Ather launched its second product last month, the Rizta, a family-focused electric scooter that takes a totally new direction compared to the 450 range, which was focused on performance. Post its launch, the scooter has had mixed opinions about its design, however, Ather is known to do a lot of research before launching a product, or even an update for that matter.
Now, having ridden the Rizta, we can speak more about it. We try to answer a big question — has Ather nailed it by making a scooter that solves family needs and appeals to the younger crowd as well? Let’s find out.
Ather Rizta first ride review: Design
The Rizta’s design can bring polarising opinions, however, given its intent, there is nothing to complain about. The Ather Rizta has a modified rear section of the 450’s platform that accommodates the ‘very large’ seat. The scooter looks long and low and offers a relaxed riding position with a large footboard to accommodate the legs.
The headlights are neatly integrated into the front apron, and the rear tail lamps follow a similar design pattern, wrapping around the rear section, and giving it a modern look. The younger buyers might have a concern with the looks of the Rizta, but the older generation will have no complaints.
Ather Rizta first ride review: Ride and handling
Before speaking about how the Ather Rizta rides, let’s discuss the battery pack. The Rizta is available in three variants, the S with a 2.9kWh battery pack, a Z with a 2.9kWh battery pack, and a Z with a 3.7kWh battery pack. These are the same battery packs on offer with the 450 series.
Now, coming to how it rides, the Rizta feels planted, easy to turn in, and light. It is not as sharp as the 450 series, but it’s a neutral-feeling scooter, especially given its size at first glimpse. Everything is mellowed down compared to the 450 series, from its acceleration to top speed. The scooter feels brisk, but not too much like the 450X. Also, unlike the 450 series, the Rizta gets two ride modes — Smart Eco and Zip.
With the Rizta, Ather claims an IDC range of 123km, while it can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in just under six hours. These were figures we were unable to test on the first ride review, however, Ather’s range estimates have been accurate, and since these battery packs have existed for a while now, this shouldn’t be a concern.
Ather Rizta first ride review: Features
Being an Ather, there’s no shortage of features and the Rizta has a long list. It offers all the usual phone connectivity and navigation functions, but a few are noteworthy, like the ability to see the last few Whatsapp chats and the feature where one can send the live location to certain contacts.
The other function is the Skid Control, which uses a sensor to detect the speeds of the front and rear wheels to avoid the rear wheel spinning, a form of a rudimentary traction control system, which works well on loose gravel and, to an extent on sand. On wet sand, the Rizta does bog down, trying to gain traction.
Now, coming to the storage, the Rizta offers a huge boot, capable of fitting a full-face helmet. There are other accessories as well, like a collapsible frunk, and an organiser for the boot to organise things better. The smaller compartment to store a mobile phone or a wallet is another handy feature.
The TFT instrument console is the same unit as the 450 series, however, the UI is completely different and mellowed down again to keep it simple. The Rizta gets a joystick on the left to toggle through the menu for various functions, while the top-spec Rizta with the 3.7kWh battery pack gets a touchscreen dash.
Ather Rizta first ride review: Final impressions
It is an Ather, and it’s hard to pick faults, however, we did find a few. The ride modes, for example, felt laggy, but Ather says it’s just a matter of an OTA update and is a simple fix. The next was the handle on the seat to open and close. It is quite close to the rear grab rail, and people with thick fingers will feel the lack of a gap. And finally, pillion ergonomics — while the seat is comfortable, the footing is not, as the legs tend to wrap around the wide bodywork and onto the pegs. A fold-out style can easily solve this issue.
With the nit-picking done, it’s time for the overall verdict. For a family, the Rizta makes sense, and once you get past the design, it is an Ather in every sense. We definitely advise you to take a test ride to see how the Rizta fits in your family.Â
