2020 Super Soco TC Max Review

The 2020 Super Soco TC Max is proof the electric revolution is upon us, but also a timely reminder that we’re not quite there yet. While the electric TC Max isn’t perfect, it does serve its purpose well as a light, nimble, and economical about-town vehicle.

Checking in at $7990 ride away for the alloy wheel version (or $8290 for spoked wheels), the 2020 Super Soco TC Max can be considered as a decent alternative to a scooter. With low emissions, low noise and low running costs, the nimble chassis and zippy power make the TC Max a great choice for students and inner-city commuters.

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Super Soco is a Chinese manufacturer that specialises in making quality, affordable electric two-wheeled vehicles. The company launched in 2015, with the brand officially arriving in Australia in 2019. There are plenty of Chinese companies producing electric bikes for the domestic market, but Super Soco is looking global.

The Super Soco TC Max is the latest addition to the brand’s range, and it’s the most performance-orientated model yet. While the 3000W electric motor only puts out the equivalent of around 7bhp, the company does claim 180Nm of torque, all of which is available instantaneously – one benefit of electric powered bikes. Now that figure is relative, of course – the TC Max won’t blow your socks off, but it is still zippy enough around town.

After speaking with Super Soco’s Australian distributors, it is clear that a bike like this is aimed at riders who want an easy-to-ride and affordable machine, with low-running costs. There is no doubt the TC Max ticks these boxes, but electric motorcycle technology, as it stands currently, has limitations. And the Super Soco TC Max isn’t immune.

Electric kool-aid

While there are naturally a lot of people that will never let go of the sound and smell of an internal combustion engine, it inevitable that electric motorcycles will eventually play an integral role in the motorcycle industry. Growing costs and environmental concerns mean that the electric conversation is only become louder.

The potential benefits of electric motorcycles are obvious – lower emissions, lower noise, lower running costs, and instant torque. But there are a couple of glaring issues that are holding back the movement. Firstly, electric technology is still very expensive, and secondly, no one has solved the great enigma that is battery range.

This is where the Super Soco TC Max has both pros and cons. For an electric motorcycle, it is relatively cheap at $7990 ride away, but it is still plagued by the range issues of all electric motorcycles. We’ll get to that shortly.

First, let’s look at the positives.

Positive thinking

The Super Soco TC Max is a lot of fun. While I’ve previously ridden electric bicycles, this was my first experience in hitting the tarmac on a road-registered electric motorcycle. It is a truly unique experience gliding along a main road with virtually no engine noise coming from beneath you. There is some noise, of course, but it’s more like a sci-fi whir.

Another fun aspect of the TC Max (and electric bikes in general) is the instant torque. When the light goes green and you blip the throttle, you’ve got maximum torque from the get-go. Unlike a fuel-guzzling engine, there is no build up to peak power.

Now, it must be said that the TC Max, while the most powerful in the range, isn’t designed as a record-setting performance beast. It is a functional, practical commuter, which means you shouldn’t expect any maniacal, hysterical kind of power. That said, the TC Max still zips around city streets with ease, and will allow you to get a decent jump off the lights.

There are three power modes (aptly named 1, 2, and 3) which can be toggled between on the fly using the right-hand switch block. Mode 1 will give you a very docile output that will suit back streets and heavy traffic. Mode 2 ups the ante a bit, with Mode 3 giving you the full output. In Mode 3, most average-sized riders will be able to nudge 95km/h without too much hassle. Of course, Mode 3 will drain the battery quicker, so Mode 1 and 2 will help extend riding range on slower roads.

The TC Max weighs in at about 100kg, making it lighter than the average dirt bike. Coupled with decent ergonomics, geometry and suspension, the TC Max is a very agile machine. Tight corners and roundabouts are a breeze, and you’ll weave in and out of traffic with ease.

Battery talk

Charging the TC Max battery is easy. The bonus is that you can remove the battery, take it inside and let it charge overnight. Of course, the bike is light and small enough that you could instead just take the whole thing inside. Accessing the battery is easy enough too, but removing and replacing it is a little fiddly due to its heavy weight.

