SUPER SOCO TC MAX (2019 - on) Review

Highlights

  • Electric motorcycle that's ideal for urban commutes
  • Equivalent to a 125cc petrol bike
  • Ultra-low running costs
MCN AWARDS
Urban Electric Bike of the Year 2023
WINNER

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 3.1 out of 5 (3.1/5)
Annual servicing cost: £90
Power: 7 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.3 in / 770 mm)
Weight: Low (220 lbs / 100 kg)

Prices

New £4,249
Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
2 out of 5 (2/5)

The Super Soco TC Max electric motorbike makes a convincing case that a lighter, simpler, short-range commuter is a better use of today’s battery tech than a big roadster, especially for just £4k. As a commuter there’s a lot to be said for its near-zero running costs and the convenience of refuelling while you sleep.

Since its performance is similar to a 125cc petrol motorbike, it can be ridden with a provisional driving licence by those aged 17 and over, as long as you've taken your CBT and show L-plates. You won't be able to use motorways, but then this isn't a bike particularly well suited for that anyway...

Does it spell the end of petrol? Not yet. A Honda CBR125R is cheaper, twice as powerful, has four times the range and refuels in minutes. Still, for just £4000 the TC Max comes closer to replacing a 125 than an electric superbike comes to replacing a top-spec superbike.

You're able to join an online community of owners at the Super Soco Forum, where you can meet likeminded folk and chat about their experiences with the TC Max. Don't forget to visit our owners' reviews too for more useful real-world information.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

A single charge of the battery lasts for around 60 miles of steady town riding, or 30 at full throttle. The remaining range is displayed both as a percentage and in bar chart form on the LCD dash, which is handy.

Super Soco TC Max clocks

The bike works okay around town, although a slight surge from the motor when holding the throttle steady suggests a lack of development. On open roads its meagre power and very modest top speed means you can find yourself being hassled by lorries. Better to stick to quieter, bendier backroads than trunk routes.

For an extra £100 Super Soco will sell you some spoked wheels instead of the standard aluminium ones.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
2 out of 5 (2/5)

The TC Max is the fastest, sportiest and most powerful bike in Super Soco’s range, though that’s not saying much. It’s powered by a 6.7bhp electric motor, half the power of a learner 125, which provides smooth power to the back wheel through a toothed belt. The motor only needs to propel 100kg, which is less than the weight of a Honda Grom MSX125.

Even so, there are three power modes: ‘1’ limits top speed to 30mph, ‘2’ restricts it to 40mph and ‘3’ releases the full package. That full package relates to a claimed top speed of 58mph, although our datalogger recorded a less-than-impressive 49mph.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
2 out of 5 (2/5)

In short: who knows? Super Soco is such a new brand that both reliability and battery durability remain unproven – more time and miles are needed.

The overall sense of component quality (tyres, suspension, pegs and grips) is best described as in-keeping with its budget price, although nothing went wrong during our fairly brief test ride. The TC Max comes with a two-year warranty, extended to three years for the battery. A service is needed every 2000 miles.

Keyless ignition on Super Soco TC Max

Our Super Soco TC Max owners' reviews show a mixed bag when it comes to reliability. There have been reports of electrical problems and corrosion along with some flimsy-feeling fixtures and fittings. 

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

With BMW’s C-evolution costing £10k, Harley-Davidson’s new Livewire a hefty £28,750 and Zero’s SRF almost £20k, the £4249 Super Soco TC Max represents incredible value for an electric motorcycle.

The removable battery in the Super Soco TC Max adds valuable flexibility

OK, so it lacks the power of the aforementioned, but still offers a very affordable way to get around town or to work and back. Super Soco TC Max finance is also worthy of investigation as it could be a very cheap way to get around in a city centre.

That value for money makes this electric machine a very viable alternative to its petrol-powered rivals; Yamaha’s YZF-R125 costs £4574, for example. A full battery costs around 50p, meaning the Super Soco TC Max charging bill is minimal – just a penny per mile. And the belt final drive means no chain maintenance is required.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

There are neat touches like keyless ignition, linked brakes (no ABS), and an alarm which locks the rear wheel when activated. The TC Max also comes with spoked wheels for an extra £100.

The battery is still removable, so you can charge the bike by plugging the external charger into the side of the bike, or you can remove the 3.24kWh lithium-ion battery and take it into your house or office to charge it up with a 3-pin UK plug. But it weighs a whopping 21.6kg, so a few sessions at the gym might be needed before tackling this task.

