Ather Rizta

Ather has set a benchmark after years of manufacturing sporty electric scooters. Now, the brand has shifted gears to increase its sales in the Indian market. For this, the company has introduced the Ather Rizta, which is designed for Indian families. This electric scooter is not a thrill-seeker like the 450X and 450S. It’s a gentle, functional, and easygoing companion for daily commutes. But does it stand out in a crowded market? Let’s dive in.

Most successful scooters like Activa and Jupiter are popular because they focus on a simple and functional design rather than shouty looks. Ather followed the same idea for Ather Rizta, giving it a clean and practical style. Its design takes a clear detour from Ather’s sporty lineage. The scooter has a boxy bodywork that is reminiscent of traditional family scooters. The horizontal LED headlight and tail light add a modern touch without being over-the-top.

One standout feature is the use of single-piece panels, which give the scooter a clean and robust appearance. This makes the Rizta look larger than it is. In our opinion, the "Alphaso" colour option deserves special mention for its unique, attractive hue. Overall, the fit and finish are impressive.

However, the panel around the instrument console could use better finishing. Some switches on the handlebars also lack satisfying clicks. These small issues might not bother everyone, but they stand out in an otherwise well-built scooter. Moreover, the Rizta scores high on practicality. Its 34-litre underseat storage is spacious enough for most needs. The optional side step costs an extra Rs. 2,000 and isn’t standard, which feels unnecessary.

The floorboard is generously sized, accommodating a small bag with ease. A plastic covering under the rear panel helps protect the scooter from mud and rust, which is a thoughtful addition for urban riders.

Under the hood, the Rizta packs a 4.3kW motor paired with a 2.9kWh battery. This makes it the least powerful scooter in Ather’s lineup. The performance reflects this positioning. Acceleration is gentle and predictable, ideal for city commutes but far from exhilarating.

The Rizta offers two ride modes, including Zip and Smart Eco. Zip mode delivers a balanced ride with sufficient power for daily needs. Smart Eco mode, on the other hand, prioritises efficiency but feels dull. On inclines, the scooter struggles to maintain speed in this mode. Most riders will likely stick to Zip for its better performance.

At 119kg, the Rizta is nimble and easy to handle. We tested the scooter over 80km, including highways and traffic-heavy streets, and the Rizta proved reliable and stress-free. The braking system combines a front disc and rear drum setup. It’s responsive and requires minimal effort for effective stopping. Notably, the scooter includes traction control and skid prevention. Sensors monitor wheel speeds and adjust torque to prevent skidding. While effective, the rear brake occasionally locks up, which might need tweaking.

Range is a critical factor for electric scooters, and the Rizta delivers well. During tests, it achieved an average real-world range of 115-120km per charge. This aligns closely with Ather’s claimed range of 123km. While testing, even after an overnight discharge of 10%, the scooter managed to crawl an impressive 1.5 Km on zero battery.

The focus on efficiency is evident. The Rizta’s Smart Eco mode maximises range, though at the cost of performance. For daily commutes, this range is more than adequate and competitive within its segment.

Ather has equipped the Rizta with practical features to enhance daily usability. Standard features include LED lights, a 7-inch TFT dashboard, reverse mode, parking assist, and auto-hold. Apart from this, The Pro Pack is available in three options, with prices ranging from Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 20,000. The Rizta S (2.9 kWh) is priced at Rs. 13,000, while the Rizta Z (2.9 kWh) comes at Rs. 15,000, and the Rizta Z (3.7 kWh) is available for Rs. 20,000. It adds premium features like dashboard brightness adjustment, skid control, and fall-safe technology.

One standout feature is the twist control. It’s perfect for city traffic. A slight twist of the throttle reduces speed without braking, making stop-and-go riding effortless. While the standard Rizta offers good functionality, the Pro Pack significantly improves the overall experience and convenience.

The Rizta offers a neutral, relaxed riding posture. Sitting midway on the spacious seat, your hands rest comfortably on the handlebars. At 5'10", our experts could easily place both feet flat on the ground. The commanding posture adds confidence, whether navigating traffic or parking in tight spots.

The seat is well-cushioned and is comfortably appropriate for two adults. However, after extended rides, the seat feels slightly stiff, prompting some adjustments for comfort. There’s an optional backrest for the base variant, which is standard on higher trims and enhances comfort for pillions. In the beginning, you might have trouble with the backrest. When you open the seat and try to close it, there’s a chance your hand could accidentally hit the backrest. Also, closing the seat requires precise alignment, which can be annoying.

Unfortunately, the suspension system shows its limitations on rough roads. At low speeds, the rear monoshock feels bouncy and bottoms out on sharp bumps. This becomes particularly bothersome with a pillion on board. The front suspension fares better, but smoother travel overall would elevate the riding experience. 

The Ather Rizta is a family-oriented electric scooter that prioritises practicality and ease of use. The clean design, spacious seat, ample storage, and predictable performance make it a dependable everyday ride. The Rizta’s real-world range, thoughtful features, and versatility make it a strong contender in its class.

If you’re looking for a stylish, practical, and easy-to-ride electric scooter for your family, the Rizta fits the bill. Just be prepared to pay a premium for Ather’s brand and technology. With a few tweaks, the Rizta could become a benchmark for family electric scooters.