The electric vehicle wave is finally hitting city streets on two wheels in Singapore. The Gogoro Supersport has arrived, marking the brand’s first step outside its home market in Taiwan. This isn’t just a scooter; it’s a fully electric machine wrapped in modern tech. It promises quiet power and a new way to get around. But how does it really perform in Singapore’s unique environment? This detailed review covers its power, tech, comfort, and who it might be for.
First Look and Tech Specs
Let’s start with what powers this quiet ride.
Under the plastic body sits a high-tech electric motor. The Gogoro Supersport uses a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). This motor is liquid-cooled. It works with a MOSFET controller. In simple terms, this setup gives smooth power delivery. It feels more like a traditional gasoline engine than a jerky electric motor.
The motor puts out a strong 7.2 kilowatts of peak power. More importantly, it makes a huge 27.15 newton meters of torque. This torque comes on instantly. In practice, this electric scooter feels faster than it looks on paper.
Performance and Speed
How does this power translate to real riding? The scooter is software restricted for Singapore rules. Even so, its performance surprised me.
On paper, 7.2 kilowatts is close to small 125cc gasoline scooters. But its instant torque is more than double what a popular 150cc scooter makes. This gives it incredible punch off the line.
I found I could beat almost any motorcycle under 300cc in a short drag race from a traffic light. The top speed is also impressive. The speedometer clocked 103 km/h during my test. This is very close to its claimed 92 km/h top speed when you consider a small margin of error.
Handling and Brakes
The scooter is nimble. It weighs only 125 kg with its two batteries. It has 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels. It comes with Michelin City Grip tires. The short wheelbase makes it easy to turn tightly, just like other small scooters.
The real handling advantage is fine control. The instant electric throttle feedback lets you manage your speed perfectly. This is something gasoline scooters cannot match.
For stopping, it uses a 4-piston caliper disc brake with a Combined Braking System (CBS). It also has steel braided brake lines. The CBS is not very advanced. You still need to use both brake levers to stop quickly. Using just one lever only works for slow speed control. A key feature missing is ABS, which is common on many modern scooters.
Range, Charging, and Running Costs
Here’s the big question for any electric vehicle: how far can it go and how much does it cost?
Battery Range and Swapping
I averaged about 75 km of range on a full battery charge. I weigh 80kg with my gear. There’s an important caveat. When the battery hits 10%, the scooter enters a “crawl home” mode. Power drops, and the top speed falls to about 58 km/h. This means the real, unrestricted range is closer to 67.5 km.
You cannot charge the battery yourself in Singapore. Due to fire safety rules, the home charging port and dock are not offered here. Instead, you use Gogoro’s battery swap stations. Swapping two empty batteries for full ones took me less than a minute. The batteries are heavy because of their internal management circuitry, but the process is simple.
Cost Per Kilometer
Let’s talk money. The scooter used about 35 to 40 watt-hours of energy per kilometer.
| Item | Gogoro Supersport | Yamaha NMax 150 (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| “Fuel” Source | Gogoro Battery Plan | RON 95 Petrol |
| “Fuel” Cost | Based on basic plan rates | ~$2.90 per liter |
| Efficiency | ~35-40 Wh/km | ~45 km per liter |
| Cost per km | ~6 cents | ~6.4 cents |
Based on current rates, the Gogoro costs about 6 cents per kilometer. A popular 150cc scooter like the Yamaha NMax costs about 6.4 cents per kilometer. The electric scooter is slightly cheaper to run. It’s also much simpler to maintain.
Features and Smart Tech
Much of this scooter is based on software and smart features.
Access and Customization
There is no traditional key. You unlock it with a keycard or your paired smartphone. I found this less handy than a simple key or an RFID fob. You have to take out your phone, open the app, and then unlock it.
The app lets you customize many things:
- Dashboard light colors.
- Sound packs for turn signals and warnings.
- A birthday song that plays on your birthday.
- A suite of ride analytics (top speed, average speed, power used).
For my own sanity, I kept the scooter on silent mode.
Ride Modes and Safety Features
The scooter has several smart features:
- Smart Ride Mode: It learns your riding style and adjusts power.
- Boost Mode: Increases power during acceleration. I felt no drop in range with this on.
