Reviews and Comparison of Super SOCO Electric Motorcycles

The Super Soco range of electric motorcycles is marketed by the Chinese group Vmoto. Founded in 2015, Vmoto is financed mainly by Chinese billionaire Lei Jun, who is just the founder and CEO of Xiaomi!

In addition to the Super Soco brand, the Vmoto group markets two other brands of electric motorcycles: the Vmoto brand, offered exclusively in Asia, and the E-Max brand dedicated to the design of utility electric scooters.

In this super SOCO electric motorcycle review , we will focus in particular on 3 flagship models of the Chinese brand: the Super SOCO TS 1200R , the Super SOCO TC and the Super SOCO TC Max .

Avis Super SOCO TS 1200R

Presentation Super SOCO TS 1200R

The TS 1200R represents Super Soco's main offering in the 50 cc equivalent electric motorcycle category. At first glance, it displays an ultra-dynamic design and therefore has nothing to envy of large sports motorcycles with thermal engines.

Measuring 189 cm long, 70 cm wide, and 105 cm high, it has imposing proportions. However, it is also light. Thanks to an intelligent combination of strong and ultra-light materials such as steel, aluminum, and thermoplastics, the Super SOCO TS weighs only 78 kg, including the battery.

For comparison, the Yamaha TZR 50 thermal engine sports motorcycle, which is comparable to the SOCO TS in terms of performance, weighs 114.2 kg, or 37 kg more! Another advantage, with a wheelbase of 132 cm and a saddle height of 77 cm, the driving position is intended to be attacking on the Super SOCO TS 1200R.

Engine of the Super SOCO TS 1200R

To ideally power the TS, the brand called on German equipment manufacturer Bosch, which is renowned worldwide for the exceptional quality of its products and electric mobility solutions. Thus, Bosch engineers have designed a tailor-made brushless electric motor for the Super SOCO TS 1200R.

Housed in the rear wheel (17 inches), it delivers power of 2200 W (2.2 kW), enough to propel the motorcycle to a maximum speed of 45 km/h without the need for a transmission system. On the track, the speed of the TS 1200R can be unrestrained to reach 70 km/h, which represents a more than reasonable performance for an electric motorcycle.

The original Bosch engine is also very torquey and delivers a maximum torque of 120 Nm, a performance comparable to motorcycles with highly renowned thermal engines such as the KTM Superduke 1290 R, the Yamaha MT- 10, or the Aprilia TUONO V4 1100 RR.

Battery of the Super SOCO TS 1200R

The Super SOCO TS 1200R is equipped with a high performance removable battery supplied by Panasonic. Made up of 170 lithium-ion cells, it operates at a voltage of 60 V and offers a capacity of 26 Ah. An electronic management system (BMS) optimizes battery operation, particularly engine power and recharge time.

Since the battery is removable, it can be removed and recharged independently of the motorcycle. You should allow 5 to 6 hours for a full charge . Fortunately, thanks to the BMS system , it is possible to obtain a range of around 30 km by quickly charging the battery for 20 minutes.

Furthermore, the manufacturer announces a lifespan of 700 charge cycles (around 60,000 km) for the battery, which is very reasonable. The range of the Super SOCO TS 1200R is estimated at 80 km, but it may vary depending on the conditions of use. As an option, it is possible to install an additional battery, which can completely double the autonomy of the motorcycle.

Avis Super SOCO TC Vintage

Presentation Super SOCO TC Vintage

Let's continue this Super SOCO electric motorcycle test with a presentation of the TC. Aesthetically, this electric motorcycle adopts a very successful retro look, notably with a round LED headlight and a classic saddle . In comparison with the TS 1200R, it weighs 5 kg more on the scale. That said, the wheelbase, saddle height, and wheel diameter are identical.

