[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41829367764/[/flickr]
The scooter has an upright and a very comfortable riding posture
Riding Dynamics – Riding the Ather 450 feels like riding any other scooter but this one is considerably more agile. It gets a telescopic suspension at the front and a 203 mm monoshock unit at the rear. There is literally no hanging mass which results in a better centre of gravity. The 12-inch alloys come wrapped in MRF tyres which do their job quite well. Stability around corners is also phenomenal. Tipping the scales at 118 kgs, the scooter feels slightly on the heavier side but is not at all uncomfortable as the weight is nowhere to be felt once you get going. Pillion comfort is acceptable but the pillion needs to hold on to the grab-rail as the pull from the motor is surprisingly quick. Without the pillion, the rear suspension gets a little bouncy.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41829368284/[/flickr]
ECO mode on the Ather 450 makes the power delivery a lot more linear
Rides like a motorcycle, yet has the comfort of a scooter
The 450’s weight distribution is very different from any other scooter. It is 51% front and 49% rear and hence, both the front & rear suspension are stiffly sprung. This tune also helps in better braking. The Ather 450 gets 200 mm petal disc at the front and a 190 mm petal disc at the rear. It is the only scooter in India to get disc brakes both at the front as well as the rear. It also gets CBS as standard. The rear brakes are very sharp while the front one has decent feel and feedback.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41829367044/[/flickr]
This monoshock unit at the rear is the smallest I’ve ever seen
Verdict – The Ather 450 is the first performance-based all-new electric scooter made in India. Ather Energy has set up a grid all over Bangalore to make charging on the go as easy as possible. Moreover, Ather Energy is going to take care of all the spares and service cost under a subscription plan. With the purchase, they will also set up a point at the owners home and also reimburse the amount of charging spent on the scooter through a payment wallet. As of now, the Ather 450 and the grid is only limited to Bangalore although Ather Energy plans to expand in 30 cities by 2022. With the rising fuel prices, I suppose it’s time we make way for electric vehicles.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/42556992291/[/flickr]
Available only in white shade, the e-scooter does look attractive
What’s Cool
* Complete electric scooter, low/no cost of refueling
* Intelligent 7-inch touchscreen dashboard has integrated maps and a lot of features
* Practical and efficient design, can store a full-face helmet in the under-seat storage
What’s Not So Cool
* Only limited to the city of Bangalore
* Although CBS comes as standard, the rear brake is too sharp
* Premium pricing makes the Ather 450 feel very costly against the petrol-powered competition
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/27686697417/[/flickr]
The charging pod for the electric scooter called the point is very convenient to use
Ather 450 Specifications
* Engine: 5.4 kW, Brushless DC Motor
* Power: 7.2 BHP
* Torque: 20.5 Nm
* Transmission: Belt Drive
* Fuel Type: Electric, Lithium-ion Battery
* Frame: Lightweight Aluminium Frame
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), 203 mm Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 90/90/12 (Front), 90/90/12 (Rear) MRF
* Brakes: 200 mm Disc (Front), 190 mm Disc (Rear), CBS
* Battery Range: 60 km (Normal), 75 km (ECO), 107 km (ARAI)
* Battery Capacity: 2.4 kWh, 19 kgs, IP67-rated
Ather 450 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1800 mm x 700 mm x 1250 mm
* Wheelbase: 1278 mm
* Seat Height: 765 mm
* Ground Clearance: 160 mm
* Kerb Weight: 118 kgs
* Water Wading Limit: 300 mm
[wp-review id=”214667″]
