HCMC – The HCMC Department of Construction has proposed adding technical rules and standards to allow old gasoline-powered motorbikes to be converted to electric engines, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

The department has sent a request to Vietnam Register, asking the agency to revise or supplement regulations related to vehicle inspection to cover this type of engine conversion. It has also asked the Ministry of Construction to issue or integrate technical standards for converting gasoline engines to electric ones. In mid-October, the department chaired a meeting where Motorcycles TV Company presented its proposal for a system that converts gasoline motorbikes to electric power. The meeting drew representatives the Vietnam Register, the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), the HCMC Automobile and Power Equipment Association, and the 50-03S Motor Vehicle Inspection Center. Participants said the conversion initiative could help extend the life of existing motorbikes, reduce the need for new purchases, and limit the growth of private vehicles. They noted that the concept is similar to how hybrid cars operate. A representative of the Vietnam Register said there are currently no specific regulations on converting motorbikes or scooters from gasoline to electric power. Existing laws also do not detail procedures for testing or officially approving such projects, leaving a regulatory gap. The HCMC Department of Construction said converting old motorbikes to electric engines aligns with the city’s goals of promoting green transportation and reducing emissions. However, the department stressed that clear national technical standards are needed to ensure safety and environmental compliance. The department has asked Vietnam Register to develop the required regulations and standards for electric engine conversion and to support Motorcycles TV Company in registering trials and quality assessments for its conversion products.