Gogoro appears stuck in a cycle of constant expansion, with no signs of slowing down despite numerous size increases. Two recent main strikes include the corporation’s inaugural retail expansion, having recently debuted in Tel Aviv, as well as a pilot initiative for Singapore’s maiden electric vehicle (EV) battery swap project.
Gogoro, a Nasdaq-listed company, is renowned for its innovative battery-swapping ecosystem, which enables users of its high-speed electric scooters – capable of reaching speeds of 90 km/h (56 mph) or more – to skip charging altogether, thereby revolutionizing the urban mobility experience.
The majority of these collaborations involve Gogoro’s batteries and swap stations being used in conjunction with electric scooters produced by various manufacturers such as Yamaha and Yadea, as well as Gogoro’s own branded scooters being deployed by corporate clients like ride-sharing fleets and logistics companies for their operations.
However, over the weekend, Israel became the first country outside of Taiwan where Gogoro started retail operations. Individuals can now acquire Gogoro’s electric scooters and enjoy a subscription-based battery-swapping service with a recurring monthly charge.
Gogoro’s global expansion into the shopper scooter market and its innovative battery-swapping business model was facilitated through a landmark three-party collaboration. Gogoro partnered with native bike importer Metro Motor and vitality specialist Paz Group. Metro Motor locally markets and maintains Gogoro’s scooters, while Paz installs and operates Gogoro’s GoStation battery-swap kiosks within their petrol station network across Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. Currently, there are 10 stations operational across the country, with plans for a total of 35 stations to come online by the end of the year. More than 150 stations are planned to be completed within four years.
I discovered that the scooters have a claimed top speed of 90-96 km/h (56-60 mph), depending on the model, but during my test ride in Tel Aviv this morning I managed to reach an impressive 104 km/h (65 mph) with only a partially charged battery. As I rode my scooter without a cellphone holder, the GPS-confirmed top speed seemed uncertain, making me wonder if the speedometer was perhaps reading just a tad too high.
While it’s true that scooters are suitable for most urban environments, my personal experience even saw me take mine onto the highway, where I reached a top speed of 104 km/h.
The scooters boast a manufacturer-estimated range of approximately 170 km (106 miles), achievable at leisurely speeds; however, the local retailer advises customers to expect around 100 km (62 miles) when ridden more enthusiastically.
While varying battery levels aren’t typically an issue for electrical scooters, they do require regular charging, especially when the battery life falls below a certain threshold. Riders can effortlessly pull into a swap station at any moment, with the option to recharge their e-bikes within a 100km radius in under 30 seconds.
Check out the simplicity in my latest video, where I’m showcasing my inaugural Gogoro battery swap experience below.
At a high-profile event in Tel Aviv, city officials and industry leaders gathered for an exclusive launch celebration, featuring a unique blend of Metro, Paz, and Gogoro. Notably, Meital Lehavi, Deputy Mayor of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality, took the stage to address attendees. Drawing upon her extensive experience as a seasoned scooter enthusiast, she elucidated the vital importance of two-wheeled vehicles in urban landscapes.
The introduction of Gogoro’s innovative electrical scooters to Israel is a most welcome development, as it aligns with several key objectives. Two-wheeled vehicles are the ultimate traffic-busting solution for a generation plagued by highway congestion.
Next, this innovation has the potential to mark a significant turning point in the evolution towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation, as it enables cooperative charging systems that could repurpose traditional gas stations into hubs for multiple energy sources.
What drives Gogoro’s prosperity is the innovative battery-swapping concept pioneered by its deputy mayor; the company’s business model revolves around a comprehensive battery-swapping subscription package that accompanies each scooter purchase or lease. Enrolled riders enjoy a six-month trial period of unlimited battery swapping at no cost, followed by a monthly subscription fee of 129 shekels (approximately $37.84 USD), which includes 1,000 kilometers (or 620 miles) of swapping services.
