Gogoro’s innovative battery-swapping ecosystem has revolutionized electric vehicle charging, rendering traditional plug-in methods obsolete across a vast array of electric scooters and motorcycles worldwide. The system utilizes smart, interchangeable batteries and thousands of swapping stations, allowing riders to roll in, swap batteries, and hit the road – all in a fraction of the time it takes to refuel a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. With my new Gogoro S2 ABS electric scooter in hand, I’ve finally had the chance to test the system personally.
Gogoro going world
Gogoro has expanded its presence beyond Taiwan, targeting key markets in Asia such as India, China, and Indonesia. When the corporation was poised for its initial expansion into Western markets, a surprisingly short distance brought them to the doorstep of Israel.
As I approached the intersection, I deliberately adjusted my riding technique to safely reach the entrance of the road, allowing me to finally grasp the handlebars of my Gogoro scooter alone.
Electrifying scooters make their way to Israel as Gogoro imports its S2 ABS and 2 Plus models to the region. I opted for the Gogoro S2 ABS due to its enhanced fuel efficiency and striking iridescent indigo finish.
Priced at 20,000 NIS ($5,600), the S2 ABS compares favourably to the two Plus model, which retails for 17,000 NIS ($4,790). In Israel, all of these costs are significantly higher due to steep local tax rates. The base price of a new Tesla Model 3 SR model starts at around $48,000 when purchased in the United States, but it can cost significantly more abroad, such as around $69,000 in Israel. There’s a genuine probability that if Gogoro is involved in your country, you’ll pay less than we do.
Gogoro S2 ABS delivered
The inventory is excessive for a particular pickup model, resulting in an oversupply at the manufacturer’s domestic dealership. Despite its technological features, the Gogoro S2 ABS scooter remains relatively easy to operate, with an intuitive interface that can be mastered in just five minutes, including features like proximity unlocking.
In reality, most of the time is devoted to setting up a Gogoro account through the company’s app, allowing for seamless management of the scooter and pinpointing nearby battery-swap stations.
As a result of Gogoro’s innovative approach to creating separate battery-swapping networks and electric vehicles that utilize them, the company required collaboration with two distinct entities to successfully implement its model internationally. The Metro Motor imports and supplies bicycles, while Paz Group operates the vehicle exchange facilities.
Currently, approximately a dozen of Gogoro’s GoStations are deployed throughout the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, primarily situated at Paz’s gas stations and two others located at Metro’s dealerships.
You can locate swap stations within the app, then utilize navigation features to guide you to their locations; however, upon initial visits, you may need to mentally note each station’s placement to facilitate future reference.
While most stations are scattered around Tel Aviv, a few are strategically located in the suburbs throughout the city, effectively extending the reach of Gogoro scooters even further beyond metropolitan boundaries?
Gogoro’s battery-swapping process
Swapping is amazingly easy. No membership card, no NFC key, and absolutely nothing else.
With a few swift motions, I effortlessly swivel to the charging station, deposit my depleted batteries, and the device promptly yields two newly energized replacements. I then pop them again onto my Gogoro S2 ABS scooter and take off. The entire process, including finding a parking spot and departing, likely takes around 45 seconds to complete.
Due to the intelligent batteries’ ability to track usage, the scooters’ whereabouts and details are transmitted back to Gogoro’s central hub. Once I insert the batteries into the dock, the GoStation detects that they have been removed from my scooter.
The algorithm determines which battery options to recommend primarily based on your movement patterns. The next-generation e-bike rider can anticipate receiving fresh, high-capacity batteries, while a more seasoned rider may receive slightly older batteries that still function well, albeit with reduced performance when fully charged. In Taiwan, a minimum of that’s the way the system typically operates. As we’re currently running the new batches of batteries, which are only a few months old, this means that everyone is benefiting from their superior quality and performance.
The membership costs 129 NIS, equivalent to approximately $37 USD per month. Like many enticing suppliers, they attempt to reel you in by offering your initial style at no additional cost. Truly, your initial half-year membership comes at no cost to you.
While it’s more expensive than simply charging at home, you’re paying for the convenience of never having to charge on the go and lug batteries between your parking spot and residence. Despite offering a residential charging option for those seeking to experiment with this.
At a remarkably low cost of ownership, with virtually no maintenance required, the $37 monthly fee is likely to be your only significant expense.
Scattered throughout the town, GoStations ensure that you’re never more than 2-3 miles or 3-5 kilometers away from a convenient battery swap station, with many locations much closer than that. Approximately 1.2 miles from my residence lies the nearest GoStation, situated a mere 2 kilometers distant. There are four GoStation locations within a 3.3-kilometer radius from my current location.
With the Gogoro S2 ABS under my belt for around two weeks, I’ve logged an impressive 202 miles (325 km), allowing me to form a comprehensive opinion about its performance.
Within city limits, I find that my range can reach an impressive 60 miles (96 km), making it ideal for urban commutes. With a departure from Tel Aviv’s urban confines or by utilizing city highways, I can unfurl the scooter and reach its top speed of 59 mph, effectively expanding my range to approximately 45 miles.
Cruising down the highway with my partner in tow drains my energy reserves significantly.
While neither of us is particularly large, we’ve found that drafting behind another cyclist on a freeway can significantly reduce the distance gap when compared to riding solo in city traffic.
Two days ago, my partner and I attended an event in Netanya, a coastal city located approximately 30 miles north of Tel Aviv. With a single highway route and just two occupants on board, I managed to achieve my lowest range yet, approximately 37 miles or 60 km, as calculated based on the roughly 30-mile distance traveled between battery swaps, leaving around 20% capacity remaining. Although even in the worst-case scenario, I didn’t encounter any drawbacks when touring multiple cities distant from the nearest battery swap station. As we refocused, we halted at the initial stop along our route, only to incur an exhaustive assessment anew.
