Yamaha Aerox E vs Ather 450 Apex: Detailed Comparison

Electric scooters have rapidly evolved from practical city commuters into feature-packed machines capable of delivering impressive performance. Two such offerings are the Yamaha Aerox E and the Ather 450 Apex.

On paper, both scooters appear to target enthusiasts, but their specifications reveal notable differences in pricing, performance, practicality, and equipment. Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand which premium electric scooter suits your requirements better.

Price & Variants

• Priced at Rs 1,94,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Ather costs nearly Rs 86,600 less than the Yamaha Aerox E, which is priced at Rs 2,81,600 (ex-showroom, Delhi). That is a substantial difference.

• The Ather 450 Apex is expensive compared to other electric scooters but offers a much stronger value proposition. Buyers receive flagship performance, advanced features and multiple riding modes at a considerably lower price.

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Dimensions & Design

• The Yamaha Aerox E has a 1,360mm wheelbase, which is considerably longer than the Ather 450 Apex.

• A longer wheelbase generally translates into better straight-line stability at higher speeds. Riders covering long distances in the city or highways are likely to appreciate the planted feel offered by the Yamaha. The trade-off, however, is that a scooter with a longer wheelbase usually requires slightly more effort while making tight U-turns or filtering through congested city traffic.

• With a 1,296mm wheelbase, the Ather is expected to feel more agile in the city where frequent direction changes are common.

• At 111.6kg, the Ather 450 Apex is 28.4kg lighter than the Yamaha Aerox E, which tips the scales at 139kg.

• This weight advantage is significant in everyday riding. A lighter scooter feels easier to manoeuvre in parking lots, simpler to push and generally more responsive while accelerating or changing direction. New riders and daily commuters are also likely to find the lighter Ather less intimidating in stop-and-go traffic.

• The heavier Yamaha, on the other hand, may benefit from additional stability at higher speeds. Extra weight often helps a vehicle remain composed over uneven roads and crosswinds, although it may feel less nimble during quick manoeuvres.

• Ground clearance figures are available only for the Ather 450 Apex, which offers 170mm. This is generous for an electric scooter and should help it handle speed breakers, potholes and uneven roads without scraping its underbody. 

• In terms of styling, choosing between the two scooters largely depends on personal preference.

• The Yamaha Aerox E stands out because very few electric scooters adopt a maxi-scooter design. Its large proportions, aggressive front fascia and premium road presence make it look unique.

• The Ather 450 Apex, meanwhile, emphasises clean, futuristic styling. Its compact proportions make it easier to live with every day, while the exclusive Indium Blue finish gives it a distinctive flagship identity.

Underpinnings

• Both scooters use telescopic front forks, which are known for offering stable handling and good ride quality over uneven roads.

• The Ather 450 Apex gets a monoshock at the rear, whereas the Yamaha Aerox E uses twin rear shock absorbers. A monoshock setup generally offers better ride composure and more consistent damping, particularly when riding enthusiastically or over broken roads while twin shock absorbers generally offer a more comfortable ride.

• The Yamaha Aerox E features disc brakes at both ends, with single-channel ABS as standard. This provides extra confidence during hard braking by reducing the chances of the rear wheel locking.

• The Ather 450 Apex also gets disc brakes at both ends, including a 200mm front disc and a 190mm rear disc.

• Yamaha equips the Aerox E with larger 14-inch wheels, wrapped in 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres. The bigger wheels are generally better at absorbing bumps on the road and contribute to improved straight-line stability at higher speeds.

• The Ather 450 Apex rides on 12-inch wheels with comparatively narrower tyres. These smaller wheels help keep the scooter compact and agile, making quick direction changes in city traffic easier.

• The 140-section rear tyre on the Yamaha is considerably wider than the Ather's 100-section unit, potentially offering more grip during acceleration and cornering while also enhancing the scooter's sporty appearance.

Features

• Each model gets a TFT instrument console, offering crisp graphics and easier readability than conventional LCD displays.

• Bluetooth connectivity is available on both scooters, allowing smartphone integration for functions such as navigation and call/SMS alerts.

• Both also include USB charging, enabling riders to conveniently charge smartphones and other devices while on the move.

• A major difference lies in the available riding modes. The Yamaha Aerox E offers three modes—Economy, Standard and Power—which should adequately cover efficiency-focused as well as performance-oriented riding.

• The Ather 450 Apex offers five riding modes: SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport and Warp+. This wider selection allows riders to tailor performance more precisely depending on traffic conditions, battery level or riding preference.

• The exclusive Warp+ mode highlights the Ather's performance-focused character by unlocking the scooter's quickest acceleration and sharpest throttle response.

• The Ather also gains an advantage in practicality by offering 22 litres of underseat storage, making it easier to carry a helmet, groceries or a backpack.

Performance & Range

• The Ather 450 Apex comes with a larger 3.5kWh battery, compared to the Yamaha Aerox E's 3kWh battery.

• This translates into a significantly higher claimed IDC range of 165km, while the Yamaha Aerox E claims 117km. For commuters travelling long distances, the Ather should require fewer charging stops.

• The Yamaha Aerox E produces a higher peak power output of 9.4kW, compared to the Ather's 7kW. This suggests stronger acceleration and a more energetic riding experience, particularly during quick overtakes.

• Despite producing less power, the Ather 450 Apex claims a slightly higher top speed of 100kmph, edging past the Yamaha's 95.5kmph.

• Charging convenience is another area where the Ather establishes a clear lead. It takes just 3 hours and 12 minutes to charge from 0-80%, almost half the time required by the Yamaha Aerox E, which needs 6 hours and 20 minutes.

• The faster charging time makes the Ather easier to live with, especially for riders who may need to top up the battery during work hours or between daily commutes.

• Buyers prioritising outright motor performance may find the Yamaha Aerox E more appealing because of its higher power output.

• Those looking for a better balance between performance, range and charging convenience are likely to prefer the Ather 450 Apex, which offers longer riding distances and significantly shorter charging times without sacrificing top speed.

Verdict

Choosing between the Yamaha Aerox E and the Ather 450 Apex ultimately comes down to what you expect from a premium electric scooter. While both target enthusiasts, they cater to different priorities.

The Yamaha Aerox E stands out with its distinctive maxi-scooter styling, higher peak power and larger 14-inch wheels. Its longer wheelbase and wider tyres should provide better high-speed stability, making it suitable for riders who value sporty road presence and a more planted riding experience. The inclusion of rear ABS is another welcome addition that enhances braking confidence. However, its significantly higher asking price, lower claimed range and considerably longer charging time make it a more niche offering.

The Ather 450 Apex, meanwhile, delivers a more balanced package. It costs nearly Rs 86,600 less, yet offers a larger battery, a substantially longer claimed range, faster charging, a higher top speed and a more extensive feature list. Its lighter kerb weight and compact dimensions also make it easier to handle in city traffic, while the monoshock suspension and generous underseat storage improve everyday usability.