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From Vietnam with Torque: The N1‑S is Ready to Ride

Buck City Biker
3 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

Electric motorcycles in Vietnam aren’t exactly making headlines every week—but NUEN Moto looks set to change that. Their debut machine, the N1-S, has just gone production-ready and the first 100 units have already been snapped up. That’s not just a nice press-release milestone; it’s proof that there’s genuine demand for a high-spec, design-driven bike built outside the usual European or Chinese powerhouses.

But first, let’s get this out of the way up front: you can’t buy the N1-S outside Vietnam—yet. If that’s a dealbreaker, no hard feelings, we’ll catch you in the next newsletter. But if you’re curious about what NUEN is building and why it matters, stick around—because this scrambler is worth a closer look.

Company DNA: A Vietnamese Identity with Global Ambition

NUEN Moto was founded to create a bike that feels distinctly Vietnamese while still appealing to global riders. Even the name is a twist on “Nguyễn,” the most common surname in Vietnam. This isn’t just an EV start-up bolting parts together—the N1-S has been engineered with a strong supply chain (over 60% of parts sourced locally) and partnerships with Bosch and J.Juan.

The company is betting that the urban scrambler aesthetic will resonate with riders who want something that looks sharp and doesn’t scream commuter scooter. Our take on the design? They’ve nailed it.

The Bike: N1-S Specs

The N1-S isn’t an underpowered city runabout. It’s built to hold its own in real traffic and even short highway stints. Here’s what riders can expect:

Motor / Power: 24 kW (≈32 hp) mid-mounted motor with chain drive, delivering ~190 Nm torque
Top Speed: ~130 km/h (≈81 mph)
Battery: 8.0 kWh (dual-pack configuration also in development)
Range: ~245 km at ≤50 km/h urban conditions
Charging:
- AC (220V): 0–80% in ~3 hours, full in ~4.5 hours
- DC fast charge: 0–80% in 40–45 minutes, full in ~60 minutes
Braking / Suspension: J.Juan brakes, high-spec suspension, dual-channel ABS
Weight / Dimensions: ~171 kg, 800 mm seat height, 175 mm ground clearance, 17-inch wheels
Electronics: regen braking, cruise control, reverse gear, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LCD display

Note: A limited Founder’s Edition N1-S is also being offered, featuring Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension, and exclusive finishes—aimed at riders who want boutique-spec hardware on the same performance platform.

On paper, that’s solid A2-license territory in Europe, with proper premium kit bolted on. The torque figure is especially aggressive—NUEN clearly wanted a machine that feels quick off the line.

The N-Chassis: Strength Meets Style

Power and electronics are important, but with NUEN, the frame gets just as much attention. They call it the N-Chassis, a lightweight aluminium alloy exoskeleton that gives the bike its signature angular, brutalist look.

NUEN says the frame is patent-pending, signalling that this is more than just a design flourish—it’s a core engineering choice. Combined with the modular swingarm and suspension setup, the N-Chassis should allow the N1-S to feel planted, precise, and surprisingly responsive for an urban scrambler.

Aesthetically, the frame reinforces the bike’s identity: exposed, geometric, and unmistakably modern, while still hinting at classic scrambler proportions. For riders, it’s proof that NUEN isn’t just making an electric motorcycle—they’re crafting an object that looks as purposeful as it rides.

Policy Tailwinds Fuelling Demand

Vietnam isn’t just building EVs—it’s outlawing the competition. Hanoi has approved a ban on gasoline motorcycles in core districts starting July 2026, while Ho Chi Minh City is piloting restrictions and low-emission zones, but hasn’t confirmed a full ban just yet.

This backdrop is part of why NUEN was able to sell its first 100 units so quickly. With the N1-S slotting neatly into A2-license territory, it positions the bike well for urban riders seeking a practical, high-performance electric alternative.

Vietnam’s Motorcycle License Classes

Like Europe, Vietnam's motorcycle license system is divided into categories based on engine displacement; however, although they have similar category names, they differ from their European counterparts.

A1: For motorcycles with engine capacities between 50cc and 175cc.
A2: For motorcycles with engine capacities over 175cc.
A3: For three-wheeled motorcycles.

Early Moves and What’s Next

NUEN continues refining the bike’s engineering: a lighter swingarm, smaller rear wheel and tire (for better acceleration and lower running costs), and modular battery configurations.

This kind of iteration shows they’re thinking long-term rather than rushing one flashy model to market. NUEN’s approach feels closer to a premium start-up like Verge or Tarform than a mass-market scooter maker.

Why It Matters

For riders outside Vietnam, the N1-S is interesting because it proves that new players don’t need to be based in California or Berlin to be relevant. Vietnam has a rich motorcycle culture and a government policy that’s forcing innovation faster than in many Western markets. That mix—cultural identity, strong engineering, and regulatory push—makes NIU worth watching.

The N1-S won’t replace a Zero DSR/X or Energica Experia for long-distance riders, but that’s not the point. It’s a sharp, lightweight, urban-capable machine with enough performance to make a commute fun, and enough design edge to turn heads at a bike meet.

Pricing & Availability

NUEN hasn’t officially released pricing yet, and for now, the N1‑S is only available in Vietnam. The first 100 production units have already been claimed, signaling strong domestic demand.

For riders in Europe, the UK, USA, Australia, and India, there’s no confirmed timeline for international delivery—but the bike’s specs, A2-license power, and growing attention give hope that NUEN will position the N1‑S for a wider audience. Until then, it’s a bike worth keeping an eye on—especially for riders who are always looking for the next edge in electric mobility.

Bottom line: NUEN isn’t playing in the sandbox. With the N1-S, they’re making a statement—that Vietnam can build world-class electric motorcycles.

Ride safe, folks