Of course, the Super Soco TS isn’t the first electric two-wheeler I’ve ridden. I’ve previously ridden several Zero models, the LiveWire, and the Brekr, among others. However, it’s the first one I’ve had for multiple days for my own use, to truly experience how electric vehicles ‘work’. Naturally, this presented a few challenges throughout the week, but above all, I noticed that it was actually quite simple with the Super Soco TS.
It’s important to note that the TS is an electric scooter, with a maximum speed of approximately 50 km/h, and with a removable battery. This last feature greatly contributed to the ease of use and charging.
The Super Soco on the Dutch market?
Depending on who you ask, Super Soco is the best-selling electric scooter in 2021/2022, with roughly 6 different models (9 if you count all varieties) at the time of writing. Two models are 90 km/h versions, sold as electric A1 motorcycles. Many people may have already seen several Super Soco models, as Go-Sharing operates the bright green Super Soco CUx. However, I have ridden the Super Soco TS, a 45 km/h version. Similar to it is the Super Soco TC, which is infused with a Cafe Racer style.
Since fully electric scooters and motorcycles from 2022 no longer require BPM (vehicle purchase tax) and no motor vehicle tax (MRB), it is expected that we will see even more electric scooters on the roads.
Electrifying caferacer looks
Personally, the caferacer-style looks of the Super Soco TC appeal to me a bit more. However, the Super Soco TS itself also has a “motorcycle-like” appearance, which catches the eye of many people. This also led to many waving motorcyclists along the way, something you don’t often experience when riding a scooter. Due to the scooter’s design, the seating position is very comfortable. The comfortable seat also plays a role here, ensuring that longer distances are no problem at all. Personally, I am 1.86m tall and could ride until the battery was empty without any discomfort, or cover the commuting distance between Rotterdam and Dordrecht.
What stood out was the slightly narrower handlebars and the relatively coarse footrests. The handlebars were very useful for riding in Rotterdam and Dordrecht, making it easy to filter through traffic. The sturdy footrests provided extra support, which is also helpful during slow maneuvers.
Battery capacity and Charging time
Let’s start with what’s stated on paper: the website indicates a battery capacity of roughly 70km for the Super Soco TS. This assumes it’s in eco mode, not sport mode, under optimal conditions. In everyday use, you typically ride the Super Soco TS in mode 3, the sport mode, purely because otherwise, you’ll miss out on top speed and acceleration. In mode 3, from Rotterdam to Dordrecht, it used approximately 53% of the battery, just not enough for a round trip on one charge, but more than enough if you can charge it at work. This distance is roughly 24km, which would mean you should be able to ride roughly 46km on a full battery. On a semi-sunny Sunday, I rode until the last 5%, which was after a good 45km. Here, it jumps to mode 1 for the last 7%, mainly noticeable in the top speed, which suddenly drops to only 30 km/h.
Of course, it’s not comparable to gasoline scooters, but for many people, it’s more than enough for daily use. Charging is also very easy. And the fact that you never have to stop to refuel is ideal, especially with today’s gasoline prices.
The website states that a battery can be fully charged in 5 hours, which I can confirm. When I get home, I take the battery out and bring it inside. I plug it into the charger and let it charge slowly while cooking and eating. Before going to bed, I disconnect the battery from the charger, and in the morning, it’s ready to use again. Of course, charging with the battery in the scooter is also possible; this was easy to do at work by plugging it into the socket. This was a nice convenience, and the battery and charger don’t get warm while charging, which is reassuring with pets and/or children around.
Handling and daily use
Within the city, the Super Soco TS proves to be highly versatile in its usage. As you often have to ride on the road rather than the scooter/bicycle lane in many places, it’s essential for it to keep up well with other traffic. While riding, this isn’t a problem; the acceleration is somewhat cautious but sufficient. Maneuvering between cars at traffic lights is easy, but even in Sport mode, I would like to see a bit more acceleration, especially when you’re at the front of the queue and need to take off quickly. Of course, more acceleration means less range, but a slight improvement would be appreciated, especially compared to the acceleration of the Brekr Model B.
Outside the city, the Super Soco TS, with its slightly larger wheels, is highly agile. You can quickly push it to the limit on sharper corners and beautiful country roads, with your toes/footpegs scraping against the asphalt. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the Super Soco inspires confidence, especially considering its tires, which are somewhat narrow compared to their height. This is particularly noticeable after rain; especially the rear tire may tend to slide with too much acceleration. While the larger wheels provide agility, the ‘contact patch’ is relatively thin due to their narrow width. Perhaps slightly wider/thicker tires could improve grip, especially in wet conditions. Whether this affects the range adversely is worth considering.
The Super Soco TS isn’t just a scooter for city use or commuting; it’s also suitable for pleasure rides or longer distances, although better regenerative braking could further enhance this. Especially in mode 3, the most commonly used position, regenerative braking seems practically disabled. Theoretically, improving this could extend the range slightly and enhance the functionality of the Super Soco. And if we’re mentioning a drawback, it’s that you can’t brake and accelerate simultaneously. There are likely reasons for this, but as a motorcycle rider, I missed it; it’s something you’re accustomed to. Additionally, you can quickly become ‘lazy,’ as you constantly have the throttle open; the TS cuts it off for you when you brake. On wet roads, in the middle of a turn, this could lead to a tense moment.
Conclusion
After riding around with the Super Soco for a week, I noticed that I almost grabbed it with the same ease as my own motorcycle, but without ever having to think about refueling. The battery isn’t very heavy, and with the convenient handle, carrying it downstairs requires minimal effort. Plug it in, put on your helmet, and go – it has its advantages. However, I would like to see slightly more acceleration, especially compared to some other options on the market. The real 50 km range can be boosted with newer models. For 9 out of 10 rides, it would be sufficient, but it still remains a limitation compared to gasoline scooters. However, the Super Soco looks very attractive, especially the TC model, which is a beautiful scooter in my personal opinion. At the end of this test week, I am convinced. If I had to purchase a new scooter, it would be an electric one.
Engine
- Motor type: Bosh Hub
- Maximum Power: 1900 W
- Range: 50-70 km
- Battery: 1 (expandable to 2)
- Accu Voltage: 60 V
- Capacity: 30 Ah
- Charging time: 4 – 5 hours
- Max motor Torque: 120 Nm
Dimensions
- Front brakes: Disc brake
- Rear brake: CBS
- Front Tire: 70/100 17″
- Rear Tire: 100/70 17″
- Length: 1898 mm
- Width: 703 mm
- Height: 1059 mm
- Wheelbase: 1320 mm
- Seat height: 770 mm
- Ground clearance: 198 mm
- Weight: 72 kg
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