What first comes to mind when thinking of Asia are vibrant flavor combinations and densely populated cities—with equally impressive vehicle density. As the Philippines’ capital, Manila is a bustling metropolis teeming with cars, jeeps, three-wheelers, and scooters.
In late 2023, Gogoro opened its first Gogoro Experience Center in Manila. Manager Mikhail traveled to Taiwan along with proud Gogoro owners Brendan and Jerome to participate in Gogoro’s annual Quiet Revolution event, where 1,000 Gogoro riders cross Taipei Bridge, world-renowned for its "Scooter Waterfall". The Gogoro brand can be seen at nearly every corner in Taiwan. Mikhail and his friends were able to witness the many benefits the brand brings to people's daily lives.
Long-Lasting Smart Scooters with Advanced Anti-Theft Technology
Brendan has owned his Gogoro Premium scooter for some time, and he can't get enough of the smooth, comfortable riding experience. Gogoro App functionality is what sealed the deal though, “I get to change the dashboard color theme without extra charges. It also tracks my riding activity effortlessly, compiling data like my mileage and energy consumption”.
Brendan also gained a new perspective on pricing: “Electric scooters made in China might cost less, but spare parts are hard to find and their lifespan only lasts around one or two years. Gogoro might appear pricey at first but it comes with advanced anti-theft features and a much longer life expectancy. This means saving expenses in the long run. It could also serve as a sustainable fix for Manila’s soaring electric vehicle (EV) waste.”
Mikhail never fails to bring along his camera to capture serendipitous sights every ride. Your vehicle must be your ally in helping open your senses and take in these splendid encounters, “Gogoro is my first EV. I love that you can change modes anytime based on your preferences. Gas-fuelled vehicles simply fall short. Riding Gogoro across Taiwan taught me that peace and quiet can be found even amidst the city buzz. I could listen to the wind whistle through my crash helmet, smell the musky scent of grass and flowing water through plains and riversides.”
GoStation: Certified Safe Batteries and a Full Suite of Charging Solutions
In Taiwan, Gogoro riders often go on scooter trips together. The first group of Gogoro owners in the Philippines also loves good meetups. Whenever a battery gets depleted, one can easily find a GoStation among thousands in the city and swap in a new one, “You don’t need to worry when you go out on a long trip, there’s plenty of fully-charged batteries that you can swap in no time. Take our adventure with Taiwanese riders this time for example, we rode to Yangmingshan National Park and the North Coast,” Mikhail shared with excitement.
According to Brendan, Gogoro Network’s safety far surpasses its peers’, “Our news headlines often feature EV explosions: EV catches fire due to seeping rainwater or overcharging. Gogoro’s Battery Swapping System is equipped with a fire protection mechanism and uses exclusively certified safe batteries. Gogoro offers a full suite of solutions for EVs. If you’re thinking about switching to an EV, what better brand to trust?”
Rider Lifestyle: Adventures and Scenery Alongside Like-Minded People
Lively rider meetups set Gogoro apart as a brand. The “Waterfall of Gogoro Scooters” on Taipei bridge is an iconic event that has taken place for years now. Mikhail serves as the Philippines’ community convener. The sight of countless Taiwanese riders traversing Taipei Bridge left him breathless, “I heard someone saying, ‘Hurry up, hurry up!’ through my helmet. Then I saw the photographer ahead, ready to take a picture. That’s when I realized we had made it to the legendary Scooter Waterfall! Immersed in a sea of Gogoros, it was a magical moment, serene, transcendental—that’s what electric scooters can achieve, the Quiet Revolution!”
*The picture above is the 2019 Taipei Bridge event that set a new Guiness World Record for the largest parade of scooters, totaling 1,303. The picture below is a group photo at a nearby spot from Mikhail’s 2024 visit.
Jerome had studied in Taiwan for some years and spoke fluent Chinese, “Taiwanese people’s warmth and hospitality never fails to impress me. Yet it’s not all fun and games; Taiwanese riders also do charity and volunteering. In the Step30 campaign, for instance, they collected shoes to donate to children in Africa and carried out relevant volunteering services. I hope to bring this spirit along with me to the Philippines and to our rider community. We should be doing more than just riding somewhere for a cup of coffee.” The farewell was full of unforgettable surprises: the three visitors received a set of stickers, which they reciprocated by gifting their Taiwanese friends Philippines riding shirts like those they wore in this visit. Taking with them these precious insights and touching memories, the trio will make sure to build bonds with other lovers of the brand back home.
Today’s Taipei, Manila in a Decade
“Roads in Taiwan and the Philippines share many similarities—a host of buses, cars, and two-wheelers, but Gogoro achieves a palpable difference. Not only is traffic more orderly; you never see EV waste and the air feels much cleaner,” the trio declared at the end of their visit, reluctant to part.
Today’s Taipei reveals a possible future for Manila in a decade, where riders choose Gogoro for premium comfort, advanced technology, and guaranteed safety. Joining forces together, we can bring about watershed moments like the Electric Scooter Waterfall experienced by Mikhail, Brendan, and Jerome.
