Trade Your 15-Year-Old Gas Scooter for a New Electric Bike for Just $450 Extra

Vietnam’s motorcycle market is witnessing a significant shift from gasoline-powered bikes to electric motorcycles. This transition is no longer a “future trend” but a tangible change in consumer behavior, particularly in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hai Phong.

According to the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), sales of traditional gasoline motorcycles have plateaued over the past two years. Meanwhile, electric motorcycle sales are surging, accounting for nearly 15% of the total market share.

Domestic companies like VinFast, Selex, Dat Bike, Yadea, and Pega, along with numerous imported brands from China and Thailand, are fiercely competing by launching new products across both entry-level and premium segments.

The shift to electric motorcycles is partly driven by persistently high gasoline prices, prompting consumers to consider long-term economic benefits. On average, an electric motorcycle costs only about 2,000-3,000 VND in electricity for a 50 km journey, compared to 6-8 times more for a gasoline bike.

Mr. Tran Trung Thanh from Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, shared that two months ago, he brought his 15-year-old gasoline bike to a “trade gasoline for electric” event and only needed to pay an additional 10 million VND to switch to an electric motorcycle.

“Using an electric motorcycle is very convenient, with no need to worry about maintenance costs like oil changes, air filters, or spark plugs,” said Mr. Thanh.

Another customer brought a 2007 Wave motorcycle to a similar event organized by VinFast in Ho Chi Minh City last weekend and received an appraisal of 8 million VND. This customer wanted to switch to an Evo electric motorcycle priced at 18 million VND, requiring only an additional 10 million VND.

In the market, electric motorcycle shops are increasingly prevalent, while traditional gasoline bike stores are dwindling.

Mr. Bui Van Chien, Director of Kim Nhat Phat Trading and Service Company, stated that he has opened nearly ten electric motorcycle stores in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas. The number of electric motorcycle buyers has increased significantly due to the diverse designs, decreasing prices, and some models being even cheaper than gasoline bikes.

While electric motorcycles were once considered suitable only for students, seniors, and short commutes, many new models now feature advanced technology, design, and performance. These bikes can travel 100-200 km on a single charge, with top speeds exceeding 80 km/h, comparable to gasoline scooters. This has attracted consumers of all ages, who now view electric motorcycles as a viable replacement.

Despite existing challenges, the shift to electric motorcycles in Vietnam is considered irreversible. With rapid urbanization and growing pressure to reduce emissions, the transition to electric vehicles is not only economically sound but also environmentally responsible.