Ather 450S Expert Review
- Electric
- Scooter
- 2 Seater
What's good
-
Nimble, agile and easy to ride
-
True range of 110 to 120 km
-
Build quality is good
-
You get access to Ather Grid
-
Disc brakes at front and rear
-
Top speed of 90 kmph
What's not so good
-
Misses out on the touchscreen console
-
Turn-by-turn navigation only
-
Storage space is limited
-
Suspension is tuned for a stiffer ride, which complements its handling but sacrifices comfort
The Ather 450S is an excellent choice for riders seeking an affordable yet high-quality electric scooter. It stands out with a powerful 5.4 kW motor and a certified range of up to 161 km, ensuring both performance and efficiency. Magic Twist regenerative braking, Park Assist, AutoHold, and enhanced safety features set it apart from other rivals in the market.
What's good
-
Nimble, agile and easy to ride
-
True range of 110 to 120 km
-
Build quality is good
-
You get access to Ather Grid
-
Disc brakes at front and rear
-
Top speed of 90 kmph
What's not so good
-
Misses out on the touchscreen console
-
Turn-by-turn navigation only
-
Storage space is limited
-
Suspension is tuned for a stiffer ride, which complements its handling but sacrifices comfort
The Ather 450S is an excellent choice for riders seeking an affordable yet high-quality electric scooter. It stands out with a powerful 5.4 kW motor and a certified range of up to 161 km, ensuring both performance and efficiency. Magic Twist regenerative braking, Park Assist, AutoHold, and enhanced safety features set it apart from other rivals in the market.
Ather 450S Expert Review
SEV Score
Prashanth Jagadeesh
Tested and reviewed by SEV Experts on 8 parameters
SEV Score
Prashanth Jagadeesh
Tested and reviewed by SEV Experts on 8 parameters
Expert Verdict
The Ather 450S redefines the entry-level urban electric scooter segment, featuring sharp design language, performance, and high-speed efficiency. The Ather 450S comes paired with a 3.5 kWh capacity battery, the maximum offered, with an aluminium casing making it lightweight. Supported by an auto-hold system, park assist, and vehicle fall safe, the 450S also prioritises rider safety.
Ather 450S Design
Exterior:
The Ather 450S carries forward the aggressive design attributes that stick with the company’s signature styling methods to enhance the sporty appeal. With sharp geometric architecture, optimised for aerodynamic efficiency, and a minimalistic appeal, the 450S has a unique design – something that is not featured in entry-level electric scooters in India.
For a precise description, the Ather 450S’s front apron is equipped with a V-shaped, sharp LED lighting system surrounded by aggressive and well-contoured panelling architecture. Continuing the aggressive nature is the lower panelling with a muscular silhouette, an exposed sub-frame element under the seating section, and a flat floorboard with texture enhancing the premium feel.
The seating setup also needs a shout-out; it is a single-piece arrangement that is well-bolstered, supporting the muscular silhouette of the vehicle. However, the foam density could be improved. Coming towards the sides, there is layered architecture, supported by black composite panelling. The rear footpegs are also seamlessly integrated with the anchored floorboard panelling to give a sleeker appeal. The rear section is no less aggressive; it comes with a sleek but muscular appeal:
The rear portion gets an LED lighting setup with clean horizontal placement, giving a sleek proportion, completing the overall signature styling of the 450S. Near this placement is the Ather badging to make no mistake; it represents the vehicle’s aggressive nature and resonates with the brand’s premium appeal. The rear single mudguard is also a placement for the registration plate, which is not effective in preventing spray when riding in wet conditions – it could be improved.
In fact, customers often point out that the spray from riding in wet environments, during monsoon, is caused by the cropped rear mudguard on the tail, making the rear lighting cluster and pillion’s back dirty. Apart from this, the placement of the headlight can be improved since it is apron-mounted; it has a throw that points straight until the vehicle turns in: a handlebar-mounted setup can make it much better.
All said, the design nature of the Ather 450S is still by far one of the best in the entry-level electric scooter segment. The vehicle also comes with multiple colour options to stay true to this aspect:
Colours:
The Ather 450S comes in multiple colour schemes to resonate as a sporty urban electric scooter: it is offered in either a monochromatic or matte colour palette based on customer requirements. The Ather 450S comes in monotone colours such as Cosmic Black and True Red. Meanwhile, matte colour options of the 450S include Hyper Sand and Stealth Blue.
