Hanoi’s e-motorbike market heats up as new school year approaches
Hanoi's electric motorbike market is booming ahead of the new school year, fueled by soaring student demand, diverse models and big promotions from leading manufacturers and dealers.
THE HANOI TIMES — Demand for electric vehicles in Hanoi is surging just days before the new school year, fueled by students and parents seeking affordable, convenient and eco-friendly transport.
An electric motorbike shop in Hanoi. Photos: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times
Phan Thanh Hoan, a resident of Thanh Xuan Ward, is buying an electric motorbike for her daughter, who will attend at a university in Cau Giay Ward, seven kilometers from home.
Similarly, Vuong Thi Hoai in Dong Da Ward has searched shops on Xa Dan Street for an e-motorbike so her son can ride five kilometers to school.
Parents credit electric vehicles with reasonable prices, light weight, attractive designs, ease of use and overall convenience, which make them suitable for their children.
Increasing demand for e-vehicles has crowded Hanoi streets lined with e-bike shops such as Hue, Nguyen Luong Bang, Ba Trieu and O Cho Dua as potential buyers flock to them.
A Yadea dealer on O Cho Dua Street reported daily sales of 25-30 bikes, with some popular models already sold out. A wide range of models, price options, and promotions are making purchases easier than ever.
Surveys show there is plenty of choice in the market. E-bicycles from Giant, Asama and Yamaha, priced between VND10 million (US$380) and VND13 million ($500), are favored by middle-school students.
For high-school students, parents often choose e-motorbikes from Osakar, Yadea, Honda and VinFast, ranging from VND15 million ($570) to VND25 million ($1,940).
VinFast has seen a boost in sales thanks to student-friendly models such as the Feliz S, starting at VND29 million ($1,100), and the Evo200 series, priced at VND22 million ($830). These bikes feature smartphone connectivity, smart cards, and emergency buttons.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s e-motorbike sales have grown 30%-35% in recent years, making the country the largest market in ASEAN and the second-largest in the world after China.
VinFast continues to lead domestic sales, alongside Pega, which has been operating a Hanoi factory since 2012 with a capacity of 60,000 bikes a year.
Big promotions for back-to-school season
Catching the back-to-school trend, electric motorbike makers are offering major promotions.
A local customer shops at a VinFast electric motorbike store. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times
VinFast has launched the third round of its campaign “Fierce Vietnamese Spirit – For a Green Future”, giving all customers a 4% discount on e-motorbikes.
The company has cut retail prices by 15%-20%, depending on the model.
To ease financial pressure, VinFast offers flexible payment plans with 6- or 12-month installments and 0% interest for the first six months. Through Shinhan Finance and Lotte Finance, buyers can even purchase without an upfront payment.
Yadea has introduced its “Swap Gas for Electric – Building the Future Together” program, allowing customers to trade in old gasoline or electric motorbikes for new smart models.
Buyers can own a Yadea bike with an initial payment starting from just VND9.9 million ($375), plus direct discounts of up to VND2 million ($76) on select models.
Local dealers are also offering seasonal perks, including bundled accessories, free maintenance, and low-interest financing through banks and credit firms, making it easier for students and parents to switch to electric rides this school year.
