Hanoi’s largest used motorcycle market slows after announcement of fuel bike ban plan

Under a directive from the prime minister, motorbikes running on fossil fuels will no longer be allowed inside the ring road as part of the efforts to reduce emissions and promote greener transport.

The announcement has led many potential buyers to postpone purchases, causing business to stall at shops specializing in petrol-powered bikes.

At Chua Ha Street in the now-defunct Cau Giay District, a major hub for used motorbike sales in northern Vietnam, vendors said foot traffic has dropped significantly.

On Thursday morning, dozens of sellers were seen idling, with no buyers in sight.

Pham Dinh Vinh, who owns a store displaying over 300 motorbikes, said some customers who had placed deposits asked to cancel their purchases after the announcement.

He hoped the ban would be introduced gradually to give businesses time to adapt.

Vinh, who also runs a shop on Lang Street, said daily sales used to reach up to 10 bikes, but are now flat.

Prices have dropped by as much as 30 percent, he said, but demand remains low.

Nguyen Trong Hung, another dealer at the market, said demand dropped sharply after the announcement.

He said only buyers from outside Hanoi were still purchasing high-end scooters, while demand for common models used within the city had nearly disappeared.

The downturn is visible across the area, with both used and new motorcycle dealers along Chua Ha Street reporting fewer customers.