Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining momentum in India, but finding the perfect family-friendly EV scooter has been a challenge. Ather Energy, a pioneer in the Indian EV market, has answered the call with its latest offering, the Ather Rizta.
Designed with practicality, comfort, and innovation in mind, the Rizta is positioned as a versatile electric scooter aimed at catering to every member of the family.
This article explores the features, design, performance, and challenges of the Ather Rizta while evaluating whether it lives up to the expectations of being the go-to family scooter.
Striking Design and Build
The Ather Rizta boasts a design that blends simplicity with subtle sophistication. While it lacks the ultra-modern EV look, its aesthetics are clean and functional, making it suitable for a broad audience. Here’s what stands out:
- LED Lights: Neatly integrated LED lights enhance visibility while adding to the scooter’s aesthetic appeal.
- Boot Space: The Rizta offers ample boot space, making it convenient for carrying essentials like grocery bags or small luggage. The addition of an LED light inside the boot ensures usability in low-light conditions.
- Indian Design Pride: The scooter is “Designed in India,” reflecting Ather’s commitment to creating products suited to Indian needs and roads.
One notable aspect is the scooter’s ability to accommodate everyday needs, like carrying a gas cylinder or bags, thanks to its spacious floor mat and additional hooks.
Engineered for Families
The Ather Rizta is designed with families in mind, focusing on features that make it accessible and user-friendly for everyone, from grandparents to young adults. Key highlights include:
- Simple Start Mechanism: Operating the Rizta is as easy as turning a key and pressing a button, mimicking the familiar experience of scooters like the Honda Activa.
- Comfortable Seating: Both the rider’s and pillion’s seats are cushioned for comfort, ensuring a smooth ride even on bumpy roads.
- Backrest and Footrest Options: Available as accessories, these add-ons enhance comfort and utility.
The Rizta’s switchgear is intentionally kept simple, ensuring that users of all ages can operate it effortlessly.
Performance and Battery Options
The Ather Rizta comes with two battery options:
- 3.7 kWh Battery: Offers a claimed range of 159 km.
- 2.9 kWh Battery: Offers a claimed range of 129 km.
For city commutes or light use, the smaller battery pack suffices, while the larger one is ideal for extensive daily travel. Notable performance aspects include:
- Modes: The scooter features two modes—Zip (80 kmph top speed) and Smart Eco (60 kmph cruising speed). These modes balance power and efficiency based on riding conditions.
- Regenerative Braking: A standout feature, “Magic Twist,” allows the scooter to slow down without using brakes, making rides smoother and more efficient.
The suspension is finely tuned for Indian roads, absorbing potholes and ensuring a stable ride.
Smart Features and Technology
Ather Rizta incorporates technology that simplifies the riding experience:
- Connectivity: The scooter connects seamlessly with smartphones, allowing navigation through Google Maps, call notifications, and message alerts.
- Non-Touchscreen Display: Ather has opted for a practical non-touchscreen display with clear information about speed, range, and modes. It avoids the distractions of a touchscreen while ensuring durability.
- Alexa Integration: The scooter integrates with Alexa, enabling voice-based location tracking and other features.
The technology suite includes skid control, auto-hold, and coasting regeneration, ensuring a safer and more comfortable ride.
Price and Challenges
While the Ather Rizta excels in design, comfort, and technology, its price is a significant consideration:
- Starting Price: ₹1,10,000 (ex-showroom) for the base variant.
- Top Variant: ₹1,45,000, which can go up to ₹1,65,000 with pro-pack features.
At this price point, the Rizta faces stiff competition from Ola and TVS, which offer similar features at lower costs due to benefits from the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Ather’s exclusion from this scheme has made its scooters pricier, which could deter potential buyers.
Final Verdict
The Ather Rizta is a well-rounded electric scooter that fulfills the needs of a family vehicle. It offers:
- Practical design and utility.
- Advanced features tailored for comfort and convenience.
- Reliable performance with a choice of battery options.
However, its high price could be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers. Despite this, Ather Rizta stands out as a premium choice for families looking to embrace EVs without compromising on comfort or usability.
What makes Ather Rizta suitable for families?
The Ather Rizta offers features like ample boot space, comfortable seating, and simple operation, making it ideal for families of all ages.
How does Ather Rizta compare to competitors like Ola and TVS?
While Rizta offers better build quality and advanced features, competitors like Ola are more affordable due to government incentives like the PLI scheme.
What is the real-world range of Ather Rizta?
The 3.7 kWh battery variant offers an actual range of approximately 110 km, while the 2.9 kWh variant provides around 95 km, depending on riding conditions.