A full charge will take about 8-9 hours, which is certainly not too shabby, and will cost you about 45 cents per charge (depending on your electricity rates). This is where electric bikes are beneficial – they will save you a truckload of moolah.

If the electric thing isn’t techy enough for you, Super Soco has also given the TC Max keyless ignition and a handy alarm system. If someone tries to move the bike, the rear wheel will lock up and the bike will emit a loud beeping noise. Elsewhere, the TC Max gets the usual fare – LED lights, indicators, 17-inch wheels, LCD display, analogue speedo, combined (CBS) 240mm brake discs and a nice (if slightly uncomfortable) seat.

Now, the negatives.

Electric limitations

There is no dancing around the fact – range is an issue. The TC Max has a claimed range of 110km, which will no doubt get you to work and back if you live in a city environment, but don’t expect weekend jaunts up the coast or into the hills. And if you have to commute more than 50km to work, forget about it.

Due to the bikes small size, heavier riders, like myself, will see that claimed range fall even further, as the motor has to work a bit harder. To complicate the matter even more, the charger isn’t exactly small or light, so while it will fit in a backpack, it’s not entirely practical to carry around. If you can fit it in a bag and charge the bike at work, you’ll have better luck, but this won’t suit everyone.

I must make it clear that these issues aren’t confined to Super Soco or the TC Max – this is an issue with electric motorcycle technology in general. I’m sure technology will progress to a point where bikes can go a whole day of riding (or even more) without needing a charge, but, as I said earlier, we’re not there yet.

The TC Max does give you the battery’s percentage and the range, but rider weight, ride mode, and speed (amongst other factors) all affect the estimated range and make it hard to know exactly how far you’ll get. The thought of going for a ride, miscalculating the range, and getting stuck on the other side of the city with a flat battery makes me shudder.

Downsides

Another downside of the TC Max is that it isn’t really built for heavier-than-average riders. I weigh in at over 100kgs and I definitely found the bike struggling to get my larger frame moving. As well as the aforementioned range, the rider’s weight also affects top speed and acceleration. Yes, torque is instant, but if you’re on the heavier side, you’ll still be slower to get going.

Finally, the price. While the TC Max is certainly a lot cheaper than most electric motorcycles (and many electric bicycles), $7990 is still on the expensive side when you consider what you get (and don’t get). A relatively cheap build, no ABS or traction control, and those pesky range issues leave a bit to be desired. There are many petrol-powered machines that offer a lot more for a similar price tag. And within the Super Soco range you can get the TC Café Racer ($5490) and the TS Sport ($4790) for much less.

The verdict

So where does all this leave the Super Soco TC Max? Well, it leaves it for a very specific market – young, budget-conscious, lightweight, and inner-city living students, office workers and delivery riders. The question is, will the budget-conscious fork out nearly $8000 for a mode of transport? Maybe, maybe not. But the non-existent running costs and ease-of-use will certainly be appealing.

Electric motorcycle technology still has a long way to go, but we’re slowly getting there. And I suspect that the TC Max is the start of great progress for Super Soco, a company that we must remember is still very new.

The electric revolution isn’t here yet, but machines like the Super Soco TC Max are an indication that it’s well and truly on its way.

Specs: 2020 Super Soco TC Max

ENGINE
Type: Electric central motor with belt
Rated power: 3000W
Peak power: 5000W
Rear wheel peak torque: 180Nm

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel cradle
Front suspension: Non-adjustable 35mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Adjustable monoshock
Front brakes: 240mm disc with three-piston caliper, CBS (combined braking system)
Rear brake: 240mm disc with single-piston caliper, CBS (combined braking system)
Tyres: 90/80-17 (front), 120/70-17 (rear)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Length: 1963mm
Width: 710mm
Height: 1047mm
Claimed kerb weight: 100kg
Seat height: 770mm
Wheelbase: 1320mm
Range: Up to 110km
Max speed: Up to 95km/h
Charge time: 8-9 hours
Cost per charge: Approx. 45c
Charging: 240V

OTHER STUFF
Price: $7990 ride away (alloy wheels), $8290 ride away (spoked wheels)
Test bike supplied by: Urban Moto Imports
Colours: Silver/Black
Warranty: 24 months or 10,000km