Simple One vs Ather 450S: Discover The Better Sporty Electric Scooter

Sporty, sharp and great handlers, the battle of these two scooters will be an epic one!

• With 450S being priced at Rs 1,29,999, it is the most affordable Ather. 
• Simple, meanwhile, has priced the One at a rather pricey Rs 1.45 lakh.
• Both scooters even feature quite a similar design language. 

As the popularity and demand for electric scooters continue to soar, more and more potential buyers of two-wheeled vehicles are seriously considering the idea of going electric. What was once seen as a niche market has now evolved into a mainstream transportation option. In this ever-changing landscape, consumers are presented with a wide range of choices.

With Ather Energy recently introducing its most affordable scooter, the 450S, it piqued our curiosity to see how it measures up against its main competitor, the recently-launched Simple One. Here’s how the battle went: 

Simple One vs Ather 450S: Design & Features

The Simple One scooter boasts a futuristic and minimalist design that is sure to turn heads. Its sleek and cutting-edge appearance shares some resemblances with the Ather 450X, particularly in the triangle-shaped headlight. However, the Simple One stands out with its elegant tail section and a broad body featuring stylish cuts. The grab grip of this scooter is notably sturdy and substantial, providing a secure hold for riders.

When it comes to technology, the Simple One is equipped with an impressive range of features. It offers Bluetooth navigation and a generous 7-inch display that provides essential information to the rider. The LED headlamp, crafted by Simple Energy, ensures excellent visibility on the road. 

The Ather 450S electric scooter combines functionality with a sporty aesthetic, making it an appealing choice for riders. Its design elements, such as the LED headlight mounted on the front apron and the sleek body cladding, come together harmoniously to create a visually pleasing scooter. 

Simple One vs Ather 450S: Motor & Range

The Simple One Standard model comes equipped with a powerful 4.8kWh lithium-ion battery, providing ample energy for a satisfying ride. In terms of range, this scooter claims an impressive 236 kilometres in Eco mode, as per the Indian Driving Cycle. Additionally, the Simple One Standard model can achieve a top speed of 105 kilometres per hour, allowing riders to experience thrilling speeds on the open road.

The Ather 450S electric scooter boasts a high-performance 6kW and 26Nm Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) Motor, providing impressive power. It is powered by a reliable 3kWh Lithium-ion battery pack and features a Battery Management System (BMS) to ensure efficient and optimized power delivery.

Simple One vs Ather 450S: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

In addition to its remarkable performance, the Simple One boasts a robust chassis that contributes to an enjoyable riding experience. While we have yet to fully evaluate the suspension system on real roads, Simple has clearly prioritized rider comfort and control. The electric scooter's lightweight construction makes it effortless to handle, whether you're accelerating or maneuvering through turns. With the Simple One, riders can always feel connected to the scooter and maintain a sense of control.

Furthermore, the braking system on the Simple One is well-matched to its impressive performance capabilities. The components exhibit similarities to those found on the Ather 450X, while also showcasing notable differences from the Gen-2 scooter. 

Ather has made significant enhancements to the ride and handling of the 450S by introducing new MRF tyres with an improved compound. These upgraded tyres offer better grip, both at the front and rear, leading to improved traction and stability on the road. 

The rounded profile of the scooter facilitates smoother and more controlled cornering, instilling riders with increased confidence when navigating bends. With these improvements, riders can maintain higher speeds through corners, resulting in a more thrilling and enjoyable riding experience.

Furthermore, the introduction of the new MRF tyres brings advantages in terms of braking performance. While the braking hardware itself remains unchanged, the revised compound and profile of the tyres contribute to a reduction in squealing noise during hard braking. This reduction in noise helps to minimize panic and ensures a composed and controlled braking experience for riders.

Simple One vs Ather 450S: Dimensions

While the Simple One boasts impressive features, it is important to acknowledge that there are some areas where its overall quality and fit and finish could be improved. During our evaluation, we observed issues with uneven fitting and poorly finished edges throughout the electric scooter. 

Additionally, there was a concern regarding the positioning of the rear brake line, which had the potential to be pinched when riding with a passenger. However, Simple has reassured that these problems will be addressed and rectified before the scooter goes into full production. It is encouraging to know that the company is committed to resolving these issues and ensuring a higher level of quality for the final product.

Despite its compact size, the Ather 450S excels in providing a nimble and agile ride, making it an ideal choice for city commuting. Its lightweight construction enhances its manoeuvrability, allowing riders to effortlessly navigate through crowded urban areas. Riders describe the experience of riding the Ather 450S as joyful, thanks to its responsive nature and easy steer, which adds a touch of fun to daily commutes.

To summarize, the Ather 450S stands out by combining powerful performance, improved ride and handling dynamics, and agile manoeuvrability perfectly suited for city environments. With its enhanced features and enjoyable riding experience, the Ather 450S presents an enticing option for urban riders seeking an electric scooter that offers both practicality and excitement.

Simple One vs Ather 450S: Price

The Simple One comes with two pricing options for you to choose from. The regular color schemes are priced at Rs. 1.45 lakh, while the X dual-tone color schemes have a price of Rs. 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru). It's worth noting that these prices already include the latest FAME-II incentives, making it a great deal for potential buyers.

Ather has priced the 450S at a much lower and mouth-watering price tag of Rs 1,29,999. Ather is aiming to provide options at various price levels with the 450S, similar to what Ola is doing with its range of S1 Air, S1, and S1 Pro models. By offering a more affordable entry point into the Ather 450 lineup, the company hopes to attract a larger audience and give more people the opportunity to try out their electric scooters.

Verdict

Simple has made significant strides in fulfilling the high expectations it set with the introduction of the One scooter last year. The scooter stands out with its appealing design, impressive performance that can rival its competitors, and the inclusion of advanced features and robust hardware.

The Ather 450S is designed to provide riders with a sporty and exhilarating riding experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic journey. While it may not offer as many extra features as the Simple One, it compensates with its impressive performance and sporty character.

The Ather 450S specifically appeals to riders who prioritize a spirited ride and are willing to forego certain additional features in exchange for a more engaging and agile scooter. Additionally, the Ather 450S’ immaculate pricing will make it an extremely compelling option for budget-conscious individuals.