Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ather Energy is preparing to expand its electric scooter portfolio with a new, more accessible model. A test mule of the upcoming Ather EL01 has been spotted undergoing testing for the first time, signaling the company's push into the mass-market segment. Once launched, this electric scooter will compete directly with popular models such as the Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube.
Ather EL01 e-scooter: What to expect
The scooter, which was previously showcased as a near-production concept last year, was seen undergoing tests in Bengaluru under heavy camouflage. Despite the covers, several key design elements are visible. The production version appears to closely follow the concept, with the headlamp positioned on the handlebar cowl and a wide LED daytime running light stretching across the front apron. The test unit also features a front disc brake, while the rear is expected to get a drum brake. Although not fully confirmed, the rear wheel appears smaller, possibly a 12-inch unit, while the front appears to be a larger 14-inch unit.
Underneath the bodywork, the EL01 is based on Ather's new modular EL platform. This architecture is designed to support a wide range of battery options, likely between 2 kWh and 5 kWh, allowing for different range and price points. The scooter is expected to use a swingarm-mounted motor, along with a telescopic front fork and a single rear shock absorber. The EL01 is being developed as a practical, family-oriented scooter, featuring a longer wheelbase, a wider seat, and a spacious floorboard. It is expected to be positioned below the Rizta in Ather's lineup, making it more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.
Stay tuned to TOI Auto for the latest updates on the automotive sector and follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
