Ather 450X: Pros, Cons & Should You Buy?

We list the highs and lows of Ather’s latest electric scooter

Ather revolutionised the electric space in the country with the 450 electric scooter in 2018. The Bengaluru-based startup has been at the cutting edge of technology, disproving all of the negative perception that surrounded electric two-wheelers in India. Ather stepped it up a notch this year with the 450X, which might look very similar to the base 450 but under the skin, is lighter and packs more performance. We recently took a short spin on the 450X. So what are the highlights and the not so good bits about the new scooter?

PROS

Warp mode literally warps our notion that EVs are slow

The max power rating of the 450X’s motor has now been bumped up to 6kW, 0.6kW more than the old 450. Even the peak torque output of 26Nm is 5.5Nm more on the 450X. And with new and improved throttle maps, the 450X literally breezes past the old 450 in no time. In fact, according to the numbers provided by Ather, the 450X can go from naught to sixty in 6.5 seconds. That is 1.7 seconds quicker than the 450 and crucially, a whole second quicker than the TVS NTorq 125.

Extremely agile handling

From the first-gen Ather 450 that we rode in 2018 to the current-spec 450X, Ather has managed to drop the kerb weight down by 11 kilos. Majority of it has been thanks to major revisions in the dashboard area and optimisation of the electronics packaging. Coupled with a perfect 50-50 weight distribution, the Ather 450X doesn’t get out of shape in the corners. The front suspension is on the firmer side, aiding its cornering prowess.

Decent range for everyday commutes

Ather claims that the 450X is good to go for 85km in Eco mode and a not too inconsiderate 70km even in Ride mode. This is an increase of 10km and 5km in the respective modes. The improved figures do reduce range anxieties to a certain extent, enough to do your daily running efficiently.

CONS

Limited availability

Even though Ather plans to sell this scooter in more cities than the 450, the startup will struggle to be present in smaller towns of the country. The limited availability does become an even bigger issue with established players like Bajaj and TVS stepping into the electric space with the Chetak and the iQube Electric. 

Rear disc brake frequently locks up wheel under hard braking.

Braking has been an issue with the Ather scooters. No, they aren’t poor brakers. It is just that the brake bite is just too ferocious for the low rolling resistance tyres to handle. This becomes a more pressing matter (no puns intended) when you go hard on the rear brake lever, locking up the rear wheel, causing nervy moments. CBS is present but we would have liked Ather to offer ABS to help the scooter remain stable in panic braking situations.

Switchgear quality could’ve been better

The switches do seem a bit out of place on such a futuristic scooter, especially when you compare them to the ones found on the Bajaj Chetak. The Chetak’s piano black finish heightens its premiumness quotient and makes the ones on the 450X look cheap.

Should You Buy It? Yes

The Ather 450X does everything that the 450 did but better. It is lighter, quicker and offers more range. The prices might be on the steep side but Ather has also introduced a subscription based model for the scooter, to make the ownership experience a hasslefree affair. Get to know all its details here.