Given the urban nature of Tel Aviv and its surrounding suburbs, it’s hard to envision anyone outside of a food delivery rider traveling more than 1,000 kilometers per month. In the event that riders opt to use additional services, they are charged a prorated amount for these extras.
Metro has started reporting shopper sales while also engaging in conversations with business prospects. Tel Aviv has emerged as a popular hub for electric food delivery scooter services, making Gogoro’s innovative vehicles an excellent fit for this endeavor.
Without the need for frequent returns to a central charging hub, Gogoro’s innovative scooters enable non-stop operation throughout the day, thanks to unlimited battery swaps.
Horace Luke, Gogoro’s founder, chairman, and CEO, highlighted the significance of the launch.
Gogoro is thrilled to introduce its innovative battery-swapping technology in Tel Aviv. We’re focused on accelerating the mainstream adoption of eco-friendly electric mobility, and battery swapping presents a promising solution to meet cities’ diverse transportation needs sustainably, safely, and at scale. In the vanguard of urban progress, Tel Aviv’s residents are poised to embark on a transformative journey with Gogoro’s innovative Smartscooters and pioneering battery-swapping technology, ushering in a new era of intelligent mobility.
Metro Motor and Paz Group, two pioneers in the Israeli market, are joining forces to revolutionize urban mobility with an innovative solution that is not only environmentally friendly but also accessible to all. In Tel Aviv, customers can now access two cutting-edge electric scooters from Gogoro – the high-performance Gogoro S2 ABS and the adaptable Gogoro 2 Plus – through a convenient retail partnership with Metro stores throughout the city.
Taiwan’s most prominent electric scooter brand, Gogoro, offers two flagship models in the local market: the Gogoro S2 ABS and the Gogoro 2 Plus. The specifications reveal a powerful output of approximately 7 kW (9.4 horsepower), with top speeds reaching an impressive 90-96 km/h (56-60 miles per hour).
Priced around 17,000 shekels, or approximately $5,000, these scooters sit on par with other high-end 125cc-class models. While Gogoro’s scooters are pricier than those in the entry-level range, they still manage to impress with premium features like Bosch ABS braking systems, keyless ignition via NFC technology, advanced anti-theft security measures that can be activated using face ID, fingerprint recognition, or Siri voice commands.
Gogoro concurrently unveiled its entry into the Singapore market, complementing its earlier Tel Aviv announcement. Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has recently granted Gogoro a sandbox pilot to test and validate the deployment of battery-swapping technology as a potential solution for future sustainable transportation.
By way of a partnership with Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Gogoro’s electrical scooters and battery swap GoStations shall be examined with meals supply providers and supply fleets within the nation.
JC&C’s managing director for direct motor pursuits, Wilfrid Foo, spoke concerning the new partnership:
To support Singapore’s ambitious green initiatives under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, we are thrilled to partner with Gogoro and bring a pioneering electric two-wheeler solution to our urban landscape? We are confident in our ability to accelerate the rollout of Gogoro’s industry-leading battery-swapping technology by leveraging our existing infrastructure to support the GoStation network in Singapore, further solidifying our position as a key player in the region’s e-mobility landscape.
As we collaborate with Gogoro, we’re seeking like-minded partners within the supply chain or logistics industry who recognize the value of leveraging our innovative platform to drive growth and success together. Jardine Cycle & Carriage participates throughout the automotive worth chain from manufacturing, distribution, retail to after gross sales in a number of Southeast Asian nations. As a key partner to our regional community, we look forward to driving innovative solutions that enable the widespread adoption of electric scooters and battery-swapping infrastructure in emerging markets.
Gogoro expands its global footprint by entering the Singapore market, further solidifying its presence in Asia.
Gogoro’s electric scooters have been successfully operational in Germany via ride-sharing programs for several years. Building on this momentum, the company has expanded its presence to Indonesia, Japan, and Korea over the past couple of years, with India being the next market on the horizon.
With over 200 locations across China, Gogoro’s battery-swapping technology powers Yadea-manufactured electric scooters at nearly every one of its extensive network of swap stations.
