The city of Ahmedabad is not typically associated with an electric motorcycle revolution, but that all changed with the emergence of Matter, an Indian electric mobility startup. Founded in 2019, Matter designs and manufactures its own motors, battery packs, software systems, and vehicle platforms in-house, focusing on indigenous innovation and performance. The company’s first product, the Aera 5000+, is India’s first geared electric motorcycle, aiming to provide a traditional riding experience.
The Aera 5000+ has a peak power output of 15.6bhp, a top speed of 105kmph, and a 5kWh battery pack, which claims to have a range of 172km. The motorcycle features a four-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch, allowing for a more engaging riding experience. The design of the Aera 5000+ is modern and sleek, with a muscular tank, sharp panels, and LED lighting.
The reviewer had the opportunity to test the Aera 5000+ at Matter’s production facility and on a go-kart track. Initially, getting used to the gearbox was a challenge, as it has an ‘on’ and ‘off’ affair, but it soon grew on the reviewer. The motorcycle has three riding modes – Eco, City, and Sport – which provide a healthy mix of ratios to play with on the move. The Sport mode felt the most engaging, with a great surge of power and torque on tap.
The Aera 5000+ has a liquid-cooling system for both the motor and the battery pack, and it comes with a seven-inch TFT touchscreen display that worked well even in the rain. The motorcycle also features a dual cradle frame, telescopic front forks, and twin gas-charged rear shocks, which provide decent rigidity and soak up city bumps well.
However, there are some areas that need improvement, such as the gearbox refinement, suspension comfort, and throttle calibration. The reviewer also noted that the motorcycle is a bit heavier than its equivalent ICE counterpart, but it adds stability on the highway. The braking duties are handled by 270mm front and 220mm disc at the rear, with single-channel ABS.
Matter has priced the lower-spec Aera 5000 at Rs 1.83 lakh (ex-showroom) and the fully-loaded 5000+ at Rs 1.94 lakh (ex-showroom), which is a significant amount. The reviewer concludes that while the Aera 5000+ has its flaws, it is an impressive engineering feat, and with some refinements, it could be a game-changer in the Indian electric motorcycle market. The motorcycle’s unique selling point is its geared transmission, which sets it apart from other electric motorcycles in the market. Overall, the Aera 5000+ is a promising homegrown brand that is worth watching out for in the future.