Finally, An Electric Scooter That Won't Require a Second Mortgage
Image Credit: Gogoro.
Here's an issue with electric two-wheelers: the industry promises us the future, but usually with a price tag that looks more like a telephone number. So, it's no surprise that my default expression is one of gentle, well-earned skepticism every time I see a new announcement about a revolutionary transport solution.
And then this little ray of sunshine, the Gogoro Ezzy, rolls into my inbox this morning, and I find myself cracking a genuine smile. It's not trying to be the fastest thing on two wheels. It's not dripping with carbon fiber or boasting about lap times at some obscure track. Its main selling point is that you can actually afford it. What a concept!
Image Credit: Gogoro.
Gogoro, the Taiwanese company that basically perfected the whole battery-swapping thing while everyone else was still figuring out where to put the charging port, has decided to get real. The Ezzy is their latest love letter to the everyday commuter, and it's priced at around $2,000. In its native Taiwan, with a few friendly government subsidies, that price plummets to under a grand. That's less than some people spend on a designer handbag or a fancy espresso machine.
For that price, you might expect something built from leftover cardboard and powered by wishful thinking. But this is Gogoro. The Ezzy is minimalist and cute, with a clean, rounded design that looks friendly and approachable. It's the scooter equivalent of a golden retriever puppy; you just want to pat it on the head. But contrary to its charming looks, this thing is built for the real world.
Image Credit: Gogoro.
Let's talk practicality - the seat is a generous 27 inches long, which means you can actually carry a passenger without becoming intimately acquainted. There's a spacious footwell, flip-out footrests for your co-pilot, and - be still my heart - a built-in cupholder. A cupholder! It's the simplest things, isn't it? The pinnacle of urban transport luxury is not having to juggle your morning latte.
Under the seat, you'll find 7.4 gallons of storage. Gogoro claims it's big enough for two helmets, provided one is a three-quarter and the other is a half-helmet. A slightly specific combination, sure, but it's still more space than you'll find in most of its competitors. It's perfect for stashing your shopping, your gym bag, or your two very specific types of helmets.
Image Credit: Gogoro.
Of course, the real magic with any Gogoro is the ecosystem. The Ezzy is powered by Gogoro's legendary battery-swapping network. Instead of plugging your scooter in and waiting for hours for it to recharge, you just roll up to a kiosk called a GoStation, pop out your two depleted batteries, and slide in two freshly charged ones. The whole process takes less time than it takes to tie your shoes. Range anxiety? Never heard of it.
With a top speed of 42 mph from its new hub motor, you won't be out-dragging superbikes at the lights. Shocker. But for weaving through the concrete canyons of a bustling city, 42 mph is plenty. It's enough to keep up with traffic without feeling like you're clinging on for dear life. It's smart, sensible performance for smart, sensible commuting.
Image Credit: Gogoro.
This feels like a major turning point for Gogoro. For years, they've also been making high-performance, high-design "statement" scooters like the Pulse. Those are fantastic machines, the kind that get your pulse racing, but they're also niche. The Ezzy and its slightly older sibling, the Jego, are different. They're not trying to be posters on a teenager's wall. They're trying to be the vehicle that finally convinces millions of people to ditch gasoline.
For now, the Ezzy is sticking to Taiwan, but I have a feeling this is just the beginning. The world is desperate for affordable, convenient, and clean urban mobility. A stylish, well-built electric scooter that costs less than a flagship smartphone and never needs to be plugged in? That's the future, delivered today. And it even has a place for my coffee.