- Regenerative Braking: This helps recharge the battery slightly when you slow down. I found it very soft, even at the highest setting.
- Low Speed Warning: A beep plays at low speeds so pedestrians can hear you.
- Automatic Turn Signal Cancelling.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Storage and Maintenance
Storage space is modest. The underseat trunk is 25 litres. You can fit a half-face helmet and gloves, or a few small groceries. A full-face helmet will not fit.
The left side has a small cubby hole with a USB port for charging a phone.
Maintenance panels are easy to access without tools. They are held by strong magnets. You can easily top up coolant and gear oil. Gogoro doesn’t include a toolkit. They advise against touching the electrical systems unless you are an expert.
The Riding Experience
Now, how does it feel to actually live with this scooter?
Comfort and Ergonomics
The seat is very wide and comfortable for the rider. At 177cm tall, I could sit comfortably with my legs at a 90-degree angle. The pillion gets a good grab rail and wide footpegs. The seat foam is soft, which is important because…
The Ride Quality is Firm
The suspension is its weak point. It is not plush. It has preload and rebound adjustments, but most riders won’t use them. It has less travel than basic 150cc scooters.
With two riders weighing a total of 160kg, the scooter will sag a lot. You would need to max out the preload to clear speed bumps. Even with one rider, the front end can shake at speeds above 50 km/h. The scooter bottoms out on bumps that most other scooters handle easily.
Practical Details
The dashboard is large but has a major flaw. The backlight is weak, and the screen isn’t shaded. This makes it very hard to read in bright sunlight unless it’s overcast.
The mirrors are large but their stalks are too short. You can’t see directly behind you without moving your body.
Design and Build Quality
The Gogoro Supersport has a smooth, soft design. It avoids the boxy look of many EVs. The pearlescent purple and green colors are stylish. The look is welcoming and modern.
However, the build quality doesn’t match its price. It feels plasticky and hollow. The buttons don’t feel crisp. Pulling one brake lever makes the other one jump due to the shared hydraulic system. It feels more like a toy than a premium machine.
One quiet benefit: its silence. When I rode past monkeys, they didn’t scatter like they do with loud gasoline bikes. They just moved aside calmly. This silence could be a big plus in crowded, noise-sensitive cities.
Who Should Buy the Gogoro Supersport?
Who is this scooter really for? After testing it, I see three main buyer profiles.
1. The Tech-First Early Adopter. This person loves new technology. They want to be part of the shift to electric transport. The cost is less important than having the latest thing.
2. The Multi-Bike Owner. Someone who already owns motorcycles but wants a reliable, low-maintenance backup vehicle. If their main bike won’t start, the Gogoro is a simple, quiet way to get to work.
3. The Low-Effort Commuter. This rider wants private transport but wants almost zero maintenance. They don’t want to deal with engine oil, spark plugs, or fuel lines.
You’ll notice “value for money” riders aren’t on this list. The scooter itself costs about 9,800 Singapore dollars. This puts it in the same price range as a Vespa Primavera or Aprilia SRGT 200. Those Italian scooters have much higher build quality.
The value comes from low running costs. You only deal with coolant and gear oil. No engine oil, filters, or spark plugs. The carbon fiber belt drive should last the life of the scooter.
Important Thing to Understand: You Don’t Own the Battery
This is the biggest mindset shift. You buy the scooter, but you lease the batteries through an energy plan. Gogoro owns and manages all the batteries. You are also paying for the power inside them.
Think of it like a smartphone. You own the phone, but you pay for a mobile service plan. This means battery degradation is not your problem. Gogoro handles replacing old batteries.
Conclusion: A Flawed but Fascinating First Step
The Gogoro Supersport is a mixed bag. It is a high-performance electric scooter with a lot of clever technology. Its instant torque makes it deceptively quick in the city. Its running costs are low, and its battery swap system is convenient.
However, it has clear compromises. The ride is firm, the suspension is basic, and the build quality feels cheap for its price. The limited range may cause anxiety for some riders.
It represents a new model of vehicle ownership. It works best for heavy city riders who will use it often and appreciate the low upkeep. It is not yet the perfect choice for everyone. For those curious about electric two-wheelers, it is a bold and interesting first look at a petrol-free future on Singapore’s roads.