With the growing trend of green transportation in Vietnam, electric scooters are becoming an attractive choice for urban consumers. This need is especially urgent as, according to new regulations, it is highly likely that by July 2026, inner-city residents in Hanoi’s Ring Road 1 area will be completely banned from using gasoline scooters. By 2028 and 2030, gasoline scooters will be completely banned in Ring Roads 2 and 3 in the capital as well. Urban residents require a compact, economical, and environmentally friendly means of daily transportation. Among the notable models on the market today, the VinFast Evo 200 Lite and Honda Icon e: are two formidable competitors in the affordable electric scooter segment, suitable for students, homemakers, or office workers who need to travel short distances.
So, between these two models, which is the more suitable choice for urban consumers? Let’s compare the details of the VinFast Evo 200 Lite and Honda Icon e: to find out.
1. Exterior Design: Youthful Language vs. Minimalist Style
The VinFast Evo 200 Lite boasts a modern and youthful design with soft and graceful curves. Its distinctive V-shaped front combines seamlessly with the LED lighting system. The body is slightly rounded, and the seat height is a friendly 760 mm, accommodating those with a petite stature under 1.65 m. With dimensions of 1800 x 710 x 1063 mm (length x width x height), the Evo 200 Lite easily maneuvers through narrow city streets.
On the other hand, the Honda Icon e: exudes minimalism and classic elegance. Its design is squarish and compact, featuring precise and distinct details, and its build quality surpasses that of the Evo 200 Lite. The round headlight cluster combined with LED positioning lights gives it a retro yet modern and youthful appearance. This design suits those who appreciate minimalism, subtlety, and understated style. The Honda Icon e: measures 1,796 mm in length, 680 mm in width, and 1,085 mm in height, with a seat height of 742 mm and a weight of 89 kg, making it suitable for students.
2. Engine and Performance: Powerful vs. Stable
The VinFast Evo 200 Lite is equipped with a brushless electric motor with a rated power of 1200W, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 49 km/h. This model falls under the category of electric scooters below 50cc, making it suitable for students, non-A1 license holders, and those who primarily use it for intracity travel. Despite its modest power, the Evo 200 Lite adequately meets the needs of urban commuters.
The Honda Icon e: is powered by a 1.2 kW electric motor (equivalent), with a top speed of approximately 50-55 km/h, slightly higher than that of the Evo 200 Lite. It delivers a stable and smooth riding experience, a familiar trait of Honda vehicles. However, the Icon e:’s acceleration is not exceptionally fast, focusing more on comfort and energy efficiency.
3. Range and Battery Technology: Integrated Long-Lasting Battery vs. Flexible Removable Battery
This is the most significant difference between the two models.
The VinFast Evo 200 Lite utilizes a built-in LFP battery with a capacity of 3.5 kWh, equivalent to 48Ah, enabling a maximum range of 205 km per charge (under ideal conditions at a stable speed of 30 km/h). With its superior range, users can charge once a week. However, battery drain will depend on the rider’s weight, riding speed, and riding style.
The Honda Icon e: employs a removable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 30.6 Ah, located under the floorboard (footrest area). It takes 7.5 hours to fully charge using a standard household power outlet, and 3.5 hours to charge from 30-70%. The Icon e: offers a maximum range of 71 km. Honda designed the battery to be easily removable, catering to those living in apartments or without a fixed charging spot, as they can take the battery indoors to charge, similar to charging a phone.
Thus, while the Evo 200 Lite excels in range, the Icon e: offers the convenience of flexible charging, especially relevant in the context of many apartments, high-rise buildings, or hostels prohibiting the charging of electric scooter batteries in basements or designated parking areas.
4. Features and Utilities:
The Evo 200 Lite features an LCD screen that displays speed, battery level, ODO, and fault indicators. It has a mechanical lock with an anti-theft function. The 17-liter under-seat storage compartment can accommodate a half-face helmet, rain gear, or a small bag. Additionally, the scooter connects to the VinFast E-Scooter app, allowing users to monitor battery status, locate the vehicle, and receive remote alerts.
The Honda Icon e: adopts a minimalist approach with basic instrumentation—a mechanical meter displays battery level and speed, forgoing a digital screen and app connectivity. It has a small under-seat compartment for storing a few essential personal items. Honda focuses on delivering a smooth riding experience with minimal technology, suiting those who prefer simplicity and ease of use.
Conclusion: The Evo 200 Lite excels in features and technology, while the Icon e: prioritizes simplicity, ease of use, and fewer complexities.
5. Price and After-sales Service
As of July 2025, the VinFast Evo 200 is priced at 22 million VND (including the battery) and comes with a three-year warranty. VinFast’s network of showrooms, service centers, and charging stations is extensive nationwide. However, their after-sales service and maintenance can be overwhelmed at times, resulting in longer waiting times for customers.
The Honda Icon e: is available in Vietnam in three versions: Premium at 26.9 million VND, Special at 27.1 million VND, and Sports at 27.3 million VND. These prices include the vehicle body and a charger, with a three-year or 30,000 km warranty. The current monthly battery rental price for the Icon e: is high at 350,000 VND, making it less affordable for students.
In terms of pricing, VinFast has the advantage with its more accessible price point and lower operating costs since there is no monthly battery rental fee. Honda, despite its superior quality, has a higher price tag and higher monthly expenses, offset by its stability and reliability.
Conclusion:
If you’re an urban resident who frequently commutes, travels more than 10 km daily, and desires a feature-rich scooter with a long-lasting battery and an affordable price, the VinFast Evo 200 is a strong contender.
On the other hand, if you appreciate minimalist design, travel shorter distances, admire the Honda brand, and are willing to invest in a product from a renowned Japanese brand, the Honda Icon e: remains a solid choice, despite some room for improvement in terms of range and battery rental costs.
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