Standard fitment security is generally impressive in the electric bike world and the TC Max is no exception. Not only do you get a keyless ignition that arms an alarm when the bike is 'locked', you also get a real time tracker that works with the Super Soco app and the motor fights against you if you try to wheel the bike away without unlocking it.

The Super Soco TC Max's battery

Specs

Engine size 125cc
Engine type Electric
Frame type Steel cradle
Fuel capacity -
Seat height 770mm
Bike weight 100kg
Front suspension 35mm, telescopic forks, no adjustment
Rear suspension Monoshock with adjustable pre-load
Front brake 240mm disc with three-piston caliper
Rear brake 240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 90/80 x 17
Rear tyre size 120/70 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax -
Annual service cost £90
New price £4,249
Used price -
Insurance group 9 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term 2 years, 3 for battery

Top speed & performance

Max power 7 bhp
Max torque 133 ft-lb
Top speed 49 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 60 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2019: TC Max launched

Other versions

  • 2017: Super Soco TC is a slightly cheaper version with less power and lower top speed (claimed 45mph).

Who are Super Soco?

Established in the UK in 2018, Super Soco is a Chinese company that produces electric motorbikes and scooters sold in the UK market that are roughly equivilent to 50cc and 125cc machines.

It's for this reason their products are popular with learners, but also with commuters who see the value in zero tailipipe emissions bikes in city centres.

A Super Soco characteristic is a removable battery, meaning you're able to take it inside with you to charge it, rendering the bike useless as you do so. It does away with the requirement for messy wires that other electric bikes suffer from, too.

Owners' reviews for the SUPER SOCO TC MAX (2019 - on)

10 owners have reviewed their SUPER SOCO TC MAX (2019 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your SUPER SOCO TC MAX (2019 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 3 out of 5 (3/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.2 out of 5 (3.2/5)
Engine: 3.3 out of 5 (3.3/5)
Reliability & build quality: 3.1 out of 5 (3.1/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £90
3 out of 5
12 May 2023 by David C

Year: 2019

Easy to ride when it works!

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer which was fine. Reliability of the bike is very poor. Bits break routinely and you end up having no faith in the product. Parts are hard to source and relatively expensive. Poor build quality overall so best to avoid this product.

3 out of 5 Fun Bike but Terrible Warranty Support
24 October 2022 by Nick

Version: 2021

Year: 2021

The Bike is fun to ride , but i did have a issue with the socket on the battery. The Bike has been in the dealers shop for 3 months and Vomoto does not respond to any messages. The Support is terrible and makes me regret my purchase!

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

dealer is supposed to remove a transport charging plug used for charging in transport.., then connect plugs to enable charging on the side. In my case they did not and i was charging by disconecting the main power cord and pluging in the charger on the battery. This caused the plug to wear out.. I have been waiting for over 3 months for them to fix the issue!

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Buying experience: after sales warranty support has been terrible

3 out of 5 Poor Battery Range
26 September 2022 by jmthompson1962

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £100

A good ride, rapid initial acceleration. Let down by poor range out of town. Riding normally on country roads gives a range of about 30 miles.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It will run out of charge long before you can find out whether it's uncomfortable or not

Engine 4 out of 5

The motor is near silent but it's full potential is restricted by the range. Essentially you need to ride it like the TC (50cc equivalent) to get anywhere near the quoted figures.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues so far

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Storage space is very limited

Buying experience: Purchased from a dealer who was very helpful initially but is difficult to reach now

3 out of 5 Good bike. But needs improvement
02 September 2022 by Frank Tilev

Version: Tc max

Year: 2022

Best feature are.: good starting torque, Bad points: bad braking and no regen braking!

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5

Front brake very poor! It barely works. The bike feels very unsafe going down steep streets. It needs re gen braking!! Not to charge battery but for safety reasons. If the brakes fail for some reason there is no way to slow the bikex! If you soco guys read this. Please add a switch to activate regenerative brakeing!!!

Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Needs regenerative braking!!!!! A beeping sound for turn signal would be very. Nice! I always forget the to turn them off!

