Launched: Blueshark R1 Smart EV Scooter – 2 Variants, 110 KM Range, From RM7,190

The local two-wheeled electric mobility space has grown today as the Blueshark brand marks its official entry. The brand, which is a subsidiary of Sharkgulf Technologies Group, launched its R1 smart EV scooter earlier today, which is available in two guises – R1 and R1 Lite.

This mass market introduction follows up from the firm’s pilot program held prior that featured 50 e-hailing riders volunteering for it. Said effort has proven the R1 smart EV scooter’s feasibility of Blueshark’s electrified platform and market-ready ecosystem.

Despite its compact size and nature, the Blueshark R1 smart EV scooter comes fully loaded with a bevy of tech. Key amongst which is its adoption of a 2,880 wH Dual Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery packs which can be swapped at any Blueshark battery swap station (BlueStation) or fully charged anywhere within 3.5 hours.

Said batteries power a 5000w high speed electric permanent magnet motor that serves up 201 NM. The package allows the R1 to cruise up to a top speed of 80 KM/H plus a maximum travel range of 110 KM (NEDC, single battery) on a single charge.

Powertrain aside, the R1 is also laced with a host of advanced features such as five selectable riding modes including the Walk Assist Mode (WAM) and Turbo modes, an advanced ArkRide® proprietary smart operating system offering Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, media playback, OTA (over-the-air) updates, driving recorder and more through a 10.4'-inch full colour HD IPS dash display.

Besides all-round disc brakes with CBS (combi-brake system), the R1 also provides enhanced rider safety through the inclusion of several advanced driver (or rider?) assist (ADAS) features. Adapted from car-based tech, it includes front and rear cameras plus probe sensors to enable features such as Safe Start, Turn Assistance, Reversing Assistance, as well as Moving Assistance.

Other key features primed includes stylish LED head- and taillight, smart keyless and fingerprint-detection ignition suite, cast alloy wheels, under-seat storage bin, USB charging port, as well as a dedicated mobile app granting access to vehicle telematics plus the Blueshark ‘ecosystem’ that allow riders to locate nearest battery swap station.

Available across 7 colour choices, the Blueshark R1 and R1 Lite can be purchased outright with a base price of RM9,390 and RM7,190 respectively. Said prices include a dedicated charger plus two charging cradles and a single Bluetooth key unit.

Upon purchase, users will need to select a monthly battery swap subscription plan. Options include a BlueSwap Lite Plan priced at RM59 monthly offering 36 battery swaps, BlueSwap Standard priced at RM99 offering 70 battery swaps, BlueSwap Pro priced at RM139 offering 120 battery swaps, as well as a BlueSwap Flex pay-per-swap plan priced at RM1.95 per swap.

By the way, Blueshark clarified that users will need to possess a valid B2 class motorcycle licence to ride the R1 on the streets. The firm also notes that the cost to service the R1 will cost around RM45, which covers drivetrain fluid change. 

Additionally, thanks to the on-going EV incentive, the Blueshark R1 is exempted from road tax costs until 2024. As for insurance costs, it ranges between RM200 to RM300.