Short answer: bikes of 50cc or less do not require a driving licence in Vietnam, but there are conditions, and “50cc means no rules” is wrong.

The current position

Article 34(1)(g) of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety (No. 36/2024/QH15) defines “xe gắn máy” (mopeds) as two- or three-wheel engine-driven vehicles designed for no more than 50 km/h, with engines of 50cc or less, or electric motors of 4 kW or less. The requirements are:

  • No driving licence needed
  • The rider must be at least 16 years old (Article 59(1)(a))
  • Article 56(4) requires moped riders to understand traffic rules, have basic vehicle-handling skills, and meet the age and health conditions (per Article 59(1)(a) and Article 59(2))

One point that is often misread online: there is no rule that every 16-to-18-year-old must hold a training certificate before riding. Decree 151/2024/NĐ-CP organises road-safety knowledge and safe-moped-riding skills training for high-school and vocational students, and traffic police have publicly clarified that 16-to-18-year-olds may ride mopeds (including electric mopeds up to 4 kW) without a licence or certificate. The training requirement operates through schools, not as a universal riding permit.

Mopeds still follow all other traffic rules: helmets, lights, lane discipline, sober riding. Under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, mopeds and motorbikes are fined at the same levels for the same violations (Article 7 covers both). Riding a motorbike of 50cc or more while aged 16 to under 18 carries a fine of 400,000–600,000 VND (Article 18).

Do not confuse 50cc bikes with electric bicycles

A pedal-type electric bicycle (“xe đạp điện”) is defined separately in the law as a bicycle with motor assistance that cuts out when you stop pedalling or at 25 km/h — it is a non-motorised vehicle. A 50cc petrol moped or a sub-4 kW scooter-style electric is a moped, not a bicycle. The distinction matters for licence rules, helmet rules and where you may ride. See our electric-bike licence guide.

Renting a 50cc bike in Hanoi

Some renters specifically want a sub-50cc bike hoping to avoid licence questions. Before choosing that route, read our guide on whether tourists can legally ride in Vietnam — a moped does not solve the insurance or IDP issues that come with any accident. Contact us to confirm current availability of 50cc bikes.

Information, not legal advice. Verified against the full text of Law 36/2024/QH15 and Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP on 2026-09-21.