Electric bicycles are an opportunity for Vietnam’s economic prosperity

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is one of the most polluted cities in the world, whose streets are full of gasoline-powered motorcycles. In the midst of this crisis, electric bicycles are gaining attention as an economical and environmentally friendly option. A 19-year-old taxi driver is one of the people who switched to electric bikes due to severe air pollution. “The smell of gasoline at intersections is unbearable,” he says. “My only wish is to pass the red light faster.”

According to Tekna Technology News Media Energy Service, currently more than two thirds of Hanoi’s air pollution is caused by gasoline vehicles. The Vietnamese government plans to make a quarter of the country’s motorcycles electric by 2030. However, in 2023 only 9% of motorcycles sold were electric, second only to China.

Students, who make up 80 percent of e-bike users, have turned to these devices because of their low price (around $500) and low maintenance costs. But older riders still stick to gas-powered motorcycles. “I know electric bikes are better for the environment, but it’s easier for me to get used to a gasoline motorcycle,” says one of them.

Startup Selex has come up with a creative solution to charging problems by offering fast battery replacement stations. The startup has partnered with major companies like DHL and Lazada to help drivers spend less time charging their batteries. VinFast, led by Vietnam’s richest man, is also playing an important role in this transformation by installing 150,000 charging stations and launching electric taxis.

Although problems such as concerns about battery safety and the lack of sufficient space for charging in buildings still exist, experts believe that more government investment in infrastructure and incentives such as removing the registration fee can accelerate this process.

Although the switch to electric bicycles cannot solve all of Hanoi’s pollution and traffic problems, this development is a promising step towards cleaner air and quieter streets.