500 e-bikes to join Ho Chi Minh City's public transport network in February

The e-bikes, operated by Tri Nam Digital Transport Services company, will be deployed across the existing public bicycle network and are expected to enter service before Tet in mid-February, the company’s CEO Do Ba Quan said on Jan. 14.

Each bike combines pedals with an electric motor and uses swappable batteries that can be replaced at stations. When battery levels run low, users will receive an alert and can continue riding even without electric assistance.

Rental prices are set at VND20,000 (US$0.76) for 30 minutes, VND35,000 for one hour, and VND65,000 for two hours. Users can unlock the bikes by scanning a QR code via the TNGO app or Zalo, similar to the city’s current public bicycle service.

Ho Chi Minh City launched its public bicycle system in late 2021 and now operates more than 500 bikes at 52 stations, mainly in central areas near transport hubs, commercial zones and tourist sites. Usage has declined in recent years as the service shifted from trial to regular demand, prompting operators to add e-bikes to better serve longer and faster trips and compete with motorbikes.

City transport officials said integrating e-bikes would diversify travel choices, strengthen links with buses and metro lines and align with plans to develop greener, more connected urban transport. The move follows the recent opening of a priority bicycle lane on Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, seen as an early step toward a wider dedicated cycling network.

Tri Nam has already rolled out 500 e-bikes in Hanoi’s public bicycle system, with 130 stations inside Ring Road 1 and plans to expand further.