Ather 450X Third Generation: First Ride Review

The Visuals

This is one department where the Ather 450X third-generation packs the least amount of updates. The styling remains unaltered and you would find a very familiar-looking electric scooter that uses an apron-mounted headlight, sleek LED DRL, high-mounted turn indicators that sit next to the DRLs, an exposed frame under the seat, a single-piece pillion grabrail, and an LED taillight. In fact, the colour palette remains unchanged too, and the third generation of this electric scooter continues to use three paint themes – Space Grey, White, and Mint Green – all retained from the second-generation model.

While the styling remains unchanged, Ather Energy has made a few tweaks to improve the ownership experience. The mirrors, for example, feature an updated design now and the revised setup is claimed to show a better view, with improved reliability and lighter weight. Another addition to the third-generation Ather 450X is a side-step for the pillion rider. This additional component is designed for pillion riders who prefer to sit with both legs on one side of the scooter. Do note that this sidestep is not compatible with the previous Ather scooters.

Meanwhile, the paint quality and the fit and finish are commendable, but there are a few parts that need improvement. The charging cover, for example, looks flimsy and it could’ve used a firmer mount. That said, the switchgear works well, and the buttons are easy to reach. But the quality of the turn-indicator switch and the mode-toggle button could have been better as these units lack the assuring click that one would expect from an otherwise well-put-together electric scooter.

All-in-all, the third-generation Ather 450X is an improved package that takes the best from the second-generation model and adds more convenience.

The Package

The biggest upgrade on the third-generation Ather 450X is the battery pack. To address the range anxiety, and to keep up with the competition, Ather Energy has added a larger battery pack to the third-generation 450X. This unit promises better range and improved thermals. How much? The Indian Driving Conditions (IDC)-certified range stands at 146km against 116km previously. Meanwhile, the True Range, which is a result of real-life testing conditions by Ather Energy, has increased by 20km, rising to 105km from the previous 85km per charge. Do note that these figures are achieved in the Eco mode. The thermal improvements, on the other hand, will allow the scooter to remain at higher speeds for a longer duration.

Then there are upgrades to improve the user interface. The instrument cluster continues to pack the seven-inch colour display with touchscreen function. However, Ather Energy has increased its Random Access Memory (RAM) to 2GB from 1GB on the previous model. In the long run, Ather promises more features, such as voice command and offline maps, but that’s much into the future. As of now, the additional RAM delivers smoother operation of the instrument cluster. Other features retained on the third-generation model include full-LED lighting, combined braking system, under-seat storage with LED boot light, and 12-inch alloy wheels.

More additions come in the form of optional accessories. These include luggage solutions that comprise a tail bag mounted on the seat via a belt. The setup doesn’t look very well mounted, but we would hold our thoughts until we test it in real-life conditions. Another luggage option is the pouch that sits near the footboard of the electric scooter. This can be used for quick storage and to hold a bottle, mobile phone, etc.

The Ride

The new Ather 450X continues to pack four ride modes – Smart Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp. The Smart Eco mode uses an algorithm that allows the rider to use the speed of the Ride mode. However, too enthusiastic throttle inputs lower the top speed in this mode in order to deliver a higher range. Plus, the instrument cluster has an indicator that changes colour with aggressive throttle inputs. Then, with the updated battery pack, as we mentioned earlier, this scooter can deliver a True Range of 105km per charge in the Smart Eco mode.

Now, the third-generation Ather 450X uses a wider section rear tyre than its predecessor. The new model gets a 100/90-section rear tyre instead of a 90/90-section unit on the older scooters. The wider tyre increases the contact patch on the surface and improves grip levels. Moreover, the sporty suspension tuning enhances the handling department further, and the Ather 450X is fun around corners. Not to mention, Ather Energy has retuned the suspension to accommodate the additional weight of the battery pack, and the setup is still on the firmer side.

Everything else is predictable as it is exactly the same as the second-generation model. Thus, the rider-seat design isn’t the best out there and you tend to slip forward while riding the scooter. This, along with the tall floorboard, doesn’t make it a great option for taller people. On the upside though, the brakes work well while the throttle calibration is on point. So, should you buy it?

Should you buy it?

The third-generation model is a step up over the previous model, but not a massive one. The additional range and RAM make it more user-friendly than any older Ather 450 scooters. Helping its cause further are additional bits, such as sidestep, optional luggage accessories, and a wider rear tyre, that improve the utility value. Sure, you can use the wider rear tyre and the luggage bags on the older models but sidestep isn’t compatible with them.

Thus, if you’re an existing owner of the second-generation model, the third-generation may not make a sensible upgrade. For everyone else, it is indeed a commendable package that deserves to be in your top choices when looking for a new electric scooter. It packs promising performance, good hardware, and a well-tuned throttle, all of which make it instantly desirable. Lest we forget, the Ather 450X has some serious competition incoming in the form of the Simple One.

Photography by Kapil Angane