Helmetless Boy Speeds on E-Bike in Vietnam

Photo courtesy of VN Express

A recent incident captured in Hung Yen Province highlights the growing issue of modified electric bikes in Vietnam. A dashcam video showed an electric bike, driven by a young helmet-less rider, overtaking a car at an estimated speed of 90-100 kph, far exceeding the legal speed limit for such vehicles. These bikes are reportedly being modified to transform public roads into high-speed tracks, raising safety concerns and calls for regulatory action.

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According to Vietnam's traffic laws, the maximum speed for electric bikes is 50 kph, and they must not have more than 4 kW of motor output. However, the video incident clearly indicates an illegal modification that exceeded these limits. Typically, unmodified electric bikes in Vietnam have speeds ranging from 45-60 kph, with advanced models reaching up to 90 kph only after modifications.

Electric bike modification commonly involves upgrading electronic controllers, installing higher-voltage batteries, and removing speed limiters, all easily performed with widely available online resources. Services offering such modifications proliferate on social media, and components can be bought on e-commerce platforms, enabling even non-experts to enhance bike performance significantly.

Electric bikes inherently possess simpler structures than gasoline motorcycles, making them easier to upgrade. While gasoline bikes require intricate mechanical changes, electric bikes primarily involve adjustments to electrical systems. Despite their simplicity, experts warn that excessive modifications risk destabilizing bikes, endangering riders, and complicating traffic management.

Calls for stronger oversight have intensified, with suggestions for tighter controls on modification shops. Under Decree 168, illegal modifications can result in fines and obligatory restorations; however, enforcement varies. During a National Assembly Standing Committee session, Hoang Duy Chinh highlighted the danger of modified bikes among students, urging government action to impose stricter regulations and inspections, particularly in underserved areas.

Looking forward, Vietnam aims to scrutinize and regulate modification workshops more closely. Enhanced technical standards may be introduced to prevent performance-altering modifications that compromise safety, while educational campaigns could inform parents and young riders about the risks.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 21 May 2026