The Future of E-Bikes in Vietnam: What You Need to Know

Vietnam is at a turning point in transportation. With the government pushing for a petrol bike ban in 2026, the spotlight is now on E-bikes in Vietnam. In this article, we’ll look at the current state of the Vietnam electric bike market, the challenges for major players like Vinfast, Dat Bike, Honda, and Yamaha, and whether it’s the right time to buy an electric scooter in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s Petrol Bike Ban in 2026

Starting July 1st, 2026, petrol motorbikes will be banned in central Hanoi. Over time, this restricted zone will expand, eventually covering larger parts of the city.

While the plan aims to reduce pollution, the reality is that Vietnam’s electric scooter infrastructure is still limited. At the moment, only two major companies—Vinfast and Dat Bike—are offering E-bikes at scale.

For a country built on petrol motorbikes, this rapid shift is a huge challenge. It’s already had knock-on effects in unexpected sectors, such as real estate. Even rental property markets in Hanoi shifted after the ban was announced.

Vinfast Electric Scooters: Innovation With Problems

Vinfast was one of the first companies to enter the Vietnam electric scooter market, launching the Vinfast Klara S in 2018. They’ve experimented with:

• Removable vs. fixed batteries
• Battery rental vs. purchase options
• Battery swapping at convenience stores (which quickly failed)

However, customers often report Vinfast battery issues. Once older models lose support, owners are left with what many describe as an “unfixable piece of scrap metal.” This poor after-service has left buyers frustrated, even though Vinfast has managed to control much of the negative press.

If you’re searching for Vinfast electric scooter reviews, the common theme is simple: innovation mixed with reliability problems.

Dat Bike: A Real Contender in Vietnam’s E-Bike Market

Dat Bike Vietnam has gained attention by focusing heavily on battery technology rather than design in its early years. The original Dat Bike Weaver was criticized for being unattractive, but it set the stage for something bigger.

The new Dat Bike Quantum series (can be rented here) has transformed their reputation. Features include:

• Strong suspension and brakes
• Practical under-seat storage
• Lightweight frame
• Advertised range of 280 km per charge

From my experience, the Dat Bike Quantum S1 is one of the best-built electric scooters I’ve driven. If the 280 km range is accurate, it could even work for E-bike rentals in Vietnam, competing directly with petrol scooters like the Honda Airblade.

For anyone asking, “Should I buy an E-bike in Vietnam?” — the Quantum is a very real option.

Honda and Yamaha: Waiting for the Right Time

When it comes to reliability, Honda dominates Vietnam’s motorbike market. Known for durability, excellent servicing, and strong resale value, Honda remains the most trusted brand.

Currently, Honda has introduced the Honda Icon electric scooter in Vietnam, but with little marketing. They appear to be moving cautiously, likely to avoid the Vinfast mistakes of abandoning customers when technology changes.

Similarly, Yamaha has not made any major E-bike moves yet. Both brands seem to be waiting for clearer direction on whether Vietnam will adopt battery swapping, removable home-charging batteries, or nationwide charging stations.

E-Bike Safety Concerns in Vietnam

One major challenge for the industry is E-bike fire risks. Several high-profile fires in Vietnam have been linked to electric scooter batteries, some with deadly consequences.

As a result, apartments and hotels in Vietnam are often reluctant to allow E-bikes on their premises. While the issue is downplayed in the media, many locals worry about the safety of charging E-bikes at home.

This creates a big dilemma: the government is pushing electric mobility, but public trust remains fragile.

Should You Buy an E-Bike in Vietnam?

From my perspective, E-bikes in Vietnam are coming fast, whether we’re ready or not. They offer several advantages:

• Lower maintenance than petrol bikes
• Fewer breakdowns on long trips
• Environmentally friendly commuting
• Quiet and smooth riding

However, the market is still unsettled. Dat Bike vs. Vinfast is the main choice today, while Honda and Yamaha E-bikes remain in the background.

If you’re looking for a personal E-bike in Vietnam, the Dat Bike Quantum series is a solid option. But for rental companies, it’s too early to commit until Honda and Yamaha reveal their strategies.

Final Thoughts: The Rapid Shift to Electric Mobility

The future of E-bikes in Vietnam looks inevitable. With the Vietnam petrol bike ban in 2026, companies that invest at the right time could gain a massive advantage in the electric scooter market.

For now, I won’t be buying E-bikes for rental fleets just yet—but as a personal choice, they’re becoming increasingly attractive.

Whether you’re searching for the best E-bikes in Vietnam, curious about Vinfast vs. Dat Bike, or just wondering if now is the right time to switch, one thing is certain: the electric revolution is coming, and it’s coming fast.