Team-BHP - Ather 450X electric scooter with improved performance. EDIT: Launched, prices start at ₹99,999

I am not sure if Ather pressurized the influencer to take down the posts, so not going to comment on that.

Based on my test ride experience and reading many posts on Ather official forums, Ather almost nailed the hardware part of the scooter but it's the software that leaves a lot to be desired. Sad thing is, even after more than 2 years since the sales started, most of the promised features are still not working. They even charge extra for many of the so-called "smart" features.

It is the best scooter that I ever rode, but I am holding my purchase until they resolve most of the software issues.

It's not unacceptable to receive a faulty TD vehicle.That said, errors are humane and these are machines which runs on nuts and bolts. All brands create lemon vehicles and that's how manufacturing environment works. I won't mind if Ather requests to take down those IG stories as brand perception matters a lot as audience will see only one side of story. But it does matter how Ather handles the situation.

If review is not cancelled, if Ather ain't bullying the reviewer and if manages to gives a new scooter for review, it's then sorted out.

Reminds me the similar issue happened with Tech Travel Eat Blog from Kerala. Blogger states they recieved a defective product to review. There blogger aired the video on YouTube which gave MG a huge blow in Kerala. MG did paid promotion through online channels to fix the damage instead of handling the situation wisely. Blogger unethically released a review of faulty testdrive product and how MG handled it made situation worst. (somany speculations and backstories about thess events though)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5252rpm (Post 4995144)

It's not unacceptable to receive a faulty TD vehicle.That said, errors are humane and these are machines which runs on nuts and bolts. All brands create lemon vehicles and that's how manufacturing environment works...

... Blogger unethically released a review of faulty testdrive product and how MG handled it made situation worst. (somany speculations and backstories about thess events though)

Sorry but how is it ok for brands to ask individuals to take down posts? These posts and reviews are not paid promotions and Brands have absolutely no right to ask/demand/request the OP to take down the posts. If anything, Ather and MG or any other OEM should handle it like professionals and put their own version of the story and close it. This would allow future buyers a look into both sides and more importantly, showcase the brand in a positive light for addressing and trying to resolve an issue.

We should encourage such posts and reviews because it helps the common man make an informed choice in the absence of strong consumer protection laws in India.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalash_6324 (Post 4994206)

3. Range anxiety is a serious concern. For a vehicle to be city friendly, it needs to have real world mileage of at least 180 kilometers (that's approximately what my Activa does on a full tank).
Lost 6% charge on a 2.5-3 kilometer test drive, with 3 hard launches in Warp Mode.
.

Range anxiety just disappears after you ride/drive any EV for few days. You know what the scooter is capable of doing and you are never going to drive/ride 180km in a city in a day. To achieve the said kilometer, you are asking for them triple the storage capacity, which add to the weight and cost, all for nothing.

A typical journey in a city does not exceed 60km. If it does you will find an ather FC nearby, I have been riding this scooter for more than a year (including the lockdown period) and never ever have I run out of juice and got stranded.

The firmware for the dashboard for the Ather 450x is flakey. Mine reset during a drive and I had trouble getting it to work properly again. They keep doing over the air updates, I hope they get their software right. The saving grace is that the scooter itself is fine.

My not-so-premium experience in chronological order.

1. Map froze and was useless during drive.
2. While battery was at 12% display decided to show motor as off while it was on and scooter was running.
3. Reboot of the dashboard by using both brakes and start button for ten seconds made it worse. It showed battery as 0% with motor off as before. (Note that scooter is working fine).
4. Charging it in this state didn't show dashboard charging status. Thankfully, the Ather Dot keep flashing showing normal charge.
5. The mobile app didn't show proper status as it was depending on the dashboard.
6. After charging for a couple of hours, I took it off charging. The problem persisted.
7. Then I proceeded to shutdown the scooter via the dashboard menu. Upon restarting the scooter, everything was back to normal and it showed the right charge instead of 0% and proper motor state, etc.

Raising a support ticket via mobile app didn't even get a call back. I hope that someone eventually reads it.

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Regarding range anxiety, that is a normal reaction for someone switching to EVs, but is a non issue once you get used to it as mentioned above. Ather also has fast charging stations for free that you can use. I have used it and enjoyed the convenience.

Test rode the 450X today. This was my first experience with an electric vehicle.
My first impressions with the vehicle are-
1. Its bloody quite!
2. I’ve been riding a Honda Activa 110 for the past 8 years now and after riding the Ather the Suspension and the Handling feels worlds apart!
3. In Warp mode the 450x is a different beast! The initial acceleration as expected from an electric is exceptional.
4. It looks sharp. I like the way they’ve done the side stand which is neatly integrated into the body.
5. The instrument console is too modern for its time. I ride the Interceptor and the Activa. I was happy when I saw a clock on the console (Interceptor owners can relate to this)
6. The infrastructure for electric in metros surely is on the rise, but still I suppose it would take a few more years for one to be able to live with it without the fear of running out of charge when the battery levels reach 20%
7. 1.7Lakh for a scooter? And Ather claims people would use it for 30k km in 3 years!
Come on Ather! That would mean you would have to charge the scooter everyday for 5 long hours!
On the whole I loved the 450X, even if it has a few flaws. I believe the future is bright for electric scooters!
On the contrary I still love the way an ICE runs and sounds. That just cannot be the same with the electric.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPR (Post 5034943)

Back from a test drive of Ather 450x in my town. The bike has all power ranging from that of Wego to Aprilia SR150 through various modes. I was all grin until I heard the price 1.69L. Initial cost is too high. Can anyone tell me how many years can I expect the scoot's battery to function?

The company gives 3yrs warranty and in the worst case it should last that long. But orally they say it should last around 5 years without huge degradation. After that, just like a phone battery, battery will degrade and the range will start to reduce.