Electric bicycle modifications on the rise among students in Vietnam

The increasing trend of electric bicycle modifications among students has raised serious concerns.

Authorities have warned that tampered electric bicycles pose serious safety hazards, including a high risk of fire and traffic accidents, particularly as they are often operated by underage, unlicensed riders.

Dangerous consequences

Police in Dong Phu Commune, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam recently uncovered several cases of modified electric bicycles during joint inspections with traffic police officers.

The bicycles, often owned and operated by students, had been illegally altered.

One male student admitted to saving his lunch money to upgrade his bicycle — replacing the speed controller, battery, wheels, and suspension to make it faster and more powerful, despite his parents' objections.

This is not an isolated incident. Similar cases have been reported in many other provinces nationwide.

In late April 2025, traffic police in Dak Lak Province discovered nearly 70 teenagers and students gathered with modified bicycles to film videos, disrupting public order.

In reality, security cameras in many localities across the country have recorded electric bicycle fires caused by short circuits from custom-installed battery packs.

According to national technical standards, electric bicycles are required to have pedals and limited to a maximum power of 250W, a top speed of 25 km/h, and a maximum weight of 40kg.

However, many electric bicycles can reach speeds of 50–70 km/h, and even up to 100 km/h following modifications such as replacement of lead-acid batteries with high-capacity lithium batteries, usage of more powerful speed controllers, and installation of higher-power motors,.

This level of performance far exceeds what the bicycles' original components, including frames, brakes, and wheels, were designed to handle, increasing the risk of mechanical failure and accidents.

The problem is worsened by the fact that most riders are students who lack driving experience and proper traffic safety training.

Many of the components advertised online as 'genuine,' 'powerful,' or 'long-lasting' are either unverified or counterfeit. 

Poor-quality parts, improperly installed and incompatible with each other, have been blamed for fires that occur during charging or riding.

Stopping the dangerous trend

In the past, students would typically take their bicycles to repair shops for modifications.

Recently, however, social media has played a key role in spreading the trend. 

Numerous online videos now offer step-by-step guides on boosting electric bicycle speed, installing high-capacity batteries, and fitting new control units.

Review videos showing off modified electric bicycles are particularly popular with teens.

These videos have inspired many students to buy unregulated parts online and attempt to modify their bicycles themselves. 

Many are drawn in by curiosity, unaware of the potential consequences.

Electric bicycles are classified as rudimentary vehicles in Vietnam. 

They do not require registration or license plates, and are currently subject to minimal penalties — similar to bicycles.

When officers discover illegally modified electric bicycles, they must inspect and force the owners to restore the vehicles to their original condition. 

If the rider is a student, authorities notify the parents and schools involved.

Meanwhile, parts for modifications remain easy to purchase, and existing fines are relatively light considering the risks. 

This creates a gap in enforcement, allowing the trend to continue largely unchecked.

Some localities, such as Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City, have taken more aggressive action. 

Authorities have increased inspections around schools and residential areas and launched educational campaigns in schools to warn students and parents about the dangers of bicycle modifications.

In Dong Nai, police have also coordinated with schools to hold awareness sessions on the risks of modified electric bicycles.

Role of parents

To address the issue, some middle schools in Dong Nai have required students and parents to commit to traffic safety, including a clause forbidding electric bicycle modifications.

Several schools have stationed security guards and student monitors at school gates to inspect incoming bicycles.

Modified bicycles are confiscated, and parents are summoned for discussions.

Outside school grounds, local police have also asked parking lot operators to sign pledges not to accept modified electric bicycles.

Still, the most crucial factor remains parental involvement. 

Parents who entrust their children with electric bicycles need to pay attention to how those vehicles are being used and whether any unauthorized changes have been made.

Preventing bicycle modifications at home is the most effective way to avoid the potentially tragic consequences of this dangerous trend.