensing fee reductions or exemptions, he said.

The city plans to standardize its charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, with a focus on safety protocols for fire prevention, rescue and emergency response. Battery-swapping stations will involve multiple manufacturers to facilitate an easier transition to electric vehicles.