VinFast Files Design Patent In India For New Electric Scooter

VinFast has filed an India design patent for an all-new electric scooter that could be locally assembled.

VinFast, the Vietnam-based electric vehicle brand, has filed a design patent in India for an upcoming electric scooter. The filing suggests VinFast is taking steps to protect the scooter's design in India as it prepares for its future plans in the country, following earlier reports that the brand plans to begin selling electric two-wheelers in India from the second half of 2026.

Interestingly, the patented scooter is not any of the models previously reported by the media, including the Evo, the Feliz, or the Viper. Instead, it appears to be a model that is currently not sold anywhere in the world. That said, the design closely resembles the Viper, pointing toward it being a next-generation version of that existing model.

Local Assembly, Local Focus

If VinFast brings this electric scooter to India, it will arrive via the CKD (completely knocked down) route, with local assembly carried out at the company's factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. VinFast has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tamil Nadu state government to support this manufacturing plan.

The brand has also made its intent clear on how it approaches new markets. The company has stated that its electric scooters will be tailored to suit local usage conditions and mobility habits in each market, suggesting the India-spec version may carry market-specific adjustments rather than being a straightforward import.

What the Design Patent Reveals

The patent images reveal several design details. Up front, it gets LED headlights paired with integrated LED DRLs. The front fender is sharper than what's seen on the current Viper, and the windscreen has been partially redesigned for a refreshed appearance. The side body panels are new, and there is a distinctive bat-wing-style LED tail lamp cluster at the rear, a detail not seen on the current Viper.

Certain elements from the existing model carry over, including 14-inch alloy wheels, a pillion seat, a flat floorboard, and foot pegs. The suspension setup consists of telescopic front forks up front and gas-charged dual rear shock absorbers at the back. The motor is rear hub-mounted.

Features and Battery Setup

Among the notable features expected on the scooter are a TFT digital instrument cluster, a smart key system with keyless go functionality, and a 10-litre front storage compartment.

On the powertrain side, the scooter is likely to run on a 1.5 kWh fixed battery pack capable of delivering up to 82 km of range on a full charge. Buyers who need more range can opt for an additional 1.15 kWh secondary battery, which adds another 74 km of range.

Pricing and Competition

VinFast is expected to price this electric scooter under Rs 1 lakh in India, placing it in the highly competitive affordable electric scooter segment. At that price point, it would compete directly with models such as the Hero Vida VX2, TVS Orbiter V1, and Ola S1 X.

It is worth noting that VinFast currently operates in India through its electric car lineup. The electric scooter range, if launched as planned, would mark the brand's entry into the two-wheeler segment in the country.

VinFast has not made an official product announcement for the Indian market yet. All details are based on the filed design patent and are subject to change.