Buying experience: I purchased. Mine second hand ffor 4000 £ in Turkey

2 out of 5 I would keep looking for a decent E-bike, i couldn't recommend this as it currently stands
15 December 2021 by Jason

Version: 2021 version

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £80

The good news, Its light and comfy, easy to ride around town, and you can take the battery out, (was the selling point for me)The bad news, where to start, its cheaply made, plastic is flimsy, 2 weeks old and already showing signs of rust, the headlights arnt very bright down dark lanes, Now the really bad points.... The speed is 20% out, at 60mph speedo speed my GPS was reading 50mph, a 38 mile journey (GPS) clocked 43 miles on the odometer, so the bikes adding 13% more miles, realistically you will struggle to do more than 45 miles (GPS miles) in mode 1, Advertised as having 170Nm torque, the actually motor value is 12.9Nm torque

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Its comfy after an hours riding, although the front suspension doesn't have much compression, so you go into a pot hole and it rips your arms out of their sockets, but the brakes stop you on a 6 pence, guess that comes from how light the bike is

Engine 1 out of 5

This is nothing like a 125cc, more like a 100cc, max speed for me so far has being 49mph, no where near the 60mph claimed, the constant power delivery is nice, but its not that quick considering how light it is, and no regen either, should really be standard with EV's

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

2 weeks in and already showing signs of rust, the frame number is exposed steel with some red grease slapped over it, so will rust as soon as i wash it off, the battery cover doesn't stay open, so you have to hold that open, hold the thick power cable out of the way, turn a key, and lift a 21kg battery out, all in one go with 2 hands......

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

1p mile depending on household tarrif, but even so, its really cheap to run, no tax and cheap annual servicing

Equipment 3 out of 5

The LED lights are really bad at night, my pushbike has better lights, even with full beam, would look at trying to upgrade these somehow, and needs a back box as theres not really any room anywhere on the bike to carry anything, but really good brakes, and tires are good for standards

Buying experience: was easy, the dealer dealt with all the tax rebate and registration etc

3 out of 5 Would recommend testing one before buying
19 November 2021 by Jason

Year: 2021

Its really awkward trying to hold the lid open, move the power cable, trying to turn a key and lift the battery out all at the same time, you need 4 arms lolAnd the speedo seems to be way off, like nearly 20% off, my GPS phone it saying im doing 29mph in mode 1 but the bike is reading 35mph, and mode 3 at 50mph (GPS) my bike is reading 60mph, thats pretty poor if thats how they are claiming the 60mph top speed, by getting the speedo to lie to us, And as for the range, in mode 1 around town taking it easy i got 42 miles, nowhere near the claimed 60 mile range, and im not a big heavy guyAnd the app doesn't work at all, just keeps crashing when trying to do stuff with it,And lastly the manual doesn't cover how to maintain the bike properly, including adjusting the drive belt, and i cant seem to find any information on how to check for tension of it

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Brakes are fantastic, they really do stop you quick, duel breaking seems to work well too, Seats nothing special but comfy, Indicator switch is very cheap and nasty though, doesn't self cancel or have a push button cancel, and sometimes sliding back to center i go to the other side, so could be abit of a safety issue

Engine 3 out of 5

A lot noisier than i thought it would be, low speeds is really whiny, and this claimed 170nm torque again is very wrong, the motor itself doesn't produce that torque, only the fact they have a very large reduction ratio from motor to rear toothed drive wheel,

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

The build quality isn't brilliant, the plastic panels mark really easily, and the edges of the panels have unfinished edges, look like they haven't being cleaned after demolding, and im getting a horrid vibration through the foot pegs in low speeds, and it really whiny, it does quieten down at higher speeds though, and the hand grips are a smooth hard plastic to not very grippy

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cant fault the running costs, zero tax and about 1p per mile, the outlay was abit more than an equivalent ICE bike but im not buying to replace those bikes, i wanted to experience E motorbikes

Equipment 4 out of 5

comes with good equipment, apart from the indicator switch, and nice to see now the fast chargers are standard

Buying experience: Was easy to purchase

3 out of 5 Good for a low cost electric, it's NOT a 125 so don't expect the same.
17 November 2021 by Biker Bob

Year: 2021

Given it 3/5 just as a comparison to a 125. I had higher expectations but all in all it is value for money. I've been riding bikes for 50 years from mopeds to 1300cc 6 pot so thought I'd try eclectic for a change.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I ride on a duel carriageway most of my trip to work where the range is limited to around 20 miles at a guess. I only do 12 miles each way and wouldn't want to do a return trip as I suspect it wouldn't make it on a single charge. Comfort over 12 miles is 'ok'. Seat is a bit thin and hard but on the short run it's fine.