During our exploratory excursion, as evident from the accompanying map, we ventured significantly beyond the usual tourist traps and native exchange stations to delve deeper into the market in Tel Aviv. As more than three dozen stations are set to debut by year’s end, and over 100 emerge in the next two years across a broader geographic footprint, it becomes evident that charging infrastructure will soon be an outdated concern. To avoid uncertainty in your fuel expenses, simply stop at a fuel station whenever you’re running low. Besides that, wouldn’t it be wonderful if, in place of requiring all the footprint of a gasoline station, we could achieve the same result with only the space occupied by two standard-sized refrigerators?
What does the Gogoro S2 ABS offer as a scooter for daily use? Its robust design and sturdy build quality provide a sense of security and confidence while riding. The ABS braking system ensures reliable stopping power, especially in emergency situations. Additionally, the scooter’s 5.8 kW motor provides ample power to tackle various road conditions with ease.
The Gogoro S2 ABS stands out as a top-tier electric scooter for urban environments. Despite the convenience of battery swapping, the scooter itself is already an exemplary urban vehicle.
While navigating through the city, I can effortlessly reach my destination by exploiting the loophole of lane-splitting, which is legally permissible in Israel; as a result, I frequently arrive at my exit point within half the time it takes for cars or even less. I tap into just a small percentage of my capacity when I’m fully engaged in the activity. Cruising has never been more exhilarating – and it’s all thanks to this remarkably enjoyable technique!
The two-seat design provides a comfortable riding experience, while the 7.2kW liquid-cooled motor delivers ample power to accelerate ahead of other vehicles with ease, even when the light turns green. The advanced ABS braking system enables swift and confident stops, while the regenerative braking technology minimizes reliance on the disc brakes, allowing for more efficient energy harvesting.
The scooter is clever enough to automatically unlock when it detects my phone approaching as I walk up to it. It’s reassuring to have just one, so I don’t need to juggle multiple keys in my pocket.
The thoughtful design elements of this metropolis scooter, such as the added deep bag hook, become increasingly vital when navigating urban terrain while transporting daily essentials, effectively streamlining errand-running routines. Picking up my spouse from the mall, I was impressed when, a week prior, she had expertly packed all her belongings into her luggage without leaving us worried about losing anything en route home as we hit the highway.
The thoughtful design of the vehicle’s seating area, featuring a generous and conveniently located storage compartment beneath the seat. Large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, making it an ideal choice for riders who prefer the added protection and visibility provided by this type of headgear.
This design decision spares you from having to attach a rear cargo compartment solely for storage, thus preserving the sleek appearance of the scooter, whereas still offering a practical utility feature. I’ll consider implementing a storage field at some point, but I’m trying to avoid it for now. With ample under-seat storage at my disposal, I’m able to rationalize removing the field option, as I still possess an abundance of utility space. I’ve crammed the under-seat storage compartment to the brim with a medley of items: grocery bags, miscellaneous purchases, and personal effects.
When I’m parking my motorcycle, I deliberately leave my armoured jacket inside the secure location, allowing me to avoid carrying it unnecessarily while on the move.
When discussing safety protocols, I emphasize the importance of consistently wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. That’s the best scenario. In some of these images, I’m showcased wearing attire that is slightly more casual. As I navigate through my metropolitan surroundings, and more specifically my own neighborhood, I tend to adopt a slightly more carefree attitude, which is reflected in my casual attire – think T-shirt and three-quarter helmet. As I’m taking shorter roads, I frequently opt for my full cycling attire. What riders wear to protect themselves from the elements: armored jacket and denims, high-quality moto gloves, a full-face helmet, and more. While making personal choices is necessary for all of us, it’s crucial to consider the stakes involved, especially when driving at higher velocities on larger roadways.
Although Gogoro’s Taiwanese website boasts a vast array of equipment options, our Israeli counterpart offers limited accessibility to this range.
I’m eager to incorporate a variety of modern features into my scooter, including a rear seat configuration designed to enhance my spouse’s sense of security, an organized under-seat storage compartment for greater accessibility, forward- and rear-facing cameras for increased visibility, and upgraded mirrors with improved functionality.
Before I start ordering supplies from Gogoro in Taiwan, I need to figure out the most effective method.
Are there any downsides?
To date, the only drawback that has emerged is… The scooter is surprisingly loud.
The distinctive hum originates from the chain drive, a crucial element in the mid-motor configuration’s functionality. Unlike its competitor, NIU’s electrical moped, which employs a hub motor, the Gogoro features a central motor paired with a sequential drive that directs power to the rear wheel.
Is there really a Gates belt drive model available, and wouldn’t it be great if we had the quietest belt option available right here in Israel? However, for the time being, this is what we currently possess. Although I’ve grown accustomed to the chain noise, the quietness of this scooter makes it surprisingly audible. But while the sound of an ICE-powered engine may be drowned out by the hum of electric motors on scooters and bikes, that’s exactly what you’ll hear: a cacophony of whirs and whizzes.
Extra to come back!
After a two-week evaluation period, I’ve had the opportunity to experience firsthand the capabilities of the Gogoro S2 ABS.
I’ll provide a comprehensive evaluation, accompanied by a video evaluation, once I’ve dedicated sufficient time to this device.
Feedback on your progress and any questions that may arise are always welcome. You’ll ensure I handle the aspects that resonate with you during our subsequent assessment.
