India’s electric scooter segment is evolving rapidly, and brands are working tirelessly to refine their EV offerings.
The focus is now on better performance, improved battery tech, and a more seamless riding experience. Among the latest entrants, Honda has finally stepped into the game with the Activa E. Given the legacy of the Activa brand, expectations are naturally high.
Recently, News-DIWIDAto got the opportunity to ride the Honda Activa E RoadSync Duo, the higher-end variant of Honda’s latest electric offering. Here’s our first-hand experience of how it fares in the real world.
Variants & Pricing
Honda offers the Activa E in two variants – Activa E (Rs 1.17 lakh, ex-showroom) and Activa E RoadSync Duo (Rs 1.52 lakh, ex-showroom). We rode the higher-end RoadSync Duo, which packs in extra features like a larger TFT display and smart connectivity.
Design & Dimensions
Visually, the Activa E sticks to a clean and familiar design language. The sharp lines, rounded body panels, and DRLs give it a modern appeal. The LED headlamp setup is crisp, while the energy-efficient LEDs at the rear ensure good visibility. The top variant gets stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels, adding a premium touch.
With a length of 1854mm, width of 700mm, and height of 1125mm, the Activa E is compact yet spacious. The 675mm seat length provides enough room for most riders, and as a woman, I found it comfortable and well-cushioned. However, taller riders (above 6ft) might feel a lack of under-thigh support, which can be an issue on longer rides. The 171mm ground clearance ensures the scooter doesn’t scrape on speed breakers, making it suitable for Indian roads.
Features & Technology
The RoadSync Duo variant I tested comes with a 7-inch TFT display, offering a host of smart connectivity features like topple alert, call and music control, live tracking, navigation, OTA updates, and maintenance alerts. The base variant, on the other hand, settles for a smaller 5-inch display with fewer features. A major downside is the lack of boot space, as the twin battery setup leaves no room for storage.
The Activa E comes with three riding modes – Eco, Standard, and Sport. These modes alter the performance to balance range and power output based on riding conditions.
Performance & Ride Handling
Honda claims a 102 km range, but in real-world conditions, we could achieve around 90 km in Standard mode. The 6 kW PMSM motor produces 22 Nm of peak torque, allowing the Activa E to reach a top speed of 80 kmph. The acceleration is smooth, and the scooter does 0-60 kmph in 7.3 seconds, which is sufficient for city riding.
The ride quality is smooth, and the power delivery is linear, making it easy to navigate through traffic. There’s no noticeable delay between twisting the throttle and getting power to the wheels. However, the suspension setup – telescopic forks at the front and a 3-step adjustable spring-loaded hydraulic suspension at the rear – could have been better. You’ll feel the impact of larger bumps and rough patches more than you’d like.
Braking is handled by a 160mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear. The setup is effective for city riding, offering adequate stopping power.
Battery Swapping & Subscription Model
One of the most interesting aspects of the Activa E is its swappable battery system. While this sounds convenient on paper, there are some practical challenges.
Firstly, the battery is only available via a subscription plan starting at Rs 1,999 per month (Rs 24,000 per year), which gives you approximately 40 km/day of riding. Additionally, you have to swap both batteries at the same time as the scooter won’t function on just one. Unlike other EVs where you can charge at home, the Activa E requires you to visit an e-swap station whenever the battery runs out.
In cities like Bengaluru, where there are over 200 swap stations, this works well. But in other cities, the infrastructure is still a question mark. For riders above 40, the swapping process might feel inconvenient and physically demanding.
Final Verdict
The Honda Activa E is a well-rounded electric scooter that doesn’t go overboard with flashy features or extreme performance. It delivers a refined riding experience with smooth power delivery, decent handling, and good city usability. However, the mandatory battery subscription model and reliance on swap stations could be a drawback for many riders, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.
If you're seeking a simple electric vehicle for everyday urban travel and have plenty of e-swap stations available, the Activa E presents a compelling choice. On the other hand, if you favor the convenience of charging at home, consider exploring alternative models before finalizing your purchase.