Engine 5 out of 5

Very much the same as my 40 year old Honda H100. Had a race to compare the two and there was nothing in it, on both acceleration and top speed. Odd not having a clutch so pulling away form the line is a little sluggish but fine when you get used to the slight lag.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Only had it a couple of months. It feels cheap and a bit flimsy in places but then it is a 'value' bike so can't expect much more.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Not had any servicing so no clue on the price. It's electric and I charge it for free at work half the time. Seems odd not going to a petrol station every week.

Equipment 5 out of 5

I have the 5A and 10A chargers. The 5A can be stored on the bike but takes around 6 hours to charge from 50%. The 10A seems faster (not timed it) and has something of a noisy fan but does the job. Fitting a top box looks troublesome in the UK as you need to reposition the rear light and number plate.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. Price was around £4k on the road as advertised.

4 out of 5 First impression Super Soco TC Max Dec 2020
06 December 2020 by Shannon Goffin

Version: latest Dec 20

Year: 2020

I have read reviews from hear Online reviewers Videos, MCN and INSURANCE reviews. This version I have got as of yesterday 05 Dec 2020 Andy Simms MC is far and away out shone all reviews. The Fast charger 10Amps as standard is a big yes 2 hours from 56 - 100%. Speed mode 1 Eco 36MPH 60KPH Mode 2 48MPH 77KPH both easy wet and cold with ne brakes needed to give a lot of braking distance. Mode 3 reached 64MPH 103KPH but had to break early so may have got a bit more I'm 5'9" 78Kg. Better; new handle bars; great size for me. Apps and manual not in-date to my version a bit weak but ok. I had fitted a small top box 30ltr and carrier, phone holder I might be old but its today. Blue tooth fitted in headset voice control. My commute 12 mile Rtn., Like to cafe ride in warmer times and fun days. Bit worried about longer runs 40 miles +.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It is great to feel a 125 Bike that meets my expectations in acceleration and speed. In a 20MPH Mode 1 easy reading on 32KPH back to school I need to know KPH, move to 30MPH limit still in Mode 1 easy and keep up with traffic. Moving to 40MPH first mode 1 36 MPH 58 KPH, Mode 2 40 MPH 65 HPH easy keep up with traffic. National Speed Limit Mode 2 46MPH 75KPH Mode 3 64MPH 103KPH (Smile) got to 66 before having to slow this bike is great!. Breaks be assured especially newbies you need breaking distance especially in the wet. 60MPH breaking distance in wet needs to be longer than dry by a lot. Filtering good bike is narrow when at front pulls away like a bike.

Engine 5 out of 5

I give this 5 as it takes away great it reaches mode limits easy, Dec 2020 Version, cannot speak for earlier versions. 125 should not be considered a racer CBT riders take your test. On this bike you will be an experienced rider early don't get into bad habits so take your test early, you can go places from there. Mileage is short on this bike but I hope the future will change this from performance and policy.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

This Bike is in pristine condition whilst my early bikes didn't have ABS I've been spoilt over the years, new shinny break pads and a ride in wet maybe not the best test but plenty of break room allowed for sensible test ride. Liked the dual breaking on either break. All electrics good Transit charging cable in; easy to remove. Seat not best quality but comfortable and cushioned with helmet hook plastic. Dedicated charger stowage in Battery box now could be better USB housing (Only a wish I can fit one but the space where old Battery breaker was and cannot be used as the 10amp charger does not fit charger stowage would be good Idea to redesign. Don't get me wrong Super Soco did the right thing in removing the 5Amp charger.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Oil, moving parts, grease were rust is likely to manifest. Break oil, break shoe, Kevlar belt Tires and pressure. Keep battery in good condition. Look for ware, work with your service point it should be minimum cost.

Equipment 5 out of 5

10 Amp Charger sorry 2019 guys that you have shouted for this, well done Super Soco who listened. This may or may not quite meet the currier but its closer. This one step makes this more than a commuter. Charger storage now needs re-think USB you have a great speaker, it can do more. and really wow Alexa type of control maybe future.

Buying experience: 10% off Lockdown 20% off UK Eco. Contacted Super Soco put me in touch with dealer Andy Sills Southsea (Great). Asked for latest bike and top box with carrier. You need this or back pack if you want to charge off site.

