The EC-05 is the fruit of a joint operation by Yamaha (YAMAHA) and Gogoro. The power system adopted the same G2 aluminum liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor (S-Version) as the Gogoro S2. Many people can't help but wonder what the difference between the EC-05 and Gogoro S2 is. Do they just look different? Not to mention that the price of the EC-05 is $2,820 higher than the Gogoro S2. To compare the differences, the TechNews team has conducted test drives of both EC-05 and the Gogoro S2 for 2020, bringing you the first-hand observation of two models.
Regarding the headlights, the EC-05 is equipped with an apron-mounted LED headlight with halo position light that avoids light divergence when riding at night, ensuring the brightness of the front view. The Gogoro S2 is also equipped with an LED headlight with halo position light. Its shape, however, is slightly different: the headlight is completely exposed as an ordinary scooter. When it comes to the rearview mirror, the EC-05's rearview mirror is in the shape of a diamond with a wider field of view. The Gogoro S2's rearview mirror, on the other hand, is round and has a narrow field of view. The rider can easily block parts of his line of sight by his own body.
Concerning the front storage compartment, EC-05 does not have one, while the Gogoro S2 is equipped with one right in the front, which you can store small items such as mobile phones and gloves. It can also be used as a beverage cup holder. A USB charging port is inside of the front compartment, while the USB slot of the EC-05 is located in the trunk. As for the keys, the EC-05 uses a wireless smart key, which, upon nearing the vehicle, can unlock the E-scooter by pressing the gray part of the key. The Gogoro S2 uses the iQ system smart key card, which unlocks the vehicle by simply touching the S mark.
The EC-05 (left) is equipped with an apron-mounted LED headlight with halo position light and the headlight of the Gogoro S2 is exposed.
The EC-05 rearview mirror in the shape of a diamond, offering a wide field of view.
The rearview mirror of Gogoro S2 is round.
A USB charging port is inside of the front compartment of Gogoro S2.
The USB charging port of the EC-05 is located in the trunk.
The EC-05 uses a wireless smart key to unlock the vehicle.
When you take the two E-scooters out for a spin in the mountain road in Yangmingshan, it is obvious that the stability and shock absorption capacity of the EC-05 is better than that of the Gogoro S2. Riding on an EC-05 is not as bumpy when the road is uneven. The contrast is even more obvious for the passenger. The EC-05's seat cushion rises slightly in the rear of the seat, giving the seat a "mountain" shape. The two sides of the seat dip slightly, which offers more comfort for the rider's legs. The seat of the Gogoro S2 is smoother. The middle part of the seat is made of leather, which is marked with the alphabet “S”. The difference does not seem great at first glance. However, passengers can very much feel the difference. In terms of the riding stability, the EC-05 is more likely to maintain stability when the E-scooter is decelerating and accelerating. It is less likely to cause the passenger to get thrown backward or thrust forwards to the front rider. Even if the passenger rides for a long time, he is unlikely to slide forward or backward. The designs of the backseat handle also differ from one another. EC-05's backseat handles are curved upwards, making it easier to hold for the passengers whose arms are not long enough. Gogoro S2’s basket handle, on the other hand, is more flattened. All in all, compared to the Gogoro S2, the EC-05 offers the backseat passengers a more stable and comfortable ride.
The EC-05's seat cushion rises slightly in the rear of the seat, giving the seat a "mountain" shape, which offers more stability for the passenger.
The seat cushion of Gogoro S2 is more flattened.
The comparison between the seat cushions of EC-05 and Gogoro S2.
EC-05's backseat handles are curved upwards, which is easier to hold onto.
Gogoro S2’s basket handle, on the other hand, is more flattened, which is harder to hold onto for the passengers whose arms are not long enough to reach it.
The difference between the backseat handles of EC-05’s (right) and the Gogoro S2's is evident from the rear.
Owing to the fact that the EC-05 uses the same drivetrain as the Gogoro S2, the performance data is almost identical. The maximum horsepower of the EC-05 is 10 hp, the safe maximum speed is 90 km/h. It can go from 0 to 50 km/h within 3.9 seconds. Similarly, the maximum horsepower of the Gogoro S2 is 10.18 hp. The vehicle can reach the safe maximum speed of 92 km/h. It can go from 0 to 50 km/h within 3.9 seconds. All in all, Gogoro S2 is a notch above EC-05.
Compared to the Gogoro S2, the EC-05's dashboard is tilted forward. Therefore the rider’s line of the sight does not need to move as much when he wants to look at the dashboard. The footboard of the EC-05 has an anti-slip surface with shapes of diamonds to help prevent the rider’s feet from slipping, making the position of the feet more stable during riding. The Gogoro S2's footboard is completely smooth with the brand name "gogoro" on it.
The height of the vehicle and the seat cushion of the EC-05 have been modified. EC-05's height is 1,180 mm, which is slightly higher than the 1,080 mm of the Gogoro S2. As for the seat cushion, EC-05's is at 768 mm, which is slightly lower than Gogoro S2, which is at 780 mm. This difference in heights has increased EC-05's space between the handlebars and the seat cushion. Consequently, the riding experience is more pleasant. The likelihood of pressing the honk button and the likes by accident is greatly reduced. However, the EC-05's handlebars are slightly heavier than the Gogoro S2. The riders with less body strength may find it a little more difficult to maneuver.
The footboard of the EC-05 has an anti-slip surface with shapes of diamonds to help to secure the rider’s footing.
The Gogoro S2's footboard is relatively smooth.
EC-05’s adjustable handlebars and seat height make it very people-friendly, regardless of their height. The man shown in the picture is of the height of 5’9.
EC-05’s adjustable handlebars and seat height make it very people-friendly, regardless of their height. The woman shown in the picture is of the height of 5’2.
Yamaha prides itself on designing the vehicles with "human-machine functionality", which combines mechanical structure and ergonomics. Such a design is reflected in the small differences between EC-05 and Gogoro S2, which can have a disproportionately large impact during riding. An EC-05 is said to cost about US$90 more than a Gogoro S2. Whether or not if Yamaha’s unique design is worth so much, it depends on the rider’s sensitivities regarding the said improvements.
The EC-05 offers four colors to choose from: Isolate Blue, Diamond Black, Deep Blue, and Sugar White. It is priced at about US$3,180 (NT$99,800). Gogoro S2 offers only one color, which is graphite grey. It is priced at about US$3,100 (NT$96,980).
Read the original TechNews article.