In 2025, the Indian electric scooter market is witnessing an exciting shift towards practicality and reliability. With the launch of the Ather Rizta and Honda Activa Electric, two key players are going head-to-head in offering electric vehicles designed for urban commuting. Both scooters promise to meet the needs of daily riders with a focus on practicality, performance, and value. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into the details of these two offerings to see which one is the better fit for Indian families and commuters.
Design and Utility – Form Meets Function
The Ather Rizta takes a family-friendly approach with its broad, comfortable seat, user-friendly interface, and generous boot space. It’s designed with an emphasis on functionality rather than flashy styling, offering a modern yet subtle look. The Rizta is ideal for riders looking for a balance of comfort and practicality.
In contrast, the Honda Activa Electric sticks to the familiar design of the beloved petrol-powered Activa, ensuring a seamless transition for existing Activa users. Its conservative design aims to attract older riders or those who prefer a tried-and-true, no-frills look. Honda’s focus is on making the shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric as smooth and familiar as possible.
Performance – Power for the City
The Ather Rizta features a mid-mounted motor delivering a peak power of 4.3 kW, allowing it to reach a top speed of around 80 km/h. It’s equipped with two riding modes: SmartEco for efficiency and Zip for a more responsive ride. The Rizta’s zippier acceleration and top speed make it more suitable for urban traffic, providing a lively ride for those who want a bit more punch in their daily commute.
On the other hand, the Honda Activa Electric is expected to be powered by a hub motor with a more modest top speed of 60 km/h, designed for calm, efficient city commuting. It’s tuned for reliability and energy conservation rather than performance, making it ideal for riders seeking a simple, no-hassle commute.
For riders seeking a bit more excitement and performance, the Ather Rizta offers a livelier experience, while the Honda Activa Electric is better suited for those prioritizing calm, smooth rides.
Battery and Range – Can They Go the Distance?
The Ather Rizta offers two battery pack options: 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh. The IDC (Indian Driving Cycle) range is up to 160 km, with a real-world range of around 100–110 km depending on the selected mode and usage. This range makes it ideal for longer commutes and occasional longer rides.
In comparison, the Honda Activa Electric is expected to come with a smaller battery in the range of 2.0–2.5 kWh, offering a practical range of about 80–90 km under typical urban traffic conditions. While the Activa Electric may not offer the same long-range capabilities as the Rizta, it still provides sufficient range for the average commuter. Its charging capabilities might be focused more on home charging rather than rapid charging options.
For daily city commuters, the Honda Activa Electric should suffice, but for those who need more flexibility or longer commutes, the Ather Rizta offers a significant advantage in terms of range.
Features and Technology – Smart vs Simple
The Ather Rizta comes loaded with modern features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, reverse assist, and regenerative braking. It also benefits from over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring the scooter stays up to date with the latest software improvements. These features make the Rizta appealing to tech-savvy riders looking for a smart, connected experience.
Meanwhile, the Honda Activa Electric takes a more minimalist approach, featuring basic digital instrumentation, keyless start, and the safety of CBS (Combined Braking System). While it may not have the bells and whistles of the Rizta, Honda focuses on delivering solid everyday reliability, making it an easy-to-use scooter for users who prefer simplicity over complexity.
If you value advanced technology and a connected riding experience, the Ather Rizta is the better choice. However, for riders who appreciate straightforward, hassle-free operation, the Honda Activa Electric may be more appealing.
Ride Comfort and Handling – Built for Indian Roads
The Ather Rizta boasts a telescopic front fork and monoshock rear suspension, providing a comfortable and smooth ride over various road conditions. Its low seat height, wide floorboard, cushy seat, and ergonomic handlebar make it a great option for families or those who ride with a pillion.
On the other hand, the Honda Activa Electric continues with the tried-and-tested underbone chassis, providing a stable and balanced ride. It’s designed for everyday use, with handling that’s predictable and reliable on typical Indian roads. It retains the same comfort and stability as the petrol Activa, making it a familiar and comfortable choice for many.
Both scooters are well-suited to Indian roads, but the Ather Rizta offers a more premium suspension setup, making it a better option for those looking for extra comfort.
Pricing and Availability
The Ather Rizta is priced starting at ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom), with the top variant reaching ₹1.45 lakh. It is currently available in metro cities and is gradually expanding to Tier-2 markets, offering a premium price tag but a robust set of features.
The Honda Activa Electric, expected to launch in August 2025, is anticipated to be priced more competitively at around ₹1 lakh (ex-showroom). This price makes it an attractive option for the mass market, especially for those looking to switch to electric mobility without breaking the bank.
Which One to Choose?
- Choose the Ather Rizta if you value a modern, feature-rich EV with better range, performance, and smart technology. It’s perfect for tech-savvy riders and families who want a connected and comfortable ride.
- Choose the Honda Activa Electric if you prefer a simple, trusted design with easy transition to electric mobility. It’s ideal for riders who prioritize reliability, ease of use, and brand trust.
Both scooters cater to different segments of the market—Rizta appeals to those looking for a more advanced, connected ride, while the Activa Electric offers a familiar and reliable experience for those transitioning to electric scooters.
As 2025 unfolds, the Ather Rizta and Honda Activa Electric bring real-world practicality, affordability, and ease of use to the Indian electric scooter market. Whether you’re looking for a feature-packed, future-ready EV or a simple, no-nonsense option, both scooters have their unique strengths, making them appealing to different types of riders. The shift to electric two-wheelers is no longer just about flashy designs—it’s about making smart, practical decisions for everyday mobility.
FAQs
How does the Ather Rizta compare to the Honda Activa Electric in terms of performance?
The Ather Rizta offers a more powerful motor with a top speed of 80 km/h, making it a livelier option compared to the Activa Electric, which is limited to 60 km/h.
Which scooter offers a better range?
The Ather Rizta offers a real-world range of 100–110 km, while the Honda Activa Electric offers around 80–90 km, making the Rizta better for longer rides.
Is the Honda Activa Electric suitable for older riders?
Yes, the Activa Electric’s simple design, familiar ride quality, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for older riders transitioning to electric mobility.
What makes the Ather Rizta stand out?
The Rizta stands out with its advanced features, such as a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, and OTA updates, making it a more future-ready option.
When will the Honda Activa Electric be available?
The Honda Activa Electric is expected to launch in August 2025, just ahead of the festive season.
