Matter Aera Electric Bike Review: India’s First Geared Electric Motorcycle

The Indian electric two-wheeler market is growing rapidly, with many new launches focused on scooters. But one EV has made a bold move by bringing manual gears into the electric space — the Matter Aera, India’s first electric motorcycle with gears.

Launched by Ahmedabad-based startup Matter Energy, the Aera is not just another EV. It combines the thrill of manual shifting with electric performance, setting a new benchmark in the segment.

Here’s a full review of the Matter Aera electric bike, including its price, features, performance, and whether it’s worth considering.

Key Highlights

• First EV in India with manual gearbox
• Claimed range of 125–150 km on a single charge
• 5 kWh liquid-cooled battery
• Modern design with sporty looks
• Priced from ₹1.74 lakh to ₹1.84 lakh (ex-showroom)

Design & Build Quality

The Matter Aera has a muscular, aggressive look that makes it stand out from traditional electric scooters. It features a naked streetfighter design, LED lighting setup, split seat, and sharp body panels. The digital instrument cluster is fully connected, and the overall build quality appears premium for the price point.

It’s aimed at young riders who want performance and style, not just a quiet commute.

Powertrain and Performance

The biggest talking point of the Matter Aera is its 4-speed manual gearbox — a first in the Indian EV space. Unlike most electric bikes that come with a single-speed transmission, the Aera gives riders more control over power delivery, mimicking the feel of a petrol motorcycle.

• Motor Output: 10.5 kW (peak power)
• Torque: 520 Nm (at the wheel)
• Top Speed: Approx. 100–110 kmph
• Acceleration: Smooth and responsive, especially in lower gears

The gear shifts are smooth, and the clutch is light, making the ride enjoyable both in the city and on open roads.

Battery & Range

The Aera is powered by a 5 kWh liquid-cooled battery — another unique offering in this segment. Most EVs use air-cooled batteries, but Matter’s choice improves long-term battery performance and safety.

• Claimed Range: 125–150 km
• Charging Time: 5 hours (standard charger), faster with onboard 1.5 kW charger
• Battery Type: IP67-rated, swappable, and thermally managed

In real-world conditions, you can expect around 110–130 km, depending on riding style and traffic.

Features

The Matter Aera is loaded with smart and safety features:

• 7-inch touchscreen display with 4G connectivity, navigation, and media controls
• LED headlamp and tail lamp
• Mobile app support with ride analytics, battery status, and location tracking
• Built-in charger with portable charging cable
• Dual disc brakes with CBS (Combi Braking System)
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates

Variants and Pricing

Matter has launched the Aera in two variants:

• Aera 5000: ₹1.74 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Aera 5000+: ₹1.84 lakh (ex-showroom)
  (Differences lie in software and some added features)

These prices are introductory and may vary depending on FAME-II and state-level EV subsidies.

Is the Matter Aera Worth Buying?

If you're someone who wants to shift from petrol to electric without losing the manual riding experience, the Matter Aera is a unique and exciting option. It offers:

• Innovative features
• A sporty look
• Manual gearbox for riding control
• A competitive price with good range

However, being a new product from a new brand, after-sales service and long-term reliability may still need to be proven.

The Matter Aera is not just another electric bike; it's a revolutionary step in India's two-wheeler EV market. With its manual gears, liquid-cooled battery, and bold design, it is ideal for enthusiasts who want more than just an eco-friendly ride. It’s one of the few electric motorcycles in India that truly stands out — not just for being electric, but for how it combines performance, tech, and traditional riding pleasure.