Build Quality:
Ather Energy continues to remain true to its representation as a scooter manufacturer that offers superior build quality in comparison to its contenders. The Ather 450S is not excluded from this characterisation; this electric scooter comes with decent panel fitment and finish. The plastic panel fitments are uniform across all units. Structurally, the Ather 450S is also strong, making it durable.
Ather 450S Features
The Ather 450S comes with an adequate list of feature integrations to remain relevant and effective; it comes with performance features such as SmartEco, Eco, Ride, and Sport, riding modes to suit varied operating requirements, meeting efficiency and needed accelerative output. For practicality, the 450S gets a 17.7 cm proprietary Deep View display unit; this cockpit integration comes with over-the-air software updates to stay relevant and effective over time.
Additionally, with the AtherStack Pro package, the Ather 450S comes with additional feature integrations: call and music control functions, dashboard auto-brightness control, the guide-me-home lighting system, and a true range display (on the dashboard). Also, the cluster comes with physical handlebar switchgear to go through subsections of the cluster system to make adjustments. However, the cluster functions with 1 GB of RAM, meaning slow interaction:
While the dashboard LCD system is definitely better than most entry-level electric scooters, the system could have been made better with a faster user interface. Also, the lack of an interactive touch system means going through subsections can become difficult when riding – riders will have to pull over to safely go through sub-menus. But the plus side to this physical switchgear is that riders can operate the cluster without removing gloves, unlike the touchscreen interface.
Apart from these minor drawbacks, the systems of the Ather 450S are effective and much needed in an entry-level electric urban sports scooter. Nonetheless, the feature elements of the Ather 450S is considered better than those of most entry-level electric scooters in India.
Ather 450S Performance & Range
For urban operating efficiency, the Ather 450S is equipped with a high-performance electric powertrain that is also designed for maximum accelerative performance; the 450S features an advanced permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) paired with either a 2.9 kWh or 3.5 kWh battery (installed capacities) based on customer requirements. With this configuration, the 450S can reach 0-40 kmph in just 3.9 seconds. Power and torque figures are provided below:
The Ather 450S and its powertrain can churn out 5.4 kW of power and 22 Nm of torque output. Thanks to these capacities, this electric scooter can reach a top speed of 90 kmph seamlessly. The powertrain is also configured to reduce unnecessary wheelspin and loss of traction. However, under aggressive acceleration, there is a momentary loss of traction and wheelspin; this is also a factor that is affected by the surface conditions – this character fades away on dry tarmac.
As for range efficiency, the Ather 450S is designed to offer a true riding range of 105 km and 130 km with a fully charged battery with the 2.9 kWh and 3.5 kWh installed battery capacities, respectively. While on the subject of efficiency, the 450S from Ather Energy is also supported by a regenerative braking system – this ensures smooth braking under downhill coasting and efficiency peaks in stop-and-go traffic conditions. However, slowing down the vehicle to a full stop still requires brake levers; this is because the Ather 450S does not come with Magic Twist (negative-throttle regen).
Also, the regenerative braking system is temporarily disabled by the battery management system to prevent overcharging and thermal stress; this can cause inconsistencies in function when riding. That said, this regen system is designed to reduce stress on the braking setup, minimising brake wear to a large extent, meaning fewer visits to the service centre for brake pad replacement.
Ather 450S Ride & Handling
The Ather 450S is designed to remain planted under high-speed riding while offering agility. For this characterisation, the 450S is equipped with a slightly stiffer front suspension, tuned to enhance high-speed cornering stability. While it does handle undulations and smooth tarmac seamlessly, sharper road imperfections can cause the ride to be stiffer or a bit harsh. This causes stiffer feedback through the handlebar. Additionally, the battery pack placement comes in handy for stability. The centrally mounted battery pack beneath the floorboard offers a low centre of gravity.
For cornering confidence, the Ather 450S also comes equipped with a triple-piston calliper disc.
and a single-piston calliper disc in the front and rear, respectively. These offer good bite, meaning the braking feedback is aggressive, assisting with tackling high-speed corners seamlessly. All in all, in the ride and handling department, the Ather 450S offers a much more sporty and aggressive performance rather than a relaxed, ride-comfort-focused setup — although it is still decent.
