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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Technology

Vietnam's Electric Scooters: The Key to Success Lies in Understanding the User

From Tempo · (6m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Vietnamese users accustomed to gasoline scooters expect electric models to match their performance, durability, and convenience.
  • Dat Bike, a Vietnamese electric motorcycle brand, focuses on core technology to create vehicles that can be charged at home and offer long range, rather than relying on extensive charging infrastructure.
  • The company aims to bridge the experience gap between gasoline and electric scooters by addressing user concerns about range, refueling time, and storage space.

In Vietnam's dynamic two-wheeler market, the transition to electric motorcycles is not merely about adopting new technology; it's about fundamentally reshaping user habits and expectations. For decades, Vietnamese riders have relied on gasoline scooters that are built for endurance, capable of carrying heavy loads, conquering steep inclines, and enduring unpredictable weather โ€“ all with the convenience of a quick fuel stop. The expectation, therefore, is that electric alternatives must seamlessly integrate into this established lifestyle, not disrupt it. This is where brands like Dat Bike are carving out a unique niche. While many competitors are investing heavily in building expansive charging networks or battery-swapping stations, Dat Bike is taking a different approach. Their strategy centers on mastering core technology to develop electric motorcycles that can be directly plugged into standard 220V household outlets. This focus on self-sufficiency aims to alleviate the user's dependence on external infrastructure, a critical factor for a population accustomed to the freedom of gasoline-powered mobility. The "trade-off" often associated with electric vehicles โ€“ compromises on performance, range, or refueling time โ€“ is precisely what Dat Bike seeks to eliminate. They understand that for Vietnamese consumers, factors like engine power, travel distance, charging convenience, and storage capacity are non-negotiable. By prioritizing these functional aspects and developing robust, long-range vehicles with ample storage, Dat Bike is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer, but as a solution provider that truly understands the local rider. This localized approach, emphasizing technological self-reliance and a deep empathy for user needs, is crucial in a market where understanding the consumer is paramount to success, especially as Vietnam moves towards a greener transportation future.

The habit of using motorcycles in Vietnam is quite specific. A vehicle must be durable enough to travel for many years, powerful enough to carry two people, climb hills, cross tunnels, travel long distances, travel in erratic weather conditions, and most importantly, be convenient.

Describing the specific demands Vietnamese users place on their motorcycles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.