[CAR REVIEW] The Weaver++ by Dat Bike: An Impressive Ride with a Few Imperfections

Old bottle, new wine

In the case of Dat Bike Weaver++, it can be described as “old bottle, new wine”. This electric bike, which is proudly made in Vietnam, has completely evolved from its predecessors while maintaining a similar appearance.

Dat Bike has prioritized the quality of the final product. In the Weaver++ model, customers will find it hard to be disappointed with the welding position, wiring connections, component arrangement, and overall aesthetics. Everything is neat, beautiful, and reflects a commitment to expertise and perfection.

Comparing it to the previous Weaver or Weaver 200 models, which were the first two generations of Dat Bike products, users can only rate the quality of those bikes as comparable to makeshift workshops. This, combined with doubts raised by the Founder’s appearance on TV, calling for millions of dollars, had cast doubt on the startup’s seriousness.

However, with the Weaver++ generation, Dat Bike has shown the dedication of Founder Nguyen Ba Canh Son, who chose to leave his job in Silicon Valley to pursue his dream of sustainable transportation in Vietnam. It could simply be the result of listening to customers’ feedback and being determined to make changes. In any case, it’s a positive signal for customers.

This is also the reason why Dat Bike has managed to raise a total of 16.5 million USD since its inception in 2019. Clearly, the investors who have poured capital into Dat Bike understand the economy, technology, and manufacturing and know where to invest for results.

A combination of classic and modern design, distinctive and rugged

The Dat Bike Weaver++ design combines classic and modern elements. The bike features fully LED headlights with a round shape that blends classic and contemporary styles. The front and rear turn signals maintain their unique design from the previous generations.

The handlebars have been redesigned to be taller for easier steering. The riding position is more comfortable, making it easier to control the Weaver++ compared to previous generations.

In addition to the redesigned handlebars, Dat Bike has equipped the Weaver++ with a color display that provides multiple information and is visually appealing. The display has a primary white/black color tone, ensuring readability regardless of the lighting conditions. This modern touch makes the bike stand out from other models priced under 150 million VND in Vietnam.

The Weaver++ features 16-inch cast aluminum wheels with large tubeless tires. These wheels not only enhance the bike’s aesthetics but also improve traction on challenging terrains.

The fuel tank-shaped storage compartment and the long single leather seat are distinctive and beautiful details that Dat Bike has retained in this upgraded version. The eye-catching square orange battery pack is still suspended in the middle of the bike. The highlight is the card swipe position, used to start the bike, together with an antenna for vehicle-smartphone connectivity.

The rear monoshock suspension, sporty rear grab handle, and mid-placed motor with a chain drive (similar to the high-end electric motorcycle VinFast Theon) are valuable upgrades that enhance the user experience of the Weaver++ compared to previous generations. The combination of classic and modern design elements sets it apart from other electric bikes on the market.

An exhilarating riding experience like no other in the two-wheeler market

If we were to compare riding the Dat Bike Weaver++ to driving a BMW in the car world, they share a similar sense of excitement and thrilling performance. The Weaver++ offers an experience that surpasses other mass-market electric bikes in Vietnam (priced below 150 million VND).

Despite its somewhat angular appearance, hopping onto the Dat Bike Weaver++, taking control, and accelerating is straightforward. The handlebars, shock absorbers, and frame design provide a certain level of ease. But it doesn’t stop at being simple. The Weaver++ offers a level of excitement and constant stimulation, urging the rider to twist the throttle and go faster.

Initially, the throttle response is gentle for safety, preventing sudden jolts. However, once the speed exceeds 15-20 km/h, the Weaver++ delivers a more exhilarating acceleration than traditional internal combustion engines.

Twisting the throttle results in an instant takeoff without any lag. Listening to the chain noise and feeling the wind blowing, one can truly experience an adrenaline rush. This style of operation makes overtaking other vehicles extremely simple. Riders who enjoy riding with a fast-faster braking style will find the convenience of this electric bike.

Furthermore, the transition from direct drive to chain drive provides a smoother throttle response for the Weaver++. The bike also has the ability to recover energy when decelerating or braking, without any abrupt jerks that could cause discomfort like its predecessor, the Weaver 200. These two distinguishing features greatly contribute to transforming the user experience with the Weaver++ compared to the previous generations.

Dat Bike takes pride in equipping the Weaver++ with a large-capacity charger capable of delivering up to 22A, allowing a full charge in just 3 hours. In case of urgency, users can charge for just 1 hour and travel up to 100km. According to the manufacturer, the Weaver++ is currently the fastest-charging electric bike in Vietnam, and the Dat Charge fast-charging station is the fastest charging station for two-wheelers in Southeast Asia.

In practice, the bike can run for up to a week without charging when used for daily commuting. Even when ridden aggressively and quickly, the Dat Bike Weaver++ can still meet daily travel needs. For suburban trips within a radius of approximately 70km, the bike can handle the entire trip with adequacy. For longer trips, it may be necessary to take breaks for charging, but waiting times are not excessively long.

Dat Bike Weaver++ is a fantastic bike but not without flaws

The first notable flaw is a minor one but significantly affects the rider’s experience. The center stand is not firmly fixed in place, causing clunky sounds and a feeling of instability when going over speed bumps, potholes, or rough road sections, or when climbing sidewalks. Despite this, the Dat Bike Weaver++ is by no means weak. It is solid and sturdy.

The next weakness can be considered the “Achilles’ heel” of the Dat Bike Weaver++. Despite its cool and imposing appearance and its ability to handle challenging and rough roads, it struggles on steep slopes. If facing obstacles in the middle of a climb, the rider must slow down and lose momentum. This can give a feeling of running out of power before reaching the top in a rugged manner.

Lastly, the new price of 65.9 million VND for the Dat Bike Weaver++ represents an 11 million VND increase compared to the previous version. The manufacturer argues that this price is still considered “affordable” considering the inclusion of the battery (capable of traveling up to 200km per charge) and VAT, as well as the series of luxury upgrades (color display, chain drive, rear monoshock, cast aluminum wheels, large off-road tubeless tires, etc.).

However, from the perspective of an average consumer, a price equivalent to a Vespa or SH Mode scooter (and even more expensive than a Winner X or Exciter) requires careful consideration before making the purchase.

Dat Bike only has a single fast-charging station, named Dat Charge, with a current capacity of up to 80A in Ho Chi Minh City and only three showrooms in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. It is clear that Dat Bike cannot compete directly with entry-level brands such as Yadea and Pega, let alone VinFast, the current leading brand. However, Dat Bike is targeting a niche market and does not directly compete with the brands mentioned above.

From the consumers’ perspective, the performance over cost ratio (7kW / 66 million VND) of the Dat Bike Weaver++ is currently the best in the electric bike market. The operating costs are also incredibly low, estimated at only about 20,000 VND per 200km (equivalent to 100 VND per km of travel).

Considering the fact that Dat Bike has reported a 1000% increase in sales since the Weaver 200 generation and is currently struggling to meet demand, with customers having to pre-order, it is clear that Dat Bike has already made an impression on consumers.

Customers are not only willing to purchase the vehicle but are also willing to wait. This is not only good news for Dat Bike but also a positive signal for the entire electric vehicle manufacturing industry in Vietnam. Alongside VinFast, Dat Bike is undoubtedly a trailblazer.

Although the bike is not perfect and still has room for improvement, it is crucial to note that Dat Bike has already taken a significant step in the manufacturing industry by designing, mastering technology, and actively controlling the assembly line. We may not know how fast we’ll progress, but we’re determined to keep moving forward. Time will tell.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)