Taiwanese scooter maker Gogoro, known for its colorful electric scooter models, unveiled its first Eeyo 1 electric bike. The manufacturer’s first pedelecs are characterized by their low weight and high-quality materials.
The bike weighs only 12.5 kg, which makes it easy to transport. The manufacturer was able to achieve this low weight through carbon: the Eeyo 1 has a complete carbon frame.
Essentially the Eeyo 1 is powered by what Gogoro calls the Eeyo Smartwheel. Instead of attaching the battery to the frame or inserting it into one of the tubes, Gogoro placed it in the rear wheel, along with the 250 W electric motor and some sensors. It is not something revolutionary, there are already brands that do it, but it does it in a more hidden way.
The Eeyo bicycles offer two riding modes: a Sport mode and an Eco-mode. The former supports a sporty driving style, while the latter offers a greater range. The battery built into the Smartwheel has 123 Wh capacity and should offer a range of almost 65 km (40 miles) in Sport mode and about 88 km (55 miles) in Eco mode. Basically, in the first of them, there is more help from the bicycle when pedaling than in the second. Two and a half hours are required for a full battery charge.
The company has limited speed at the program level. So, on US roads, the novelty will be able to accelerate to 30 km/h (19 mph), and the peak speed in Europe will be 25 km/h (15.5 mph). This seems more than enough for everyday use for the city. Speed will also depend on the riding modes: Sport will allow you to move at maximum speed, and Eco will be comfortable for driving along busy streets.
The Eeyo 1 bike does not have a built-in computer; therefore, a Bluetooth-connected smartphone with a special application is required for its operation. It depends directly on the Eeyo app to lock and unlock the bike, as well as toggle between different engine assisted assist modes. The app syncs with the bike and its sensors to display battery data, speed, or, for example, lock and unlock the bike when the user moves away or approaches.
Transport is very ergonomic and convenient, but it also has a considerable price. Gogoro Eeyo will be available from $3,899. Depending on the model and increasing some capabilities or customization, this price may increase. The $3,899 is for the basic model called Eeyo 1 and in orange or light blue. On the other hand, there is the most powerful Eeyo 1S model that goes up to $4,599 and comes in white. The more expensive and lighter 1S, which weighs only 11.9 kg, also has rims, handlebars, and the seat post made from the lightweight material.
