Silence S01 - Spanish Electric Scooter Tested in Urban Zurich

The endless dispute between technology visionaries and the petrolhead faction. Discussions between the two groups usually lead to no result and only further divide the scene. It's a pity, really, since riding on two wheels fundamentally connects us all. The lack of trust in electric vehicles, especially in the two-wheeler sector, is understandable. We are practically flooded by the Asian market with short-lived and cheap devices that either give up the ghost very soon or lack the infrastructure or system for repairs and support. In the end, the motorcycle is only half the battle. The trusted dealer, safety, and sustainability make up the other half. This explains the frustration or aversion towards the silent speedsters. However, it is different with Silence. Although at first glance, the two-wheeler cannot be distinguished significantly from the usual Asian flood material, a completely different philosophy is hidden behind it.

In 2014, Silence introduced its first model, the S02, focusing on goods transportation, such as for postal services, food delivery, or other small deliveries. After five successful business years, the first electric scooter for private use was launched in 2019 – namely the Silence S01, which we tested.

Silence, as a producer with Spanish roots, has a significant advantage for us European end customers: the scooter was designed for European infrastructure and local culture. In Spain, Silence has already developed a sophisticated system in the city where you can exchange empty Silence batteries directly at a charging station for a charged battery.

In addition to delivery vehicles and private scooters, Silence also offers a compact electric car called the "Nano Car," which operates with the same batteries as the scooter, allowing for perfect synergistic use.

On the first walk around the bike, it stands out: No extravagant design, no quirky wheels, no casino flicker on the display. The Silence S01 features a large compartment under the seat, as is common with standard scooters. The compartment is large enough to store a helmet, backpack, or groceries and is very easy to operate. In the resting position, you simply have to press both brake levers, and the compartment clicks open.

A highlight of the Silence scooter is the battery, which pops out of the compartment at the push of a button and can then be transported effortlessly using a trolley system. This allows you to either charge the scooter directly at a conventional socket or replace the battery yourself or charge it at home. However, the battery weighs 40 kilograms, which makes the Silence S01 disadvantageous for people without direct charging options or accessible charging locations.

You start the scooter with a conventional key, without keyless ride. Once seated, the operation of the scooter feels very intuitive, as there aren't really many adjustment options. The display is easy to read and provides information about speed, range, battery temperature, as well as outside temperature and time. Here, there are plus points for the simple and user-friendly information system, which just works.

The Silence S01 features a battery capacity of 5.6 kWh and a continuous power output of 7 kW. In layman's terms: the scooter offers a solid range of about 90 kilometers and reaches a top speed of 95 km/h. Additionally, the S01 is quite sprightly compared to other electric scooters, accelerating from 0 to 50 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. This quick acceleration is a significant advantage in city traffic with many traffic lights, making daily commuting much easier. The 95 km/h top speed was easily achieved during the test. Thanks to the increased maximum speed, you feel stable even at 80 km/h on highways and don't constantly hit the limiter.

The S01 is suspended by a telescopic fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, with adjustable preload. On very uneven roads, the ride can feel a bit rough, and the suspension quickly reaches its limits. However, for normal use on smooth roads, it provides acceptable comfort.

It's well-known that electric vehicles emit intentionally generated sounds to alert pedestrians at walking speeds. Here, the Silence S01 glides smoothly without any annoying UFO noises. However, the turn signal beeping, which feels like it was taken from a Caterpillar and installed, is extremely annoying. The S01 emits an ear-piercing and attention-grabbing beep whenever the turn signal is activated. During the test ride, the noise was so loud that I deliberately avoided using the turn signal in quiet areas. What should be an additional safety feature almost negatively impacts safety in this case.

Another issue with the flood of electric mobility in Europe is the often lacking expertise in customer aftercare. While it is possible to purchase electric vehicles – often even through an online shop – without major problems, the everyday contact person for issues or further needs is missing. The Swiss Silence importer Etrix has been active in the field of electric mobility for a long time. When Silence wanted to offer their first electric scooters in Switzerland for delivery service, Etrix actively promoted the development and production of the swappable batteries. This understanding of the subject creates trust and forms the perfect foundation for the Silence S01 electric scooter in Switzerland.

The Silence S01 is a pleasant companion for daily rides through the city. Somehow, the history of Silence brings a special sympathy to this scooter. The S01 does not try to impress with overwhelming material but stands for the purpose and simplicity that commuter vehicles should bring. The strong battery performance allows for swift progress, and even when riding in 80 km/h zones, there is no need to panic. The removable battery, which can be extended to a trolley within two seconds, is practical for charging at home, but only if there are no stairs to overcome.

The Silence S01 is available in Switzerland from CHF 7,900. There is a two-year warranty on the vehicle and a three-year warranty on the battery. The service interval of the S01 is 4,000 km or annually. There are definitely more cost-effective electric scooters on the market. However, the S01 is a great alternative for those who value local production. Overall, the electric scooter can be classified as truly sympathetic and user-friendly. An overview of the models can be found here.