Vietnam’s E-Scooter Boom: 4 UX Moves to Win the EV Two-Wheeler Race

Vietnam is rapidly becoming Southeast Asia’s testbed for two-wheeled electrification. With government subsidies for low-income households, new tax incentives, and sales projected to exceed 9 million e-scooters by 2043, the opportunity is clear.

But winning this market isn’t just about batteries or hardware. Local players like VinFast, Selex, and Dat Bike, and global brands like Yadea and Niu, are discovering that adoption hinges on digital experience. A recent Elsevier study found riders value intuitive apps even more than scooter usability itself. Below are 4 proven UX strategies that leading brands are using to convert first-time riders into loyal users.

Vietnam’s limited charging infrastructure is a major barrier. VinFast is currently the only major company building a nationwide charging network.  Most chargers are only found in big cities, and only a few places offer fast charging. Some Chinese EV makers even leave the Vietnamese market because of this.

To fix it, battery swapping is seen as a good solution in Vietnam. Yet, swapping apps that show wrong info or stop working in low-signal areas can put users at risk. These issues may lead to delays, stress about battery life, and discourage usage.

• Design for Speed: Make swaps fast. Use one-tap unlock with NFC or QR. Skip long steps.
• Surface What Matters: Display only the key details, such as battery count, on the home screen. Use colors (e.g., green = ready). Hide extra features under “More.”
• Plan for Bad Signal: Add offline mode. Preload the maps or use SMS for key actions.
• Guide the Physical Swap: Use lights, sounds, or vibrations to guide each step.

Selex makes battery swapping quick and easy, taking just two minutes. Riders can unlock a battery with an NFC card or QR code. Lights and vibrations guide users through each step. The Selex app allows users to view stations with full batteries and wait times. This helps them swap quickly.

The top concerns in using e-scooters are limited travel range and long charging times. Many users still don’t understand how EVs work. This range anxiety can make users hesitant to switch from gasoline-powered two-wheelers. Addressing this can greatly improve user comfort. If users can trust that they’ll find charging stations when needed, they’re far more likely to adopt EVs.

• Show Predictive Range Clearly: Use route-based estimates, not just %. Example: “Còn 27 km – đủ về nhà và ghé một trạm.”
• Adapt to Local Routines: Set smart reminders. If users charge at night, suggest: “Nên sạc vào 10g tối cho chuyến sáng mai.”
• Account for Real Conditions: Adjust range for traffic or weather. Let users know if rain or jams use more power.
• Highlight Low-Battery Zones: Alert users if a route has few stations. Example: “Tuyến này ít trạm sạc, cân nhắc đi đường khác.”

VinFast, a top EV maker in Vietnam, updated its dashboard and app. Users can see real-time battery status and charging updates. Users can now see how much range remains. This helps to lower range anxiety, especially in places with few charging stations.

To grow EV use in Vietnam, many companies are adding EVs to delivery and ride-hailing services. A key example is the delivery platform Ahamove’s partnership with Selex Motors. Together, they are rolling out 1,000 electric bikes, with 300 already in use. This marks one of Vietnam’s first large-scale EV delivery projects. VinFast is also joining ride-hailing through a deal with Be Group, a local rival to Grab and Gojek. As more EVs are added to fleets, companies need simple dashboards to manage them. Without these tools, operations will become harder to handle.

• Make It Easy to Use: Show only key info (scooter location, battery level, delivery status). Use clear alerts like “Xe #12 cần kiểm tra phanh trong 2 ngày nữa.”
• Support All Team Roles: Give each role the right view. Riders see routes, supervisors see shifts, and admins see everything. This avoids confusion.
• Design for Any Size Fleet: Design the dashboard to work for both small teams and large fleets. Keep it clean, fast, and easy to grow.

Ahamove, a top delivery service in Vietnam, is partnering with Selex Motors. They plan to convert up to 100,000 electric bikes in the future. The move aims to cut emissions and support more efficient deliveries.

As fuel prices rise, more people in Vietnam are trying electric scooters (E2Ws). Government support and growing concerns about pollution also encourage this switch. Before making the switch, users often look for trust, ease of use, and a sense of familiarity. First-time riders look for scooters that are simple to use. They also want reliable support they can count on. Well-designed UX in both vehicles and apps helps build user confidence. This, in turn, can speed up the adoption of electric scooters.

• Guide the First Ride: Add a short animated tutorial with basics (e.g., brake, throttle, charging).
• Add a Beginner Mode: Offer slower speed and longer range to help new riders ease in.
• Use Everyday Language: Use casual, friendly language. Example: “Sạc pin xíu nữa đi, sắp hết rồi nè.”
• Create a Space for Tips: Create a simple space for users to share advice. Topics like “Mẹo sạc pin lâu” or “Đi EV dễ hơn” build community trust.
• Test With Real First-Timers: Let first-timers try the app. Fix what confuses them to improve the experience.

VinFast supports new E2W riders with a simple app featuring smart tools. The setup process is easy, allowing users to connect their smartphone to the scooter in just a few taps. It provides real-time battery status and lets users switch riding modes. Riders can check battery levels and find nearby charging stations or service centers.

Imagine stopping at a battery swap station mid-ride. Your app freezes or fails to show your remaining range. For a first-time E2W rider, this can quickly become a stressful experience.

Even the best battery technology can seem unreliable when the app is unclear. On the other hand, a well-designed app keeps riders informed at all times. It helps them feel confident and in control throughout the ride.

• Ride Along with Real Users: Join delivery riders in cities like HCMC or Đà Nẵng to spot real-life issues that lab tests miss.
• Test in Real Conditions: Try the app in basements, alleys, and traffic. It must work where people actually use it.
• Tailor by User Type: Create layouts for riders, shop owners, and managers. Each has different needs.
• Support All Accents: Localize voice features in northern and southern Vietnamese. A familiar voice feels more trusted.