Gogoro Launches World's 1st Smartscooter at CES in Las Vegas

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in January 2015 in Las Vegas, Gogoro, a young and innovative Taiwanese company targeting to transform energy distribution and management in megacities, unveiled the world's first high-performance, zero emissions, two-wheeled electric vehicle, the Gogoro Smartscooter. The company also announced the Gogoro Energy Network, a battery swapping infrastructure to enable a more efficient, cleaner and flexible energy future.

With the world's megacities at a tipping point in population density, pollution fallout and rapid expansion, it is essential that we re-imagine the energy infrastructure and create a new mindset for change in tomorrow's urban generation. The Smartscooter and Gogoro Energy Network will capture the hearts of the next generation and become a catalyst for more efficient, cleaner, and smarter energy choices in our cities, said Horace Luke, co-founder and CEO of Gogoro.

Gogoro Energy Network

The Gogoro Energy Network is a modular battery-swapping infrastructure that is deployable across a city to provide broad consumer access to portable power through battery vending machines called GoStations.

The Gogoro Battery is an engineering breakthrough with a variety of technologies including 25 sensors, near field communication (NFC) connectivity and 256-bit security encryption. It utilizes Panasonic's industry-leading cylindrical 18650-size automotive-grade lithium-ion energy cells to deliver the ultimate in safety, performance, efficiency and portability. The Smartscooter is the first vehicle to be integrated into the Gogoro Energy Network, and both will begin initial rollout in 2015.

Gogoro is more than a startup. This is the start of an industry. Our products and business model will impact a variety of consumer areas to create a metropolitan ecosystem with better connectivity, easier access to energy, and a more enjoyable urban living experience, said Luke.

Gogoro SmartscooterFrom the drivetrain to the dashboard, according to Gogoro, the Smartscooter utilizes the precision, processes and materials for supercars to offer top-level performance that is both user-friendly and accessible to the mass market. To deliver unprecedented power, agility, acceleration and handling, Gogoro re-imagined the entire ride experience and then created a unique powertrain, chassis, suspension and electronics to deliver the best efficiency, handling, acceleration and riding range possible.

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Smartscooter's advanced systems and technologiesThe Gogoro G1 Motor – Power-packed and ultra-compact, the G1 Motor redefines what's possible in electric motor design. Every component is precision-engineered to ensure the entire system works smarter, stays cooler and goes further in the most efficient way possible.

Aeroframe – Ultra lightweight and incredibly strong, Gogoro's Aeroframe monocoque chassis is stamped out of racing grade aluminum that makes it stiffer, stronger, lighter and more responsive.

Race Suspension – The Smartscooter delivers an amazingly smooth and responsive ride even in dynamic conditions at speed. This performance stability comes from Gogoro's high-performance suspension that is inspired by jet-fighter landing gear in the front and multi-link suspension in the back.

Balance and Agility – Designed with the rider in mind, the Smartscooter reaches perfect 50/50 balance with a rider as integrated extension of the Smartscooter. This amazing balance and agility enable greater stability, a tight 48.5-degree lean angle and ultimately a more enjoyable riding experience.

Smarter, Easier & More…The Smartscooter harnesses the power of 30 onboard sensors, cloud connectivity, and an integrated Gogoro mobile application that enables the scooter to get smarter and more efficient with every ride. The Gogoro iQ System puts the power of a personal computer in the Smartscooter, synchronizing wirelessly across the Smartscooter, Gogoro app, Gogoro Battery, GoStation and Gogoro Energy Network. The app utilizes the Gogoro iQ System to find the closest GoStation, deliver detailed scooter diagnostics, adaptive throttle control, customized regenerative braking, and the ability to track ride data like top speed and range so a rider can analyze riding patterns to optimize power and energy consumption.

The Smartscooter also features "easier refueling." Riders don't need to wait to refuel or recharge the Smartscooter and can swap a depleted battery for  a charged one in six-seconds at any GoStation. Batteries can be reserved in advance, and a subscription-based payment model offers unlimited access to as many charged batteries as needed. Also Smartscooter's hyper-connectivity alerts, if servicing is needed, a rider immediately  via the Gogoro mobile app or at the GoStation when swapping batteries.

Smartscooter is Customizable as well. Designed from the outset to be individualized, Gogoro gives unique control to each rider to select the specific ride feel and throttle acceleration, the dashboard screen color spectrum and the lock-and-unlock audio and lighting themes. There is also a broad variety of practical and designed-oriented accessories to add enhanced functionality or customized body details.

Founded by technology veterans Luke and co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) Matt Taylor, the Smartscooter and Gogoro Energy Network are Gogoro's first products. In October 2014, Gogoro announced having raised US$50 million in Series A funding in 2011, and is currently closing its Series B round of US$100 million to commercialize and go-to-market in 2015.

Luke has overseen product development and corporate strategy from the outset, having been  chief innovation officer at HTC, a major smartphone vendor in Taiwan, where he was  instrumental in leading the company's transformation from a white-label hardware manufacturer to a competitive, innovative mobile phone brand in the world.

Gogoro has been funded by Samuel Lin, chairman of Ruentex Group in Taiwan and one of Asia's most successful entrepreneurs with diverse businesses including retail, sustainable technology, healthcare, financial services, property development and textiles.