Blueshark R1 Review: City Commuting, But Make It Greener

Blueshark R1, a practical and tech-packed electric scooter that proves urban commuting can be smooth, efficient, and surprisingly fun.

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With the growing popularity of electric vehicles from a number of manufacturers, motorcycles are no exception. Many new and even existing brands are now dipping their toes into the EV bike market. Motorcycles have always been a cheaper and smarter way to get around, but with rising fuel prices, more consumers are starting to consider switching to a greener and more efficient alternative. Today, there are already several EV bike models available on the market.

One model that has been around for quite some time is the Blueshark R1. Back in March 2023, Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sharkgulf Technologies Group, officially unveiled its Blueshark R Series. This lineup consists of two models: the R1 and the R1 Lite.

During the launch, Blueshark revealed that they had conducted a pilot test with 50 e-hailing riders. The goal was to test both the capability of the EV bike on Malaysian roads and the effectiveness of the Blueshark Bluestation network located at selected Petronas stations. This initiative was meant to demonstrate the practicality of Blueshark’s first-to-last mile electrified platform, showing their commitment to making electric motorcycles as usable as conventional bikes.

I had the opportunity to test out the R1 and experience what it’s like to ride one. It feels like riding a normal motorcycle, but at the same time, it doesn’t. As it was my first time riding an electric bike, it initially felt a bit strange. You’re moving, but there’s almost no sound. However, once you adapt to the riding style, it starts to feel natural, like riding a regular bike, minus the engine noise.

Power System and Performance

The power that this motorcycle delivers is more than enough to get you moving from a standstill. It is powered by a 5kW high-speed permanent magnet motor, capable of producing a claimed peak torque of 201Nm. With a 0–50 km/h time of 4.9 seconds, the R1 has a clear advantage when taking off from traffic lights.

That said, the advantage fades slightly once you approach its top speed of around 80 km/h. However, top speed isn’t the main focus here. This is an electric motorcycle designed for city commuting, and in that context, the performance is more than adequate for navigating through daily traffic.

The speed limitation also helps preserve battery life from its dual swappable LFP batteries. Speaking of which, charging is fairly convenient. A full charge takes around 3.5 hours. If charging isn’t ideal for you, battery swapping is also available through Bluestation locations, making it a practical alternative.

Range is another area where the R1 performs well. It has a claimed range of up to 110 km on a single charge, although this will vary depending on riding style and mode selection. The bike comes with four riding modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Turbo, allowing riders to adjust performance based on their needs. Naturally, higher performance modes will consume more battery, so managing your usage is key to maximizing range.

Design and Features

To be honest, the design may not appeal to everyone, but it’s far from unattractive. The bike features a smooth and flowing design that gives it a sleek and somewhat aerodynamic look.

The R1 comes in eight different colour options, and the unit I tested was finished in Emerald Green. Its compact size gives it a slightly cute appearance, but the darker tone, paired with a Coconut Brown seat, adds a touch of elegance and makes it feel more premium.

In terms of features, the R1 is packed with technology. It comes with a 10-inch IPS HD display powered by ArkRide OS, offering Bluetooth, 4G connectivity, GPS navigation, and even an onboard video recorder. This can be especially useful for recording incidents while riding.

One of the more unique features is the artificial sound system. When you twist the throttle, the bike produces a sound that mimics a traditional motorcycle. It may sound like something out of a video game, but it does add a fun and slightly immersive element to the riding experience.

For safety, the bike includes a rear camera that activates when you signal, displaying a live feed to help monitor blind spots. Instead of ABS, the R1 uses a Combined Braking System (CBS), which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels for more balanced stopping.

Riding Experience

At first glance, the bike may look compact, but once you get on it, it feels like a completely different machine. It doesn’t come across as small or entry-level. Instead, it feels solid, well-built, and surprisingly premium. This gives you a sense of confidence right from the start. At the same time, it remains light enough to handle easily in tight spaces and slow-moving traffic.

The power delivery is one of its strongest points. As expected from an EV, torque is delivered instantly, making the bike feel quick and responsive in urban environments. Acceleration is smooth yet punchy, allowing you to move off effortlessly and keep up with traffic without hesitation.

Handling is equally impressive. The bike feels stable and composed when taking corners, maintaining its line without feeling overly light or nervous. The steering has a slightly weighted feel, which actually improves control and makes the bike feel more planted. This balance between agility and stability makes it very approachable, even for less experienced riders.

That said, there is a learning curve. Transitioning from a petrol bike to an EV can feel slightly awkward at first, mainly due to the silence and the lack of gear shifts. However, this feeling fades quickly as you get used to the bike. The artificial sound feature also helps make the transition feel more familiar.

Overall, the riding experience is smooth, modern, and easy to adapt to. It offers a good balance of comfort, performance, and usability, making it a strong option for city commuting.

Verdict

To sum it up, the Blueshark R1 is a strong contender in the EV motorcycle segment. The level of technology it offers, combined with the riding experience, makes it a convincing option for riders considering the switch from petrol to electric.

Starting from RM9,390, it presents solid value for money. You’re getting a well-built motorcycle packed with features, which makes it quite a compelling deal.

For Malaysian riders who are still hesitant about EV bikes, whether it’s build quality or lack of features, the R1 addresses many of those concerns. It offers a satisfying riding experience while also catering to tech-savvy users who want more from their bike.

After spending time with it, the R1 feels like a model that could play a big role in shaping the EV bike scene. While some may still see EV bikes as slow or boring, I beg to differ. It’s fun, practical, and shows just how far motorcycle technology has come.

Sure, the top speed may not excite everyone, but this isn’t a bike meant for the track or high-speed highway runs. For what it’s designed to do, it performs very well. Even as someone who enjoys conventional petrol bikes, this experience makes the future of electric mobility look a lot more promising.

Blueshark R1 Specifications

Power & System

• Motor: 5kW High-Speed Permanent Magnet Motor
• Battery: Dual Swappable LFP Batteries
• Peak Torque: 201 Nm
• Range: 110 km
• Speed: 0-50 km/h in 4.9 seconds, 80+ km/h top speed
• Charging: 3.5 Hours for full charge

Chassis & Brakes

• Frame: Lightweight sportbike-inspired frame
• Brakes: Front and Rear Disc Brakes with Combined Braking System (CBS)
• Tires: 100/90-12 (front), 120/70-12 (rear)

Dimensions & Electronics

• Weight: 115kg (with batteries)
• Load Capacity: 200kg
• Electronics: 10” IPS HD Screen with ArkRide OS, GPS On-Board Video Recorder, ADAS, Passive Keyless Entry, Riding Modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Turbo)