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| The electric-assist conversion kit installed on the bicycle still maintains its aesthetic appeal |
Three engineers and the journey of “Electrifying” Vietnam’s Bicycles
Not limited to bicycles, this technology can also be flexibly applied to other simple vehicles, such as cyclos or small cargo bikes, helping to modernize transportation infrastructure without disrupting the city’s existing character.
VierCycle was founded by Mr. Tran Cong Tien, Mr. Phan Tien Dung, and Mr. Pham Son Loc - three technology engineers who were former classmates at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. After several years working in the field of engineering, they realized they shared a common ambition: Creating green products that serve real-life needs, not just ideas in a laboratory. “We all enjoy sports, we love cycling, and we could clearly see that green mobility was becoming an essential need. So we decided to join forces,” Mr. Tien shared.
After 2 years of researching, the team developed an electric-assist conversion kit for bicycles, a compact device that can be installed at home in 30-45 minutes and connects to a dedicated app developed by the team. Through the app, users can easily adjust the level of assistance or even set speed limits, which is particularly useful for parents who want to ensure the safety of their children cycling to school.
Unlike electric bicycles, which can run solely on a motor without pedaling, VierCycle’s e-bike assist kit serves only as a support system. The rider still needs to pedal, but the system makes pedaling easier, especially on uphill routes or over long distances. This way, users can still enjoy the physical experience of a traditional bicycle while conserving energy and moving more efficiently.
Unlike imported products, VierCycle fully owns its core technology, allowing customization for different types of bicycles and terrains. This advantage enables the team to expand the application to various other vehicles (cyclos, small cargo bikes, etc.), all aiming for the same goal: green, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation.
From small wheels to green city
At a startup competition held in Ho Chi Minh City, VierCycle accidentally met Mr. Cung Trong Cuong, Director of Hue City Institute for Development Studies. His invitation to “bring your product to Hue for testing” marked a new turning point for the 3 engineers. It’s even especially meaningful as all three are natives of Hue. Opening a branch in Hue was not only a business strategy but also a way for them to test their technological solutions in a familiar and close-to-home environment.
Hue - with its narrow streets and chilling pace of life - is an ideal environment for implementing a bicycle city model. According to Mr. Dung, the combination of narrow streets and moderate traffic density makes Hue an ideal place to develop green transportation.
In 2024, VierCycle opened a branch in Hue, both for business and for testing bicycle conversion models, while also researching solutions to add assist systems to cyclos. In the past, many cyclo drivers installed motors on their own to reduce fatigue, but this approach carried safety risks. Now, thanks to full control of the technology, the engineering team can design an assist system specifically for cyclos that ensures both aesthetics and safety, with a maximum assist speed of only 15 km/h, enough to make pedaling easier for drivers while keeping them safe on the streets.
Hue is aiming to become Vietnam’s first bicycle-friendly city, in line with the green and sustainable transportation development strategy that the city is pursuing. Within this vision, VierCycle’s solutions fit perfectly. Instead of producing new vehicles, the startup chooses to make use of existing ones, helping to extend their lifespan, reduce emissions, and expand green mobility options for everyone, from students and the elderly to tourists. “We’re not just selling a device; we want to contribute to creating a new culture of movement that is safer, greener, and more connected,” Mr. Pham Son Loc shared.
Applying the power assist kit to bicycles not only makes traveling easier but also opens up a new path for green transportation. This solution leverages familiar vehicles, helping to reduce emissions, save energy, and bring Hue closer to its goal of becoming Vietnam’s first bicycle-friendly city.
Additionally, applying the comprehensive e-bike conversion solution to other simple vehicles, such as cyclos, is not only a technical approach but also a way to connect modern technology with the heritage identity of the city, helping Hue develop more sustainably along the path of green transportation.