Sales of electric motorbikes surged in the first eight months of the year, outpacing traditional gasoline-powered bikes and signaling a shift in consumer preference.
Electric vehicles, particularly those that don’t require a driver’s license, experienced an astonishing 89% increase in sales year-on-year. For those requiring a license, the growth was even more dramatic, soaring by 197%. In contrast, traditional gasoline motorbikes saw a more modest sales increase of 14.8%, as reported by the research platform Motorcycles Data. Overall, Vietnam’s motorbike market witnessed 2.08 million units sold across all categories, marking a notable 15.2% rise.
In terms of market dominance, Honda and Yamaha remained juggernauts, closely followed by VinFast. Honda recorded a sales uptick of 6.3%, while VinFast’s sales skyrocketed by 447% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Yamaha faced a downturn, with an 8.6% drop in sales.
Industry analysts attribute the explosive demand for electric motorbikes to their lower operating costs, making them increasingly attractive to consumers. Additionally, government initiatives are playing a pivotal role in this shift. Hanoi is set to gradually ban internal combustion engine motorbikes starting in July 2026, and Ho Chi Minh City is exploring similar restrictions.
With these impending restrictions on the horizon, manufacturers are ramping up promotions to capture the attention of potential buyers. Incentives such as cash discounts, complimentary accessories, and trade-in support for those switching from gasoline bikes to electric are becoming standard practice. Notably, the back-to-school season has also contributed to the increased sales, as parents are keen on purchasing electric motorbikes that their children can ride legally without needing a license.
VinFast currently holds the largest market share in the electric motorbike segment. The company has set an ambitious goal of selling approximately 1.5 million electric motorbikes by 2026 through its network of over 600 distributors nationwide. For context, Honda’s sales figures in 2024 stood at around 2.14 million, illustrating the competitive landscape.
As electric motorbike sales continue to surge, Vietnam now ranks as the third-largest electric motorbike market globally, trailing only behind China and India. With brands like Yadea, Dat Bike, Selex Motors, and HK Bike also carving out significant market shares, the landscape looks poised for a vibrant future.
What sparked the rapid rise in electric motorbike sales in Vietnam?
The surge in electric motorbike sales is largely due to their lower operating costs, supportive government policies, and the anticipation of restrictions on gasoline motorbikes in major cities.
Which brands are leading the electric motorbike market?
Honda dominates the overall motorbike market, but VinFast is now the leader in the electric segment, achieving an impressive growth of 447% in sales.
How does Vietnam’s electric motorbike market compare globally?
Vietnam currently stands as the third-largest electric motorbike market in the world, following China and India, highlighting the rapid adoption of electric vehicles among consumers.
