Matter Aera 5000+ First Ride: India’s 1st Geared Electric Motorcycle

Introduction

Matter Aera 5000+ First Ride: Modern scooters and motorcycles are two types of two-wheeler mobility solutions, with electric scooters being more spacious and convenient, and motorcycles being more engaging due to their dynamics. However, electric motorcycles have their charm, but they still resemble the silhouette of a motorcycle in terms of functionality. The Matter Aera is an electric motorcycle that has a four-speed gearbox, making it the first of its kind in India.

Introducing the Matter Aera 5000+

The AERA 5000+ is designed to look like a modern-day electric motorcycle, with proportions similar to a 150-200 IC bike. It features smart-looking alloy wheels with disc brakes at both ends, a simple suspension setup, neat lighting, and a tidy step seat. The brake and clutch levers are located where they would be found on any conventional IC bike, like the radiator.

Design and Features

The AERA 5000+ also features a 7-in touch-compatible display with optional Bluetooth connectivity, which is one of the best screens we’ve come across in terms of resolution and responsiveness. It offers features like three Drive modes, park assist, a proper map for navigation, and a whole bunch of vehicle data and settings. Keyless operation, OTA updates, Progressive blinkers, welcome lights, and a 9-access IMU provide lean-sensitive data along with other vehicle telemetry.

Technological Integration

The Matter Aera 5000+ version comes with Bluetooth connectivity as standard, the lifestyle and care package, and a subscription plan. The fully connected package comes with a subscription plan that is yet to be finalized. Overall, the bike feels quite well put together, considering that the Amad startups took just about five years to come up with the bikes from scratch.

Subscription Plans and Connectivity

The build quality is visually striking and commendable, but some issues need to be addressed. For example, the wiring could have been done a little better, and the charging port cover or lid could be more durable. The Matter Aera 5000+ now has a fixed 5 KW liquid cool battery pack paired with an electric motor that generates 10 KW of max power. The drive is sent to the rear wheel via a chain, and an elaborate and immersive tech session is held to understand the logic behind the functions of the motorcycle.

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Quality Assessment and Performance

The Aera 5000+ is a unique offering in India for electric motorcycles, featuring a liquid cool system for the battery pack and the entire electrical management system. It also has a four-speed gearbox that distributes torque effectively, making the electric motor less stressed. The Aera offers three ride modes: Eco City and Sport, which alter the way the bike responds to throttle. In Eco Drive mode, the motor spins to around 3,000 RPM and your speed is limited to around 60 kmph. However, the gearbox keeps things lively, spinning to around 4-4 and 1-12,000 RPM in C Drive mode, and you’ll be limited to around 80 kmph.

Ride Experience and Dynamics

The energy regeneration system provides minimal engine braking, making the bike co quite freely up until you hit the brakes. Single Channel ABS is available, but it needs some fine-tuning. The ride hand handling dynamics of this bike feel neutral with a comfortable fairly upright Rider triangle, even tall riders can easily ride this bike daily in the city using up a complete charge. The Aera feels well balanced at low speed and things weigh up nicely once you pick up the pace.

Handling and Tire Uniformity

The bikes we rode today were running different patterns and compound MRF tires on the front and rear, which is a bit strange. The company told us that they are looking to keep things uniform post a heavy discussion with them. Seat-wise, the Aera is spacious for two up and there’s even a convenient 3 L Storage Bay in the tank area to Lug the charger cable around. Overall acceleration feels very respectable, with the Amad-based manufacturer claiming a 0 to 100 km hour Sprint time of under 6 seconds.

Charging and User Interface

The state of charge readout felt quite right, but there was some work to be done on this front before the first lot of bikes rolled off the line later this second quarter this year. Like any model, there are many hits and misses with errors, but the best part about the Aera is that it opens the doorway to a new fun, and engaging way of seeing and experiencing the electric motorcycle.

Conclusion

The Aera 5000+ has taken a big step towards achieving the goal of bridging the gap between conventional IC motorcycles and modern-day electric motorcycles. The four-speed gearbox does a lot in terms of functionality, and engagement, and has opened the doorway to a trend of thought as far as electric motorcycles go in the country. For the price of a ballpark figure and a few hundred rupees, you get a geared motorcycle that is or comprises a good amount of tech and features.

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