Matter Aera 5000+ review, first ride: Say hello to India's first geared electric motorcycle
Ahmedabad isn't the first place that pops to mind when one thinks of an electric motorcycle revolution. But that all changed back in 2019, when a few enthusiastic individuals came together to create Matter. For those who may not have heard this name before, Matter is an Indian electric mobility startup headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Matter isn't just assembling EVs, it's building them from the ground up. The company designs and manufactures its motors, battery packs, software systems, and vehicle platforms in-house. Unlike many EV brands that rely on white-labeled imports, Matter has focused on indigenous innovation, with an emphasis on performance, technology, and rider engagement. Its first product, the Aera 5000+, is India's first geared electric motorcycle, aiming to provide a more traditional riding experience. To answer whether Matter succeeded in this quest, we were recently invited to their home base, to visit the production facility, hit a go-kart track and ride it in the city.advertisementWhat's the point of the gears?The Aera 5000+ is India's first geared electric motorcycle, and not in a gimmicky way. This is a ground-up motorcycle designed by a homegrown startup that's building its own powertrains, software stack, and even batteries in-house. There is a clear emphasis on controlling the entire production system from the ground up, allowing for more factors to be monitored and adjusted as needed. Sure, the facility isn't the most cutting-edge, but it can be one day, which is good enough for me. And from the moment you see the Aera in person, it doesn't scream 'eco-commuter.' It looks like a modern 200cc street-naked which has a muscular tank, sharp panels, LED lighting, and a distinct DRL signature. It's an EV that isn't apologising for being one. And that's refreshing. After we toured the facility, it was time to head to the track, which is nearly 30km away from the production facility.
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