Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is poised to start delivering its e-scooters to customers in the US, as it continues to expand its presence globally.
These electric scooters belong to the Vespa brand, distinct from the stand-up kick scooter category, which has garnered popularity in the US over recent years.
While VinFast is set to deliver its electric scooters exclusively to the US market, they won’t have to travel very far at all.
Instead of importing its electric scooters, the company plans to manufacture them locally at its forthcoming North Carolina facility, which will also accommodate production of its four-wheeled electric vehicles.
The manufacturing facility is expected to break ground later this year, with actual production of the company’s vehicles not set to begin until 2024.
Following a landmark $1.2 billion investment package from North Carolina, VinFast’s electric scooter production is poised for a significant boost, with the state’s incentives facilitating more cost-effective manufacture in the US. The establishment of this new facility is expected to generate hundreds of well-paying job opportunities within the community’s manufacturing sector.
VinFast currently offers a range of distinct electric scooter models, including the Vento, Feliz, Klara, and Theon series.
While some electric scooters are tailored for urban environments and operate within 45 km/h speed constraints, others capitalize on their design to excel in open spaces, boasting enhanced performance capabilities.
The Theon model can achieve impressive speeds of up to 99 km/h (61.5 mph), making it well-suited for navigating even the busiest urban and suburban commutes across the United States.
At such velocities, it’s likely you’ll opt for city highways over interstates, but be prepared to adjust your route or speed if you need to linger on the highway for extended periods.
While details on specific VinFast mannequins destined for the US market remain unclear, it’s evident that the company will be contending with established players in the industry.
Several types of electrical scooters are currently available in the US market. Beijing-based NIU, the top vendor of electric scooters in the US, despite not manufacturing locally. The corporation offers a range of models that differ in speed capabilities, spanning from 28 to 60 miles per hour (45 to 96 kilometers per hour).
I own a NIU NQi GT, serving as my daily driver and reliable means of commuting.
Corporations are increasingly entering the mix with great success. BMW recently launched its CE04 electric scooter in the US market, despite having a more impressive model with faster performance capabilities. With a top speed of around 75 mph (120 km/h), this e-scooter outperforms most other electric scooters currently available in the US, positioning itself in the higher energy category.
Small, localized scooter suppliers currently offer a range of products, including options like CSC’s Monterey and Wiz models, which can be shipped nationwide.
Last year, I got to take the CSC Monterey electric scooter for a spin, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Wasn’t it amazing how consistently the coin landed on its head wherever I ventured, as if I was traveling back in time while still cruising behind the wheel of a cutting-edge electric car? Take a moment to watch the video below if you’re unable to visualize my description.
As the US electrical scooter market experiences constraints and fragmentation, VinFast appears poised to make a strategic entry with a locally manufactured offering.
The absence of high-speed, motorcycle-design-inspired electric scooters with top speeds exceeding 30mph has created a void in the market, driving demand for commuter-spec e-motorcycles; VinFast’s planned US launch may be poised to capitalize on this pent-up enthusiasm by introducing its own range of electric scooters.
What do you suppose? Will you catch a glimpse of yourself riding on one of VinFast’s sleek electric scooters? What are your favorite things about this world and what are some of your least favorite things?
