A corner of the used motorbike market on Chua Ha Street.
Located on Chua Ha Street, the once-bustling used motorbike market has fallen nearly silent, with shop owners reporting the worst business conditions in decades.
The market has long been a go-to place for Hanoi residents looking to buy or trade second-hand bikes, especially during the back-to-school season. But on July 24, Dantri/Dtinews reporters found the market eerily quiet. Many vendors sat idle, scrolling through their phones with expressions of frustration on their faces.
“For the past month, I’ve sold only one bike,” said Vinh, a longtime vendor. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, it wasn’t this bad. I’ve never seen such a slump.”
In previous years, this period was peak season as parents rushed to buy bikes for their children. Some months, Vinh sold dozens of units.
“But this year, nobody's asking. Even those who showed interest called back to cancel after hearing about the proposed ban,” he said. “Many are switching to electric vehicles.”
Vinh currently has 15 unsold bikes in stock, mostly Honda SH models priced between VND 45 million and over VND 100 million (approximately USD 1,800 to USD 4,000).
“No one wants them anymore,” he said, visibly concerned about the future of the second-hand motorbike trade.
A similar situation was observed at the shop owned by Nguyen Thanh Tung, who has been in the business since 2001.
“Between 2006 and 2015, I could sell up to 100 bikes a month. In recent years, it dropped to around 15 or 20,” he recalled. “But since the July 2026 ban on petrol-powered bikes inside Ring Road 1 was announced, it’s gotten much worse. I haven’t sold a single bike this month.”
Nguyen Thanh Tung at his shop
To clear inventory, Tung slashed prices on some bikes from VND 80 million to VND 60 million (approximately USD 3,200 to USD 2,400), but still had no buyers. “Look at all those shuttered kiosks,” he said, pointing. “Many sellers have already given up.”
Asked about his next steps, Tung admitted he had no solution. “Some suggested transporting the bikes to other provinces, but that’s complicated. Buyers don’t want to deal with paperwork like ownership transfers and registration.”
Like many vendors, Tung supports the government’s goal of reducing pollution. “Cleaner air is good for everyone,” he said. “But authorities should roll out the ban gradually so people and businesses have time to adapt. Right now, we’re stuck with all our inventory. It’s our life savings, and no one wants to buy.”
Hanoi will officially ban all motorcycles and mopeds using fossil fuels from operating within Ring Road 1 from July 1, 2026 under a directive issued by the prime minister on July 12.
