Technology for safety on motorbikes - “key” to winning over urban youth

Smart safety features on motorbikes, such as ABS brakes, traction control, and intelligent LED headlights, are becoming key decision-making factors for young buyers. No longer focused solely on design or speed, today’s generation prioritizes safety, reflecting a shift in consumer mindset and traffic awareness in modern urban areas.

Young people prioritize choosing motorbikes integrated with safety technology when participating in traffic. Photo: Le Duy

When safety becomes the top priority

The motorbike market in Vietnam is witnessing a clear change in young people’s consumer mindset. Not stopping at eye-catching designs or powerful engines, many students and workers in Dong Nai now place safety first when choosing a motorbike. They look for a vehicle that is not only a means of transport but also a “companion” providing peace of mind on crowded, complicated roads.

According to a quick survey at several universities and major industrial zones in the province, most young people said they prioritize choosing motorbike models integrated with safety technologies such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or traction control system (TCS). These were once features only available on large-capacity motorbikes but have gradually become standard on many popular models.

Nguyen Anh Khoa, a resident of Tam Hiep ward and a student at Dong Nai University, shared: “In the past, I only cared about the bike’s design and engine power. But after nearly falling on a slippery road, I realized how important ABS brakes are. When braking suddenly, the bike stays balanced and doesn’t skid. Now, I feel much more secure when riding—especially on rainy days like this.”

In reality, traffic in the province and major cities shows that vehicle density is increasing, and unexpected situations frequently occur on the road. Riders must react quickly and accurately, or collisions can easily happen. Technologies like ABS help riders maintain control during sudden braking by reducing wheel lock, especially useful on rainy or slippery roads. Meanwhile, TCS prevents wheel slip during sudden acceleration, helping the motorbike maintain better road grip and operate more stably. When hitting potholes, the system detects when wheels lose contact with the road surface, and the electronic system intervenes to prevent throttle input, thereby reducing wheel spin.

The shift in young people’s motorbike preferences reflects a positive trend: instead of simply chasing looks or speed, they are placing greater importance on safety. This shift has also motivated manufacturers to make modern technologies more widely available across a broader range of models, transforming them from a “privilege” of high-end motorbikes into a “standard” in the mass market.

The emergence and growing adoption of safety technologies on motorbikes marks an important step forward, contributing to greater awareness of self-protection and community safety in traffic. However, experts unanimously agree that these technologies are only support tools as they cannot replace adherence to traffic laws and safe driving skills.

Toward a safe traffic culture

Although motorbike safety technologies are receiving greater attention and proving increasingly effective, this does not mean riders can feel completely at ease, let alone become complacent.

Lam Minh Tam, a KOL (a person with deep expertise in a certain field)  in the two-wheeler sector working at IGO Digital Media Co., Ltd. (Phu Tho Hoa ward, Ho Chi Minh City), stated: “Many young people believe that with ABS or TCS, they can ride fast and brake hard without fear of danger. This is a misconception. ABS only prevents the wheels from locking and supports the rider in maintaining steering control, as it does not instantly reduce braking distance. Stopping distance still depends on factors such as speed, load, and tire condition.”

According to Tam, young riders need to understand how safety technologies work thoroughly. The ABS is particularly effective on slippery surfaces, while TCS provides support during acceleration on slopes or wet roads. Gaining proper knowledge and practicing to get used to the feel of ABS braking or TCS intervention helps riders stay proactive, rather than dependent. “Safety technology is like a life jacket, as it only helps in an emergency, but you still need to know how to swim to protect yourself,” Tam emphasized.

In addition to mastering how to use the system, Tam also emphasized the importance of maintenance. According to him, many young riders today purchase motorbikes equipped with ABS but pay little attention to tasks like replacing brake fluid, cleaning sensors, or checking brake discs. If the brake fluid is dirty or the fluid line is clogged, the effectiveness of ABS can be significantly reduced. Similarly, dirty sensors may trigger errors, compromising safety during operation.

By Le Duy – Translated by Minh Hanh, Minho