Matter Aera 5000+ Review: EV Thrill With Manual Gears
The Matter Aera 5000+ represents a bold step in India’s electric two-wheeler market. Matter Motor Works, based in Ahmedabad, has introduced this motorcycle as a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The Aera 5000+ brings together an electric powertrain and a manual 4-speed gearbox, targeting riders who want to shift gears while enjoying the benefits of electric mobility. The company aims to offer an emotional, connected, and powerful experience for both motorcycle enthusiasts and eco-conscious commuters.
🏍️ Design and Build Quality
Matter designed the Aera 5000+ to resemble a familiar street-naked motorcycle. The bike features 17-inch wheels, split seating, and a muscular stance. Its liquid-cooled 5 kWh battery occupies the space where a conventional fuel tank usually sits. This approach gives the motorcycle a balanced and proportionate look. Riders who prefer the styling of 200 cc petrol motorcycles will feel comfortable with the Aera’s design.
The build quality feels solid. Matter assembled the panels with precision, ensuring tight fitment and a premium finish. The paintwork looks rich and durable. The bike features a 7-inch touchscreen that displays essential information clearly. The touchscreen disables touch inputs while the bike moves, so riders control functions using a D-pad on the handlebar. This safety measure helps riders focus on the road while managing settings.
The overall design combines sharp modern elements like the angular headlamp and aerodynamic tank extensions with a traditional motorcycle silhouette. The Aera 5000+ achieves a balance between futuristic appeal and classic motorcycle character.
⚡ Drivetrain: Performance Meets Tradition
Matter equipped the Aera 5000+ with a liquid-cooled motor producing 10–11.5 kW of power (approximately 15.5 horsepower). The motorcycle delivers a claimed real-world range between 120 and 172 kilometers, depending on ride mode and conditions. Riders can enjoy the novelty of a 4-speed manual gearbox, called “HyperShift.” This gearbox provides tactile feedback, letting riders control acceleration and performance in a way that gearless electric scooters cannot.
The inclusion of a clutch and gearbox encourages riders to stay engaged. Riders can shift gears without worrying about stalling, because the electric motor allows coasting in any gear. This feature removes the fear of a stall at traffic signals or during low-speed maneuvers. Although the gearbox eliminates engine braking, riders will soon adapt their riding style and rely on the strong regenerative braking and disc brakes.
Matter chose liquid cooling for the motor and battery, ensuring consistent performance even in India’s harsh summers. The company backs the Aera 5000+ with a lifetime battery warranty (15 years with unlimited kilometers), which boosts buyer confidence and highlights the company’s focus on quality.
⚙️ Performance and Ride Quality
The Aera 5000+ accelerates briskly. Riders can expect to hit 40 kilometers per hour in around 2.8 seconds. The bike achieves a top speed between 102 and 109 kilometers per hour, depending on conditions. Three ride modes—Eco, City, and Sport—let riders fine-tune the bike’s character.
- Eco mode prioritizes range, offering about 120 to 125 kilometers on a full charge, though the throttle response feels dull.
- City mode balances performance and efficiency, providing about 90 to 100 kilometers of range while delivering lively performance for urban riding.
- Sport mode unleashes full power, letting riders experience thrilling acceleration. Range in this mode drops to around 70 to 80 kilometers.
Handling feels agile, making the Aera well-suited for city commutes and tight corners. Riders will appreciate its ease of maneuverability in traffic. The suspension leans towards the firm side, so sharp bumps and potholes can feel jarring, especially on poorly maintained roads.
Matter fitted the motorcycle with disc brakes at both ends and a single-channel ABS system. Braking performance feels adequate for city speeds, though the rear brake can lock under hard braking. Riders should apply braking inputs progressively to avoid unsettling the bike.
🔋 Charging and Smart Features
The Aera 5000+ offers flexible charging options. Riders using a regular 5-amp home socket can achieve an 80 percent charge in about 5 hours, with a full charge taking roughly 6 hours. A fast charger reduces charging time significantly, reaching 80 percent in about 1.5 hours and a full charge in about 2 hours.
The motorcycle includes a comprehensive suite of smart features. The 7-inch touchscreen displays navigation, ride modes, battery status, and more. Riders receive call and message alerts, and they can control music. The bike offers Bluetooth and 4G connectivity, geofencing, passive keyless entry, and over-the-air software updates.
Matter’s companion app, Matterverse, provides detailed ride analytics. Riders can review battery usage, trip history, lean angles, G-forces, and more. The app also lets riders upload navigation routes directly to the bike.
💸 Pricing and Market Presence
Matter priced the Aera 5000 at ₹1.83 lakh (ex-showroom) and the Aera 5000+ at ₹1.94 lakh (ex-showroom). The 5000+ includes additional software features and enhanced connectivity options. The company began deliveries in Bengaluru and plans to expand to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai.
Matter secured more than 50,000 bookings, reflecting strong interest. The company plans to set up 150 dealerships by March 2025. Matter also announced plans to export the Aera series to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe by 2026.
✅ Pros and ❗ Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Engaging manual gearbox for tactile control | Riders must adjust to the lack of engine braking |
| Strong acceleration for city riding | Suspension feels firm, reduces comfort on bad roads |
| Rich tech package with touchscreen and app | Rear brake can lock under hard braking |
| Low running costs, around ₹0.25–₹0.50 per kilometer | Premium pricing compared to gearless electric scooters |
| Lifetime battery warranty offers peace of mind | Gearbox adds complexity some riders may not want |
| Liquid cooling ensures consistent performance | Top speed limits highway usability |
🌟 Latest Developments
Matter continues to ramp up production at its Ahmedabad facility to meet the high demand. The company’s export plans include launching in emerging markets and select European regions, aiming for rollout by 2026. Matter also revealed intentions to introduce a budget-friendly electric motorcycle for fleet and delivery use within two to three years. This move will help Matter diversify its portfolio and tap into high-volume business-to-business segments.
Industry experts recognize the Aera 5000+ as India’s only electric motorcycle with a manual gearbox. This unique position has helped Matter generate strong media attention and positive reviews.
🏁 Verdict
The Matter Aera 5000+ redefines expectations for electric motorcycles. Riders who miss the tactile engagement of shifting gears will find the Aera refreshing. The bike combines smart technology, practical range, and fun performance in an eco-friendly package.
The Aera 5000+ suits riders who want manual control, connected features, and urban-friendly performance. It also appeals to tech-savvy motorcyclists who want an emotional connection with their machine without sacrificing efficiency.
On the other hand, riders seeking pure simplicity or high-speed highway cruisers might feel better served by alternatives like Ola or Revolt. The Aera offers a niche experience—one that blends the old and new in a bold and effective way.
