Viet Nam News: Helmet aversion, petrol boost bicycle sales

The demand for bicycles increased rapidly, allowing the industry to thrive once again after a period of decline. The growth was mainly driven by hikes in the prices of oil and gas, a regulation banning students from riding motorbikes, and a new helmet-wearing regulation. With prices ranging between VND1-3 million (US$62-185), bicycles, particularly mountain bikes, were often the first choice for boys.

Electric-powered bicycles were preferred by girls and civil servants, and cost between VND3.5-16 million ($219-1,000). Nguyen Thanh Hai, the owner of a bicycle shop in Tay Son street, said “Since the middle of September, our shop has sold nearly one hundred bicycles. Electric bicycles are selling the most, despite a higher price of VND3.4 to 15 million per unit.”

“As far as I know, people have rushed to buy bicycles recently because of the new regulation forcing motorists to wear helmets on the road. Almost all the customers bought electric bicycles, as driving them does not require a helmet.” Customers who bought foot-powered bicycles were almost all students, while those who bought electric ones were usually civil servants.

Hoang Thach Thanh, general director of Sales at Thong Nhat Company, the national biggest producer of bicycles, said “The helmet regulation accounts for only part of the current jump in bicycle sales. The main reason is the high price of petrol.” He explained that within the last month the price of oil on the global market had gone up fiercely, which impacted the local price in Viet Nam.

Not all motorists could continue to afford the cost of driving, so they changed over to bicycles. Electricity for each bike costs around VND2,000 per day, four times cheaper than the daily cost of petrol for a motorbike. An associate at the Viet Nam Marketing Association said “It is forecast that the price of petroleum will continue to climb. As a result, bicycle sales will continue to grow as well.

Also, the price of bicycles will go higher, at least VND500,000 to VND1 million more per unit, depending on the type of bike.” In addition to electric bicycles imported from mainland China and Taiwan, customers can also choose various models made in Viet Nam. Thanh said that in the next three months, domestically produced bicycles would cover a large share of the market, with new models in the works to meet customer demand.

The growing use of bicycles, very popular in Viet Nam in past decades, is considered an encouraging development amid reports that the great amount of fumes released from motorbikes every day have caused serious air pollution in urban areas.

In order to encourage more use of eco-friendly means of transport, Ha Noi authorities launched a bike riding campaign which kicked off on September 16. The initiative drew more than 100 volunteers to ride in groups around Ha Noi every Sunday. It is expected that after the campaign ends in November, daily bicycle riding will be more widespread. —