Is a $190 subsidy enough to make Vietnamese switch to electric motorbikes ?

A VND5 million ($190) subsidy could spark interest, but more is needed to truly incentivize Vietnamese people to switch from gas-powered motorcycles to electric ones.

I am an office worker in Hanoi. I have owned a gasoline motorbike for eight years. It still runs well, but it’s beginning to show signs of wear. When I heard about the opportunity to trade it in for a new electric motorbike with a VND5 million subsidy, I, like many others, was excited to learn more. However, after some thought, I realized that switching to an electric bike is not as simple as just the initial cost.

Hanoi is planning to offer a VND5 million (US$190) incentive for owners of gasoline motorbikes who replace them with electric models.

The first thing that stood out to me was the cost of operation. Charging an electric bike is clearly much cheaper than fueling a gas one. On average, I spend around VND500,000–700,000 per month on gas; whereas, an electric motorbike only costs about VND100,000 per month in electricity for the same distance. For someone with an average income, these savings are quite appealing.

Additionally, electric bikes are quiet, emit no exhaust fumes, and have no gasoline smell, features everyone living in the city can appreciate. The launch of the trade-in program feels like a « boost, » encouraging users to switch to greener transportation. But upon closer inspection, there are many concerns that still make me hesitant.

First is the issue of the battery. Questions around battery lifespan, degradation over time, and the cost of replacing it are major concerns that remain unclear. I’ve spoken to friends who have used e-bikes, and many said that after two or three years, the range decreased significantly, sometimes requiring a mid-day charge. On top of that, replacing the battery is expensive, sometimes costing as much as half the price of the bike itself. For someone like me with a middle-income salary, this is a significant financial risk.

Second, the charging infrastructure is not yet convenient. Some new apartment buildings have installed charging stations, but there are often too few, and they can be overloaded during peak hours. Many shared housing units even prohibit charging overnight. I don’t want to find myself, every morning, struggling to find an available charging spot like I would for a parking spot on a rainy day.

Third, I see the challenge of changing habits. With a gas-powered bike, if I run out of fuel, I can simply pull into any gas station, refill in a few minutes, and be on my way. But with an electric motorbike, I need to have a clear plan: when to charge, how long it will take, and what to do if I need to travel far. For people with flexible work hours and frequent travel, running out of power can be a real concern.

Of course, I don’t deny the benefits of switching to an electric bike, it reduces pollution, operating costs, and noise. From a policy perspective, the VND5 million subsidy is certainly a positive signal, helping to stimulate the market and shift consumer habits. But if you ask whether this is a real game-changer for most Vietnamese people, the answer is likely « not yet. »

Many people, like me, still face numerous practical barriers: the cost of switching, lack of charging stations, high battery replacement costs, concerns over durability, and long-term use. Those of us with average incomes must carefully consider all these factors, not just the initial financial support, before making a decision.

I still believe electric bikes are the inevitable future of transportation, and one day, I too will switch. But for this to be a confident choice, rather than a gamble, I need more than just a VND5 million subsidy. It could be a motivator, but it is not enough to make me an electric bike user at this time. The real « boost » will come when electric bikes are not just a compromise, but a reliable and reassuring option.

By Bao Nam – VnExpress.net – November 27, 2025