The Ather 450 Apex is a scooter from Ather. It is currently on sale. Scooters are made for easy city riding: automatic, step-through and usually with storage under the seat. It is electric, so there is no engine oil, clutch or exhaust to maintain — servicing centres on the brakes, tyres, suspension and battery health.
Its electric motor produces 7 kW and 26 Nm of torque. Divide power by kerb weight and it has about 85 PS per tonne; by that measure, there is enough go for confident city riding and relaxed highway cruising. The claimed top speed is 100 km/h. Charging times: 0-80% - 3.12 hr, 0-100% - 5.15 hr.
Being electric, it has no gears or clutch — you twist the throttle and go.
It is built around a precision machined hybrid chassis. Suspension is by telescopic forks at the front and symmetrically mounted progressive monoshock at the rear. Braking is by a 200 mm disc at the front and a 190 mm disc at the rear, with a combined braking system (CBS). Using the rear brake lever also applies some front brake, which shortens stops for riders who lean on the rear brake. It rides on 12-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres — 90/90-12 at the front and 100/80-12 at the rear.
The seat is 780 mm off the ground, which is about average and suits most riders. It weighs 111.6 kg ready to ride, light enough to push around and park easily. Ground clearance is 170 mm — enough for most speed breakers. It is 1,891 mm long, with 1,296 mm between the axles.
Equipment includes a digital instrument console, an LED headlamp, call and SMS alerts, geo-fencing, keyless lock/unlock and boot light. Safety equipment includes side-stand engine cut-off and side-stand warning. It has three riding modes: Eco, Ride and Sport and Warp Plus.
It is best suited to city errands and riders who would rather not shift gears. Its low seat also makes it approachable for shorter and newer riders. Being electric, it suits riders with somewhere to charge it at home or at work.
For battery health, avoid leaving it fully drained or parked in strong heat for long periods.