Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast has taken another step towards entering India's electric two-wheeler market by filing a design patent for a new electric scooter. The patent is believed to be for the next-generation Viper, indicating that the company may be preparing to launch the model in India in the coming months.
Interestingly, the patented scooter is not identical to the Viper currently sold overseas. Instead, it appears to be a heavily updated or next-generation version, featuring a fresh design while retaining the overall proportions of the existing model.
Sharper Design
The patent images reveal several styling updates over the current Viper. At the front, the scooter gets a redesigned LED headlamp with integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), while the VinFast logo has been repositioned lower on the front apron.
Other noticeable changes include a sharper front fender, a revised windscreen, newly designed side body panels, and a fresh bat-wing-inspired LED tail lamp. Despite these updates, the scooter retains its 14-inch alloy wheels, flat floorboard, pillion seat, and foot pegs, suggesting VinFast has focused on refreshing the design without compromising practicality.
Expected Features
While VinFast has not officially revealed the equipment list, the new Viper is expected to come with several modern features. These may include a TFT digital instrument cluster, smart key with keyless go, smartphone connectivity, and a 10-litre front storage compartment for added convenience.
The scooter is also expected to use telescopic front forks and dual rear gas-charged shock absorbers for suspension duties.
Battery and Range
Internationally, the Viper is offered with a rear hub-mounted electric motor paired with a 1.5 kWh fixed battery pack, delivering a claimed range of 82 km on a single charge. Buyers can also opt for an additional 1.15 kWh secondary battery, increasing the total claimed range by around 74 km. However, VinFast could revise the battery specifications for the Indian market.
India Launch
VinFast has already confirmed that it will begin selling electric scooters in India during the second half of 2026. The company has also announced that its products will be adapted to suit Indian road conditions and customer requirements.
The upcoming electric scooters are expected to be assembled at VinFast's Thoothukudi manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu using the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route. Local assembly is expected to help the company price its products competitively.
Expected Price and Rivals
If launched, the new VinFast Viper is expected to be priced below Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it in the highly competitive mass-market electric scooter segment.
It is likely to rival models such as the Ola S1 X, Hero Vida VX2, TVS Orbiter V1, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak.
