But new government regulations might just add a little more oomph to the youth market. Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang have introduced similar rules. With an initial investment of two billion dong, the Delta factory is capable of churning out 2,000 bicycles per month. It took Hao and his brother, both engineers, about two years to invent the Delta model. One unique feature is a charger that's connected to the battery.
Rival bikes have separate chargers, which are normally left at home.
After four hours of charging, the Delta bike can cruise 40 to 50 kilometres, at a maximum speed of 28 kilometres per hour. Comfortable and easy to control, the bike can climb hills. With an eye toward safety and affordability, it looks like many Vietnamese parents will give the bike a whirl. But they will have to strive hard to wean their teenagers from their beloved motorbikes. I'll just ride that electric bicycle if my parents force me to.