naoto fukasawa & MUJI design minimalistic gogoro e-scooters for eco-urban commuting

MUJI, Naoto Fukasawa & Gogoro collaborate on new e-scooters

Gogoro, a company specializing in battery-swapping ecosystems for urban mobility, has announced a partnership with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa and MUJI, a Tokyo-based consumer goods brand. The collaboration has led to the launch of Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME scooters, accompanied by a selection of merchandise and accessories.

Characterized by simplified designs, both models make use of recycled polypropylene body components. Designed by Fukasawa, the e-scooters incorporate the timeless MUJI’s design elements, featuring an earthy color palette, and philosophy to create an urban mobility experience that is straightforward and comfortable. Colors for the vehicles and accessories reflect the brand’s minimalist style. A welcoming beige palette draws inspiration from the vibrant hues of nature, while a cozy grey palette pays homage to the charm of the urban landscapes.

all images by Gogoro

Simplicity and Sustainability in smart-scooters Design

The design embraces the philosophy of ‘Just Enough’, welcoming simplicity by returning to basics, and integrating sustainability into the user’s everyday routine. ‘The most important thing in design is that it must always uphold the spirit of integrity towards people, the environment and life,’ explains Naoto Fukasawa. ‘Both Gogoro and MUJI are quite popular brands, and it is very natural for them to cooperate in this way. It’s not just one plus one equals two. Instead, let one plus one see a greater value.’

In 2019, Gogoro introduced the use of recyclable polypropylene plastics for vehicle body panels, starting with the Gogoro 3 Smartscooter. This approach was extended to the entire range of Gogoro Viva Smartscooters, including models like Gogoro VIVA, Gogoro VIVA MIX, and Gogoro VIVA XL. This manufacturing innovation eventually paved the way for Gogoro’s collaboration with MUJI.

the palette includes warm beige inspired by natural colors

‘This collaboration between Gogoro, MUJI and Naoto Fukasawa establishes a strong unified voice in promoting sustainable lifestyles in Taiwan and across the region, not just for transportation but across all aspects of life. Our joint ‘Recycling for Good’ initiative promotes the reduction of urban pollution through encouraging the public to recycle plastics at Gogoro and MUJI stores and their reuse in our new Smartscooters,’ says Horace Luke, founder and CEO of Gogoro.

Gogoro and MUJI both prioritize sustainability and hold a common belief in environmental responsibility. In alignment with this year’s World Environment Day theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, the two companies collaborated to introduce the ‘Recycling for Good’ initiative in Taiwan. This program aims to engage individuals in Taiwan by encouraging them to recycle polypropylene (PP) plastic waste at Gogoro and MUJI stores, empowering them to contribute to a more sustainable future through small yet meaningful actions. Through the Recycling for Good effort, recovered polypropylene items are carefully processed and transformed through several steps, including screening, cutting, granulating, reshaping, and rejuvenation. These recycled materials are then used to create the body panels of the new Gogoro Smartscooters.

the colors of the vehicles reflect the brand’s minimalist style