Engine and Battery of the Super SOCO TC Vintage

In addition to the vintage look, the SOCO TC is distinguished by an LCD display screen offering a pleasant compromise between classic and modern design. Also classified in the 50 cc category, the TC is slightly more efficient than the TS 1200R, notably with a maximum power of 2300 W (2.3 kW) and a torque of 150 Nm.

Note also that both models are equipped with the same removable 60 V 26 Ah battery with BMS electronic management system . Thus, the autonomy of the Super SOCO TC is the same as for the TS 1200R with the possibility of adding an additional Super Soco battery .

Brakes and Lighting of the Super SOCO TC Vintage

Like other models in the Super Soco range, the TC's lighting system includes an LED headlight offering a light intensity of more than 28,000 cd, and an LED rear light covering a lighting angle of 270°.

The Super SOCO TC is equipped with high-performance Brembo hydraulic brakes at the front and rear. It is also equipped with the CBS combined braking system and the E-ABS system to optimize braking synchronization on both wheels and subsequently improve driving safety.

Avis Super SOCO TC Max

Presentation Super SOCO TC Max

Unveiled for the first time in November 2018 at the Milan Motor Show (EICMA), the TC Max is clearly the new spearhead of the Super SOCO brand. In terms of performance, it is classified in the 125 cc category.

Based on a steel and aluminum alloy chassis similar to that used for the TS 1200R and the TC, the TC Max adopts more imposing proportions.  
Despite a weight of 120 kg, it is generally lighter than equivalent models with a thermal engine such as the Kawasaki 125 Z (146 kg), the Yamaha 125 YZF-R (142 kg), or even the Mondial Hps 125 (130 Kg).

Engine of the Super SOCO TC Max

The major advantage of the TC Max is its electric motor delivering a maximum power of 5000 W (5kW) and an exceptional torque of 170 Nm allowing the motorcycle to be propelled at a speed of 100 km /h.

Unlike other Super Soco models, the motor is placed in a central position between the two wheels and not in the hub of the rear wheel, which represents a novelty for the Chinese brand .

Super Soco engineers opted for a belt transmission system instead of a metal chain system in order to reduce vibrations and noise when driving.

Battery of the Super SOCO TC Max

Another new feature on the TC Max, the motor is powered by a new removable 72V 45Ah Li-ion battery. Although it is bulkier and heavier, notably weighing 20 kg, it is more efficient and offers a maximum range of 110 km. Removable, it can be removed and charged on any 220 V terminal.

For a full charge, allow 4 to 5 hours. Super Soco announces a lifespan of 1500 charge cycles, which still allows to travel more than 100,000 km.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to install an additional battery to increase the autonomy of the Super SOCO TC Max due to the weight and dimensions of the main battery.

Finishes of the Super SOCO TC Max

In addition to the leather upholstery and the intelligent LCD display system, the TC Max is equipped with a keyless start system (without a start key).

Like the TS 1200R and the TC, all the electronic elements of the motorcycle are protected by a coating offering good waterproofing and dustproofing (IP65 protection rating).

Our super SOCO electric motorcycle review: Comparison!

To conclude this super SOCO electric motorcycle test, it is clear that the three models have significant advantages. The Super Soco TS 1200R stands out for its dynamic design and very pleasant driving position . In addition, it is affordable and could well democratize access to electric motorcycles . It is an ideal mobility solution for exclusively urban use.

As for the Super Soco TC , it represents a successful compromise between electric mobility and classic design. In terms of performance, it is comparable to the TS 1200R and is therefore suitable for two-up city rides.

The Super SOCO TC Max can boast of being the first 125 cc from the Chinese manufacturer. Designed for demanding motorcyclists, it is powerful, comfortable, and suitable for both urban and extra-urban use .

While the TS 1200R and the TC are accessible without a license, the TC Max can be driven with a B license provided that you follow the training required for driving this type of motorcycle.

Note that the three models benefit from an ecological bonus ( contact us by email to find out the subsidy terms) . They are economical and practical and have nothing to envy of equivalent models with a thermal engine.