Ather 450S Safety
The Ather 450S comes with top-notch safety elements to protect the scooter and rider. For the same purpose, the 450S from Ather Energy is equipped with alert systems, including theft and tow-away notification systems, and a ‘Find My Scooter’ functionality-based alert system. The 450S even comes with a ‘Fall Safe’ system, which uses sensors (an inertial measurement unit) that detect vehicle drops or falls and cuts off motor power momentarily to prevent accidental runaway.
Apart from these, the Ather 450S comes with a hill-hold assist system; this system prevents the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines from a standstill to get going seamlessly. Under panic braking, the 450S from Ather Energy gets an ESS system – an emergency stop signal; it warns the vehicles behind the scooter using indicators when the vehicle detects heavy braking. This prevents rear-end collisions to a large extent.
But there are a few areas that can be made better – the Ather 450S does not feature an anti-lock braking system (ABS), meaning wheel lockups happen when trying to brake heavily from speeds of 50-60 kmph. While the combined braking system is effective, an ABS channel to the front section can make braking performance a bit better. That said, the Ather 450S is still a highly safe scooter.
Ather 450S Space & Comfort
The Ather 450S comes with a decent seating arrangement, although the seat foam density could have been better. While the floorboard is definitely flat, the higher placement of the floor panel for underbody clearance means that taller riders can often find their knee in contact with the handlebar when turning. The riding posture is also aggressive and upright, meaning long-distance trips are not ideal. The utility spaces are minimal, which translates to a lack of sufficient space to carry large luggage. Also, the front apron lacks cubby pockets, a bottle holder, and a storage hook.
Ather 450S Charging & Warranty
The Ather Energy 450S comes with a charging convenience feature; it can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent state of charge (SOC) in just 5 hours 10 minutes (with the 2.9 kWh battery trim) and 3 hours and 25 minutes (with the 3.5 kWh battery trim). Meanwhile, 0-100 percent SOC can be achieved in just 6 hours 30 minutes (with the 2.9 kWh battery) and 4 hours 30 minutes (with the 3.5 kWh battery). Both these variants have AtherGrid access for a seamless charging experience (AtherGrid can charge the battery to get up to 15 km of range in just 10 minutes).
As for the warranty standard, Ather Energy has set the bar high: the 450S is offered with a charger warranty of 3 years (standard), and a battery and vehicle warranty of 3 years/30,000 km (standard). The battery warranty can be extended up to 10 years/100,000 km with a premium. That said, with the AtherStack upgrade, the 450S is backed by a 5-year/60,000 km warranty.
Ather 450S Service & Network
Ather 450S is backed by a solid service network across the country with an adequate number of service facilities established in major tier-1 and tier-2 urban locations. The company is also rapidly expanding its 3S (sales, service, and spare parts) network across smaller cities in India. While on the subject of being an electric scooter with fewer mechanical parts, service requirements are also minimal. Ather Energy is also offering doorstep express service for quicker service resolutions.
Who should buy this?
The Ather 450S is for customers who need an agile or nimble solution to navigate through urban traffic congestion seamlessly. The 450S from Ather Energy is for customers who prefer top-class chassis dynamics, superior handling attributes, and adequate safety features. The 450S is also for customers who require better braking, featuring disc brakes in the front and rear. With convenience equipment such as a 17.7 cm proprietary Deep View display supported by AtherStack upgrades, the 450S is the electric scooter you need to enhance your daily commutes seamlessly.
What's good
-
Nimble, agile and easy to ride
-
True range of 110 to 120 km
-
Build quality is good
-
You get access to Ather Grid
-
Disc brakes at front and rear
-
Top speed of 90 kmph
What's not so good
-
Misses out on the touchscreen console
-
Turn-by-turn navigation only
-
Storage space is limited
-
Suspension is tuned for a stiffer ride, which complements its handling but sacrifices comfort
Ather 450S Price
What's good
-
Nimble, agile and easy to ride
-
True range of 110 to 120 km
-
Build quality is good
-
You get access to Ather Grid
-
Disc brakes at front and rear
-
Top speed of 90 kmph
What's not so good
-
Misses out on the touchscreen console
-
Turn-by-turn navigation only
-
Storage space is limited
-
Suspension is tuned for a stiffer ride, which complements its handling but sacrifices comfort
153Km/c
73Kmph
3.5Hrs
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