Electric bicycle producers gather momentum

November 22, 2017 | 16:45

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Electric bicycle producers are getting in a fierce competition by releasing new lines, applying smart technology, and lowering prices.

Many new electric bicycle lines were showcased at the Vietnam International Bicycle Exhibition 2017

Brand advantages

All electric bicycle brands showed their strengths at the Vietnam International Bicycle Exhibition 2017 during November 16-19 in Hanoi.

Besides the modern and innovative products of Laux, Trinx, Sava, MantisBike, and famous brands over the world, such as Giant, Gitane, Dahon, Bianchi, Peugeot, Definitive, Puch, Look, Merida, and Galaxy, Takuda and Yadea showcased their new products. Additionally, a series of promotions and gifts from almost all brands are on offer to attract the attention of customers and domestic and foreign partners.

C-Umi is an electric bicycle line by Yadea Tech Group from China. The group ships products to Vietnam, the US, Germany, and 66 other countries around the world. Yadea has been present in Vietnam for eight years and released new product lines this year. C-Umi designs are very impressive, simple, lightweight, and fashionable. The product line also comes with a size suitable to Asian people and those living in high buildings as it is easy to get into lifts.

Liu Yeming, chairman of Yadea, said the new electric bicycle products can be unlocked remotely and offer anti-theft software and USB charging, making them a perfect fit for young riders living in urban areas. Additionally, the bicycle’s dashboard now displays more information. In the future, they will integrate internet solutions to turn the bicycles smarter.

“This technology has already been applied in China and will be applied in Vietnam and Southeast Asia in the coming time,” said Liu Yeming.

Despite being on the market for only four years, Takuda Motor is a popular brand due to their continuous application of new technology and suitable prices for middle income Vietnamese people.

At the exhibition, Takuda introduced new product lines applying Bosch’s exclusive control technology and charger saving battery, which enable a longer and smoother ride. The average price of this line ranges from $440 to $660 and it is distributed in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. However, the exports only account for 10 per cent of Takuda’s $15-million total annual revenue.

Great market potential

According to the Vietnam Auto Motorcycle and Bicycle Association (VAMOBA), there are a total of 400,000 electric motors and bicycles in the country, up 30 per cent on-year. They are expected to become more popular than motorbikes.

Nguyen Huu Son, director general of Thong Nhat Company Limited and vice chairman of VAMOBA, said that the electric bicycle market is evolving very fast, with the emergence of many famous bicycle brands worldwide.

Vietnam currently has an issue with the high number of motorbikes in use, which leads to traffic jams and pollution, while renewable energy sources are being promoted to protect the environment. As a result, electric bikes might be the right choice in the future and Vietnam is emerging as a potential market for famous brands.

Yadea will focus on high-level and environmentally friendly 2-wheel electric vehicles. Liu Yeming revealed that Yadea will set up a factory in Vietnam for production and assembly, equipped with high-technology and new techniques. Yadea will collaborate with local companies to break open the market.

Meanwhile, Ta Quoc Dat, director general of Takuda, affirmed that the company will raise the localisation rate of components manufacturing by cutting imports from China by 60 per cent. Many components are already made in Vietnam because Takuda set up a $5-million factory in Tu Son (Bac Ninh province) with the capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year.

“The quality of a vehicle depends on its key parts, and we decided to import all of these from famous brands for our products,” said Dat.