3 out of 5 Good round town & commuter
05 June 2020 by Matthew Jones

Year: 2019

Excellent commuter and runabout. Good introduction to electric motorbikes, coming from big petrol bikes. At the time (Dec 2019) it was the most cost effective power/£ that wasn't a scooter.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Brakes are wooden and only just adequate. They are linked, and the "back" (back and one front piston) seems more effective than the front. I've tried to find after market pads but EBC only do a mirror image of the front pads. Very odd. It doesn't have regen braking which is a shame, and would help. Suspension is basic but works OK.

Engine 3 out of 5

Pulls well from stationary but tails off at speed, as you'd expect from electric. Can manage a hill start on 1:10 with 100kg on board. No regen. The brake light switches cut the motor power so you can't do a hill start without rolling back a bit. At speed the throttle control becomes very on/off so its hard to ride smoothly above 40 on part throttle. The battery is quite temperature sensitive.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Some corrosion already showing in nooks and crannies. Its made fairly solidly so this will only be cosmetic. Seat/battery cover lock feels flimsy - like the key will snap one day.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Running costs are trivial. Elecricity is pennies, and tyres are in the cheap learner bike range. Haven't serviced it yet, but since there's only brake pads & fluid, tyres and a drive belt, it should be a doddle to DIY. I stripped the front brake to make sure it was all working OK (see below). Battery has a 2 year warranty, so we'll see how well that lasts. Could be an expensive replacement if it wears out after that.

Equipment 3 out of 5

LED headlight is good. Seat is thin, and not really big enough for two full sized adults (although you probably wouldn't want to ride any distance 2-up!). OK for transporting a child. Indicator switch is small and fiddly, and doesn't have push to cancel. I put a top box on for practicality and to improve the short seat / cafe racer style that I don't like. Hefting the battery out to take it inside to charge might be hard for shorter or weaker people. Its quite a lump and you have to lift it clear of the highest part of the bike. It does have the option to plug the charger into the bike, but that's only any good if you can do it in a shed or garage. Mine is out the front so I can't leave the charger out all night. I chose the alloy wheels as I didn't fancy trying to keep cheap chrome spokes clean through British winter road salt. Storage compartment in the "tank" seems to be designed to take the charger, but can also take a good sized U-lock, which is handy.

Buying experience: Really knowledgeable & helpful dealer. Delivered the bike for free as I was beyond it's range to ride home. Insurance was a nightmare. None of the big companies listed this model, just the TC, and this is after it's been on the market nearly a year. In the end I had to take out an entirely new policy, with no NCB, with Lexhams. Come renewal time they're getting all my bikes on a mutlibike policy. Enough said.

3 out of 5 Great commuter, useless otherwise
25 October 2019 by DaveBerg

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £80

Great for what it's good at (city commuting) but nothing else. The low running costs and 0 tax make it a value proposition compared to other 125s even though it's slightly more to buy - but only if your use-case matches its capabilities.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

For short commutes it's fine but the seat is fairly hard which you feel over rougher areas. The brakes are effective, but lack ABS.

Engine 2 out of 5

The motor is a mixed bag. The instant response is lovely, and the acceleration from lights is fine despite the tiny HP rating (Similar to the KTM Duke 125 that my commuting partner rode as a learner bike despite a large power difference) However, the throttle control is not as smooth as it should be, with noticeable step changes in power output that can be annoying at some speeds where you're bouncing from one to the other. Acceleration falls off dramatically at speed, past 40mph it's pretty gutless and I've never got much faster than 50mph on the flat with my 100kg self on it. Again, for town commutes I don't find this problematic at all, but would not choose to ride it on a 60mph+ limit road, where a normal 125 is fine.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Had a few error codes and one loose connection that resulted in loss of power while riding that I fixed myself - still a scary moment.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Running costs are fantastic - I'm looking at 60 miles a week and that costs me less than 50p

Equipment 2 out of 5

Lacking ABS is a shame. The tyres seem passable. The alarm is very quiet so will not have much use. However, the immobiliser is nice - if you try to roll the bike away it locks the rear wheel using the motor. Granted, at 100kg it's pretty steal-able anyway but certainly a nice touch. Sadly while the bike comes with tracking in some markets, in the UK this does not seem to work.

Buying experience: Long delay to get the bike (I ordered right before the first units were due to arrive in the UK) but otherwise the delivery experience was fine and the bike cost just under 4k including fees as expected.

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