In Vietnam, motorbikes are a way of life. From daily commutes to casual outings, they remain the dominant mode of transportation. Yet in recent years, ride-hailing services such as Grab, Gojek, and Be have become increasingly popular—despite most people already owning their own motorbike.

This article explores why Vietnamese people, especially in urban hubs like Ho Chi Minh City (HCM) and Hanoi, are embracing ride-hailing as part of their mobility choices. Based on a survey of 300 men and women in these two cities, we examine the main situations where ride-hailing is preferred over motorbikes, and what users expect from these services going forward.

When Do Vietnamese Choose Ride-Hailing Over Their Own Motorbike?

Our survey reveals a clear pattern: while motorbikes remain the default for most travel, there are specific contexts in which ride-hailing becomes the preferred choice.

Many respondents use ride-hailing services when going to parties or when they plan to drink alcohol—both of which relate to avoiding driving under the influence. This trend is especially strong among those in their 30s, and is more pronounced in Ho Chi Minh City, where nightlife and social gatherings are more frequent.

Other major occasions include long-distance travel, when feeling tired, or when it's raining—situations where comfort and ease are prioritized over cost or control. Convenience also plays a large role, with many citing spontaneous or last-minute needs as a reason for using the service.

Parking is another pain point, particularly in crowded city centers. A notable number of people turn to ride-hailing to avoid the hassle of finding parking—especially for short visits or appointments.

What Users Want from Ride-Hailing—Focusing on Motorbike Services

With the growing use of ride-hailing services comes rising expectations. When asked about what could be improved in motorbike ride-hailing, the top concern is safety, mentioned by over 70% of respondents.

Interestingly, female users are more vocal about concerns related to safety, driver behavior, and vehicle condition. Many express a desire for better helmet quality, safer driving practices, and cleaner, more well-maintained bikes.

Pricing remains another key issue. Though ride-hailing remains relatively affordable, inconsistent surge pricing and lack of transparency continue to frustrate users.

Driver politeness also matters. As ride-hailing often involves close interactions, especially on motorbikes, customers expect courteous communication and respectful behavior. This, again, is an area where female users show heightened sensitivity.

Booking convenience and speed are also on the radar, with users hoping for faster driver matching and fewer delays during peak times.

Ride-Hailing for Cars vs. Motorbikes—What’s the Difference?

When comparing user expectations for car-based ride-hailing services versus motorbikes, some interesting contrasts appear.

Safety and pricing remain the top concerns in both categories, though slightly less pronounced for cars, possibly because they are seen as inherently safer.

Vehicle condition expectations are higher for cars, where users expect cleanliness, air conditioning, and proper maintenance. Cars are also more likely to be chosen for special occasions or by families, further raising the bar for quality.

Driver politeness scores slightly lower in importance for cars, perhaps because the interactions are less direct than on motorbikes.

Overall, the gap between expectations for car and motorbike services is not large, but the emphasis on comfort and vehicle quality is stronger with car users, while motorbike users focus more on safety and human interaction.

Ride-hailing has clearly established itself as more than just a backup plan in Vietnam’s transportation landscape. Even in a country where motorbike ownership is nearly universal, services like Grab and Gojek offer a level of convenience, flexibility, and safety that complements daily life.

Based on insights from 300 Vietnamese men and women in HCM and Hanoi, it’s clear that ride-hailing plays an important role during specific situations—from social outings to bad weather days. Users now expect higher standards in areas such as safety, driver politeness, and vehicle condition, especially from motorbike-based services.

In short, ride-hailing isn’t replacing the motorbike—it’s evolving into an essential urban transport option, tailored to the rhythms and realities of modern Vietnamese life.