Yamaha's Aerox has always been about performance. It stood apart in the scooter space by offering a sporty riding experience that most rivals simply couldn't match. Now, Yamaha has taken that formula and gone electric with the Aerox E. The intent is clear - bring that same performance-oriented DNA into the EV space. But does it deliver?
Yamaha Aerox E Design: Not Distinct Enough
At first glance, the Aerox E doesn't look like a typical electric scooter, and that's a good thing. It retains the aggressive maxi-scooter stance, sharp body lines, and a strong road presence that the ICE Aerox is known for.
However, this is also where it feels like a missed opportunity. Yamaha could have spent more time making it visually more distinctive than the petrol version. As it stands, the Aerox E looks almost identical, and for an EV, that lack of differentiation might disappoint some buyers.
The big takeaway is the new plastic cowl hiding the motor, where the exhaust muffler sat earlier. Also, the colour options of the Aerox E are different than those of the ICE version. It was opportunity that Yamaha could've used to add some notable distinctions to the looks.
Yamaha Aerox E Performance: Quick, Engaging, Fun
Under the bodywork, the Aerox E uses a PMSM motor producing 9.4 kW of peak power and 48 Nm of torque. With Power and Boost modes engaged, it can reach a claimed top speed of 95.5 kmph, making it one of the quicker scooters in this segment.
The boost mode, in particular, is genuinely fun. It adds that extra urgency which makes the scooter feel lively, especially in short bursts. Yamaha has also included three riding modes - Eco, Standard, and Power - giving riders flexibility depending on usage.
Yamaha Aerox E Battery, Range, And Practicality
The Aerox E gets a dual battery setup, with each pack rated at 1.5 kWh. You can run it on a single battery or both together, offering flexibility in usage. Charging takes about 3 hours 10 minutes per battery, or roughly 6 hours 20 minutes for both. The claimed range stands at 117 km, but in our real-world experience, that figure feels optimistic. A more realistic expectation would be around 80 km, depending on riding style.
Yamaha Aerox E Ride Experience: Sporty, But Not Seamless
Out on the road, the Aerox E does feel more engaging than most electric scooters. The power delivery is sharp, the stance is sporty, and it encourages you to push a little harder.
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That said, the suspension setup does not feel as polished as expected. The damping could have been better, and slightly softer springs would have improved overall ride comfort. Over rough patches, the ride feels a bit unsettled - reminding us of early-days of electri scooter.
Yamaha Aerox E Features: Devoid Of Equipment?
On paper, the Aerox E is well-equipped. It comes with disc brakes at both ends, single-channel ABS, traction control, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via Yamaha's Y-Connect system. A reverse mode also adds convenience in tight parking situations. However, the absence of a parking brake is noticeable, especially for a scooter of this size and weight.
Yamaha Aerox E: Real-World Concerns
During our ride, the Aerox E did show signs of being a half-baked product. There were instances where the scooter went into limp mode, displaying battery and motor overheating warnings. At times, it even struggled to recognise the battery pack. These are not small issues, especially for a product expected to deliver reliability in daily use.
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Yamaha Aerox E Review: Promising, But Needs More Refinement
The Yamaha Aerox E is an interesting product. It brings performance and character into a space that is otherwise dominated by practical, no-nonsense EVs. But it also feels like a product that needed more time in development. From refinement issues to real-world range concerns, there are areas that Yamaha needs to address.
With expected pricing around the Rs 2 lakh mark, the Aerox E will sit at the premium end of the electric scooter segment. That makes expectations even higher. If Yamaha can iron out these issues, the Aerox E has the potential to stand out. For now, it feels like a strong idea that isn't fully realised yet.