Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India (HMSI) has entered the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market, becoming the first Japanese two-wheeler company to do so. While their entry into this segment comes later than some competitors, the EV market in India is still evolving, leaving plenty of opportunities for Honda. With its iconic Activa legacy, can Honda recreate the magic in the electric segment? The Activa e is set to face tough competition, especially from the Ather Rizta. Let’s compare these two scooters to see which offers better value.
Battery Specifications
The Honda Activa e is powered by two 1.5 kWh swappable lithium-ion batteries, a feature designed to address range anxiety. With an output of 8 bhp and 22 Nm of torque, it has a top speed of 80 kmph and accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 7.3 seconds. Honda claims the Activa e delivers a real-world range of 102 km and offers three ride modes: Econ, Standard, and Sport.
The Ather Rizta comes with two battery pack options, 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh. Focusing on the 2.9 kWh trim, it delivers 5.7 bhp with a top speed of 80 kmph. It accelerates from 0 to 40 kmph in just 4.7 seconds and has a claimed range of 123 km. The Rizta offers two ride modes: Zip and SmartEco.
Features
The Honda Activa e features a 7-inch TFT display with connectivity via the Honda RoadSync Duo app. Riders benefit from real-time updates, navigation with adaptive day-night brightness, and toggle switch controls. Its H-Smart key includes Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock, and Smart Start functionalities. The Activa e is equipped with 12-inch alloy wheels, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, LED lights, and DRLs. It is available in five colours: Pearl Shallow Blue, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Serenity Blue, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black.
The Ather Rizta also comes with a 7-inch display, and the top trim offers a TFT screen with Google Maps-based navigation and connectivity options. It boasts a class-leading 34-litre under-seat boot and a 22-litre front storage compartment (frunk). The Rizta mirrors the Activa e with its 12-inch alloy wheels, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and LED lights. Colour options include three monotones—Siachen White, Deccan Grey, and Pangong Blue—and four dual-tone combinations.
Price
The Ather Rizta 2.9 kWh variant is priced at Rs 1.10 lakh (Rizta S) and Rs 1.27 lakh (Rizta Z), ex-showroom. Honda will announce Activa e prices on January 1, 2025, with deliveries beginning in February 2025. Initially available in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, the Activa e will come in two variants: Activa e and Activa e: Honda RoadSync Duo.
Conclusion
Both the Honda Activa e and the Ather Rizta bring unique strengths to the table. While Honda banks on its legacy and swappable battery technology, Ather offers better storage and higher claimed range. Pricing will play a critical role in determining which scooter ultimately offers better value to buyers.