In the ever-evolving world of electric mobility, Ather Energy has once again pushed the envelope with the launch of its flagship limited-edition scooter—the Ather 450 Apex. Unveiled in December 2023 to celebrate the brand’s 10-year journey, the Apex blends cutting-edge performance with a revolutionary transparent design and state-of-the-art smart features. Built on the 450-series platform, it redefines what an electric scooter can offer for tech-savvy urban riders.
Let’s explore how the Ather 450 Apex breaks conventions with its speed, aesthetics, and technology.
Design & Styling – Transparent, Bold, Unique
The Ather 450 Apex introduces a truly unique visual identity with its Indium Blue paint job accented by Pantone Orange alloy wheels. What steals the show is its transparent rear body panel, offering a clear view of the aluminium-steel hybrid frame—an industry first in two-wheeler design globally. This bold move not only enhances the scooter’s futuristic persona but also speaks volumes about its mechanical craftsmanship.
The scooter also features sharp, aerodynamic lines, a sporty stance, and full-LED lighting, which ensures excellent road presence both day and night. This design isn’t just for show—it’s functional, lightweight, and engineered for agility.
Performance – Meet Warp+
The heart of the Apex is its 7.0 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), a significant upgrade over the 6.4 kW motor in the Ather 450X. It produces 26 Nm of torque, enabling the scooter to accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, making it the fastest production scooter from Ather.
Thanks to the newly introduced Warp+ mode, riders can unlock thrilling speed and response ideal for quick overtakes and spirited rides. The Apex reaches a top speed of 100 km/h, making it one of the fastest EV scooters available in India today.
Battery, Range & Charging
Equipped with a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Ather 450 Apex boasts a certified IDC range of 157 km—a modest improvement over the 450X. However, real-world range depends on the riding mode:
- Smart Eco/Eco: ~120–130 km
- Ride: ~100–110 km
- Warp+: ~75–85 km
Charging the battery from 0 to 80% takes around 4.3 hours, while a full charge to 100% takes approximately 5.5 hours using the standard home charger. The battery pack is IP67-rated, offering excellent protection against water and dust.
Regenerative Braking with Magic Twist
The Ather 450 Apex features Magic Twist, a new type of negative-throttle regenerative braking. Instead of applying the brake, riders can simply twist the throttle backward to gradually decelerate. This intuitive system offers engine-brake-like control, enhances safety in urban conditions, and reduces brake wear.
Magic Twist is active even when the battery is fully charged, and according to Ather, it can improve real-world range by up to 7%. However, the feature may temporarily deactivate during sustained high-speed riding or when the motor overheats.
Ride Quality & Comfort
Weighing just 111.6 kg, the Apex remains nimble and easy to handle in city traffic. It features:
- Telescopic front forks
- Mono-shock rear suspension
- 12-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres
- 170 mm ground clearance
- 780 mm seat height
The scooter offers 22 liters of under-seat storage, which is spacious enough to store a helmet and a few essentials, adding to its practicality.
Smart Tech & Connectivity
The 450 Apex is as intelligent as it is fast. At the core is a 7-inch touchscreen TFT display with 800×480 resolution, 800 nits brightness, and an IP65 rating. It’s powered by a Snapdragon quad-core processor with 16 GB internal storage, ensuring a smooth interface.
Smart features include:
- Google Maps navigation
- Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Bluetooth for calls and music
- Document storage
- Reverse mode
- Auto-indicators
- Guide-me-home lights
- Park assist and side-stand motor cutoff
- Crash alert and theft/tow notifications
You also get access to Ather Connect, a mobile app that adds ride analytics, remote location, “Find My Scooter,” ride modes, trip stats, and Alexa integration.
Safety Features
While the Apex does not feature ABS, it comes with Combi-Brake System (CBS) using 200 mm front and 190 mm rear disc brakes. This provides balanced stopping power for most urban use cases.
Additional safety enhancements include:
- Emergency Stop Signal
- Crash alerts
- Auto-hazard activation
- Three-level traction control (Rain, Road, Rally)
These features work together to provide confidence and stability under varied riding conditions.
Warranty, Service & Accessories
Ather backs the Apex with a 5-year/60,000 km battery warranty and 3-year/30,000 km vehicle warranty. The standard charger also carries a 3-year warranty, and roadside assistance is included.
You can also opt for the Apex Delight Kit, which adds:
- Matching limited-edition helmet
- Keychain
- Sticker patch
- Gaiter
- Custom decals
This kit enhances the collector value and personalization of the scooter.
Pricing & Availability
The Ather 450 Apex is priced between ₹1.89 lakh and ₹1.99 lakh (ex-showroom, depending on the city). This pricing includes the Pro Pack but does not offer FAME II subsidies, which Ather phased out in 2024.
Being a limited-edition model, production will cease after a few months. Bookings began in January 2024, and deliveries started in March 2024.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Fastest Ather scooter yet
- Unique transparent rear body panel
- Warp+ mode delivers exhilarating performance
- Regenerative braking with Magic Twist
- Extensive smart features and app support
- Long battery warranty and accessory kit
❌ Cons:
- Higher price point
- No ABS
- Occasional software bugs reported by users
- Limited production—may not be available for long
Rivals Overview
| Feature | Ather 450 Apex | Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 | TVS X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 100 km/h | 120 km/h | 105 km/h |
| IDC Range | 157 km | 195 km | 140 km |
| Display | 7″ TFT | 7″ TFT | 10.25″ TFT |
| Regenerative Braking | Magic Twist | Yes | Yes |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹1.89 lakh | ₹1.47 lakh | ₹2.50 lakh |
The Apex is the clear leader in technology and design, though it’s priced higher than the Ola S1 Pro and TVS X.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
The Ather 450 Apex isn’t just an electric scooter—it’s a statement. With its breathtaking acceleration, eye-catching design, and rich smart features, it’s built for riders who want performance without compromise.
If your priorities include:
- Performance-focused electric commuting
- Eye-catching and futuristic aesthetics
- Smart connected features
- Limited-edition exclusivity
…then the Apex is a perfect fit.
However, if budget or range is your top concern, you might want to explore the Ather 450X or Ola S1 Pro instead.
FAQs
Q1: Can Magic Twist fully replace traditional brakes?
While Magic Twist offers excellent city control, traditional disc brakes remain essential for emergency and high-speed braking.
Q2: What’s the real-world range?
Expect around 110–125 km in Eco mode, 90–100 km in Ride, and 75–85 km in Warp+.
Q3: Is the Apex worth the premium price?
Yes—if you value speed, style, tech, and exclusivity, the Apex delivers a premium experience unlike anything else in the segment.
