EVERYDAY ELECTRIC FT.ATHER 450X

When I think of EVs, it’s not the Porsche Taycan or the Harley-Davidson LiveWire that comes to mind. It’s the humble electric scooter, the unsung hero of daily commutes.

- WORDS DRUMIL MODI PHOTOGRAPHY SIDDHARTH DADHE

For the past two months, the Ather 450X has been my constant companion across Mumbai's chaotic streets. In that time, I’ve clocked over 1300 kilometres on it, dodging traffic, hopping between charging stations, and getting intimately familiar with life on two silent wheels. But what is it really like to live with an electric scooter, especially without a charging station at home? Here’s the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Our Daily Ride

The Ather 450X is a fine weapon for the urban jungle. Compact, comfortable, sharp in design, and super agile. It slices through traffic like a hot knife through butter. With a solid, unmistakably “Ather” silhouette, it turns heads without trying too hard.

Under the hood (or seat, rather), the 3.7 kWh battery powers an electric motor that churns out 8.5 bhp and an impressive 26 Nm of torque. And yes, you can feel every bit of that torque—it’s addictive. Charging from 0 to 80 per cent at home takes about 4.5 hours, and a full charge requires roughly 6 hours. In short: plug it in overnight and you're good to go.

Fast charging through the Ather Grid takes the battery from 0 to 80 per cent in around 90 minutes. Importantly, it automatically halts past 80 per cent to preserve battery health—a thoughtful touch.

Features You'll Actually Use

Ather has thrown everything at the 450X. It boasts an impressive spec sheet and packs a plethora of useful features. The “Magic Twist” stands out: reverse-twist the throttle and you engage regen braking, which allows you to slow down without touching brakes at all, and it is fluid and intuitive. Other highlights include Google Maps integration, an Auto Hold feature, and a straightforward, user-friendly interface.