Can an electric scooter really match the thrill of a gas-powered sports bike? Yamaha thinks so. The Japanese motorcycle giant just launched the Aerox-E in India, marking its first serious push into high-performance electric scooters. This move matters because Yamaha has sold over 200,000 regular Aerox models worldwide since 2019. Now they are betting that riders want the same sporty feel without burning fuel.
The Aerox-E builds on the popular Aerox 155 gas scooter. But this time, there is no engine. Instead, you get an electric motor, two removable batteries, and a promise of 106 km on a single charge.
What Makes the Aerox-E Different
Motor and Speed
The Aerox-E packs a 9.4 kW electric motor. That is roughly 12.6 horsepower. The motor delivers 48 Nm of torque instantly. There is no waiting for power. Twist the throttle and the scooter launches forward.
Yamaha offers three riding modes. Eco mode saves battery. Standard mode balances power and range. Power mode gives you everything the motor has. A Boost function adds extra kick when you need to overtake or merge into traffic quickly.
Battery Setup
Most electric scooters use one fixed battery. Yamaha chose a different path. The Aerox-E has two 3 kWh lithium-ion batteries. Both can be removed. Each battery weighs about 10 kg and has ergonomic handles for easy carrying.
Why two batteries? You can charge one at home while riding on the other. Or charge both overnight. The batteries use high-density cells. Yamaha says this keeps performance steady even as the charge drops.
The scooter can travel 106 km on both batteries. That covers most daily commutes. A typical city rider travels 30 to 40 km per day. The Aerox-E handles three days of commuting before needing a charge.
Also read: Hero Vida VX2 3.4 kWh Electric Scooter Launched in India at Rs 1.02 Lakh
Design and Features
Looks
The Aerox-E copies the sporty style of the gas version. It has a bold front end, muscular body panels, and an X-shaped center design. Twin LED headlights sit up front. LED turn signals and a 3D LED tail light complete the look.
The scooter does not try to hide that it is electric. But it also does not scream "EV" with weird shapes or neon colors. It looks like a sports scooter that happens to run on batteries.
Technology
A color TFT screen sits on the handlebar. It shows speed, battery level, and riding mode. Turn-by-turn navigation guides you to your destination. The Y-Connect app links to your phone. It tracks maintenance schedules, shows your last parking spot, and logs ride data.
A smart key system means no fumbling with keys. An external charging port lets you plug in without removing the batteries. Yamaha added a reverse mode. Electric scooters are heavy. This feature helps you back out of tight parking spots.
Safety and Handling
The Aerox-E uses disc brakes front and rear. Single-channel ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking. Yamaha tuned the suspension for quick direction changes and stable high-speed riding.
The company claims the geometry balances comfort and cornering. Most riders will notice the low center of gravity. Batteries sit low in the frame. This makes the scooter feel planted in turns.
Also read: Royal Enfield's Next Chapter: 7 Powerful New Motorcycles Ready to Transform Indian Roads
Why This Launch Matters
India is the world's largest two-wheeler market. Over 17 million scooters and motorcycles sold there in 2024. Electric models made up about 5% of that total. But growth is fast. Electric two-wheeler sales jumped 35% from 2023 to 2024.
Yamaha waited while competitors like Ather, Ola, and TVS grabbed market share. The Aerox-E is their answer. They are not targeting budget buyers. This scooter aims at riders who want performance and are willing to pay for it.
The premium electric scooter segment is heating up. Ather's 450 series dominates. TVS iQube offers strong value. Simple Energy and Ola Electric push aggressive pricing. Yamaha enters with brand reputation and a focus on the riding experience.
What It Costs
Yamaha has not announced pricing yet. Industry analysts expect a price between 150,000 and 180,000 rupees (about 1,800 to 2,150 dollars). That puts it near the top of the electric scooter market in India.
For comparison, the gas-powered Aerox 155 costs around 145,000 rupees. The electric version will cost more. But you save on fuel and maintenance. No oil changes. No air filters. Fewer moving parts mean fewer repairs.
Also read: Yamaha XSR 155 Officially Launched in India – Specs, Features, and Competition
The Reality Check
Can 106 km of range work? For city use, yes. For highway trips, no. Electric scooters still face charging infrastructure problems. India has about 12,000 public charging points. Most sit in major cities. Rural areas have almost none.
The removable batteries help. You can charge at home even if you park on the street. But hauling two 10 kg batteries up to a third-floor apartment gets old fast.
Battery life is another question. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time. After 500 to 800 charge cycles, you might see 20% less range. Yamaha has not shared warranty details yet.
Key Takeaways
The Yamaha Aerox-E brings performance focus to India's growing electric scooter market. Dual removable batteries solve charging hassles. Three riding modes and a Boost function add versatility. The 106 km range covers daily needs for most riders. Design stays true to the sporty Aerox heritage.
Success depends on pricing and service network. Yamaha has strong dealer presence in India. If they price competitively and support the product well, the Aerox-E could attract riders who want more than basic transportation.
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