Ho Chi Minh City approves installation of e-motorbike battery-swap cabinets on sidewalks

The decision was conveyed by the Office of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee following a directive from chairman Nguyen Van Duoc, after reviewing a report from the Department of Construction and opinions raised at a meeting held on December 16 last year.

Under the approved policy, battery-swap cabinets may be installed on sidewalks and in other public areas that fall within the protected corridor of road infrastructure, in line with proposals submitted by the Department of Construction.

City authorities said the measure is intended to help fulfill Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions while accelerating the transition to environmentally friendly transport.

The decision also implements guidance from Party General Secretary To Lam on strengthening solutions to reduce environmental pollution and improve urban living quality.

Any fees for the temporary use of sidewalks or road space for installing the cabinets will be collected in accordance with existing regulations.

The city chairman assigned the Department of Construction to develop and publicly announce clear criteria for selecting enterprises eligible to invest in, install, manage, and operate battery-swap cabinets.

The department must also publish a list of streets with sidewalks that meet installation requirements.

Authorities stressed that the selection process must be transparent, non-discriminatory, and non-exclusive, ensuring fair access for all qualified businesses.

The Department of Construction is also tasked with clarifying post-investment management and operation mechanisms, while defining the responsibilities of participating enterprises.

These include full responsibility for investment, operation, maintenance, and repair of the cabinets, as well as ensuring electrical safety, fire and explosion prevention, public order, environmental hygiene, and urban aesthetics.

Enterprises must promptly handle any incidents and compensate for damages, if any, in accordance with the law.

In addition, the Department of Construction will coordinate with the Department of Culture and Sports to carry out public communication and awareness campaigns so residents understand and support the policy.

The construction department will act as the lead agency guiding implementation, while conducting regular monitoring, inspections, and supervision at each installation site.

Authorities may require the suspension of operations or removal of cabinets that fail to meet requirements related to traffic safety, electrical safety, fire prevention, public order, or urban appearance.

The municipal police, the Department of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation, and commune-level administrations have been instructed to coordinate closely with the Department of Construction to facilitate installation in line with the approved policy.

Investors must work with the Department of Construction and local authorities to agree on suitable locations.

Participating units are required to ensure safety throughout construction and operation, refrain from placing advertisements on the cabinets, and commit to relocating or dismantling the facilities and restoring sidewalks when requested by competent authorities, without compensation or complaints.

Bui Xuan Cuong, vice-chairman of the municipal administration, has been assigned to directly oversee and direct the implementation of the initiative.