Taiwan-based electric scooter maker Gogoro Inc. is partnering with automotive parts supplier Robert Bosch GmbH's subsidiary Coup to bring an e-scooter-sharing service to Germany.
On Aug. 3, startup Gogoro announced that it is on course to expand its business model and reach beyond its home country of Taiwan, hitting Europe in tandem with Coup. As part of the scooter-sharing initiative, folks in Berlin, Germany, will be able to hire 200 rental Gogoro Smartscooters, on demand.
"Gogoro is collaborating with the new Coup sharing service because we share the same vision to realize advanced urban mobility in cities. Launching the Gogoro Smartscooter in Berlin as our first expansion market is special because it is a great two-wheel city and is also one of the most sophisticated, progressive and creative cities in the world," stated Horace Luke, CEO and co-founder of Gogoro.
The e-scooter-sharing service from Coup is similar to those offered by ZipCar and Scoot. The rent model is quite attractive. A prospective rider is able to hire a Smartscooter from Gogoro through an app, which allows them to ride the vehicle in the Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, Mitte and Friedrichshain neighborhoods.
Once a rider has reached the destination, they end the rental and leave behind the electric scooter for the next user.
Come Aug. 3, Berliners merely need to peruse the Coup smartphone app to begin using the service.
Gogoro began selling the battery-powered scooters in Taipei in August 2015 and notched up 10,000 scooter sales. The startup was also instrumental in setting up over 225 charging stations dubbed GoStation. These charging stations are the size of an ATM kiosk and each holds a maximum of eight batteries.
Price
The vehicle costs $3,000 and can clock up to 30 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The maximum speed it clocks is 60 mph. It also houses two 20-pound batteries, which when low on power can be swapped for new ones from the Gogoro GoStation.
Those hiring the bikes need not worry as the rental of the Smartscooter will cost 3 euros or $3.37 for every 30 minutes. Those who wish to rent it for an entire day can do so but need to pay 20 euros or $22.47. The rental scooters have been regulated to a speed of 28 mph. The hiring charge is inclusive of the helmet, which is kept in the vehicle's trunk. Basic insurance is also included.
Renting The Smartscooter
Anyone over 21 years of age and with a standard driver's license can rent the Smartscooter.
The Coup rental Smartscooter not only saves you time but also money, making it easier for you to avoid traffic congestion and parking issues. The flexibility of the service allows a hassle-free experience. What's more, you are also going green and doing your bit for the environment as it is an electric vehicle.
