Ather 450x, an e-scooter that is NOT boring
Ather 450x, which comes from the stables of Bengaluru-based Ather Energy, hits a high speed of 85kmph and has a claimed range of 85 kms on a single charge.
Hyderabad: Are you looking for a zippy scooter that does not pinch your pockets? Allow me to introduce you to a zippy yet cost efficient option.
Yes, I am talking about an e-scooter. But, don’t be too quick to judge. Gone are the days of slow moving, low range electric scooters. The Ather 450x is one such e-scooter which gives the 125-150 cc scooters a run for their money!
Ather 450x, which comes from the stables of Bengaluru-based Ather Energy, hits a high speed of 85kmph and has a claimed range of 85 kms on a single charge. After having seen the Chinese and Japanese-made e-scooters, which returned with ranges of 40-60 kms in one full charge at high speeds of 50 kmph, the numbers Ather 450x promises are simply amazing.
This e-scooter comes with an 8 horsepower motor coupled with a 2.9 kilowatt lithium ion battery which has a peak power of 6 kilowatts and makes a surprising 22 Nm of torque.
Features and Build quality:
“Futuristic” — is the word I would use if I were to describe the 450x’s features in a single word. The dash of the scooter accommodates a 7-inch colour, full touch screen console packed with features that never cease to amaze. Right from the basic speedo and odometers to integrated google maps, the Android-based console has everything one needs.
You can pair your bluetooth devices, answer calls, change songs, navigate, find the nearest grid for a quick charge, all on one screen. The waterproof console comes with an inbuilt SIM which provides internet connection on the go. The quality of the display is top notch and the options of toggling between dark and light modes, saving documents are cherries on the icing.
Coming to the build quality, everything on the Ather 450x feels premium and if you are someone who has used other e-scooters, you will be in awe to see the build quality of this scooter.
Performance and Ride Quality:
The bike offers four different modes – Eco, Ride, Sport and WARP.
The Eco mode gives a typical e-scooter feel which with not much torque, as pick up takes a beating to back more range. The Ride mode offers a good balance of pick and range for city riding. Sports mode, on the other hand, is where the fun begins! Switching to this mode will lower the range, but will leave behind the best of 125 cc scooters in terms of acceleration.
The braking is sharp and precise and the tyres offer a planted feel even on wet roads. The rear suspension set up is too stiff and the seat which is on the softer side, is a little too soft leaving me sore every now and then.
Charging, Pricing and Subscriptions:
The company sets up a fast charging unit at your home and provides a portable charger. A full charge takes about 3 hours 35 mins, while it takes a quick 10 mins for the fast charging, which gives a range of 15 kms.
With the new FAME II incentive being increased by the government, the Ather 450x sees a drop of Rs. 14,500 and is now priced at Rs.1,46,926 (ex-showroom in Hyderabad). The company also assures a buyback of Rs. 85,000 at the end of 3 years.
The interesting subscription plan allows users to “lease” the scooter at a downpayment and a monthly rent. The company also offers a return of the down payment (only) after 36 months, if you do not wish to continue with the subscription plan.
Pros:
- Cost efficient, subscription plans and buyback guarantees offer a variety
- Premium build quality and great styling
Cons:
- Leaves you searching for torque in Eco mode, which is the most efficient
- Extremely spongy seats and stiff suspension make the ride a little uncomfortable
- There are limited number of Ather Grids (charging points)
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