Frame and components of Matter Aera 5000+ EV.
Ahmedabad-based electric vehicle company Matter Motor is taking a unique approach in India’s growing EV market by combining the familiar feel of petrol motorcycles with the electric technology. While electric scooters are becoming popular and roughly make up more than 6% of two-wheeler sales, electric motorcycles still haven’t caught on in a big way. Battery-powered motorcycles account for less than 1% of the market. That’s where Matter’s Aera comes in.In a conversation with TOI Auto, Matter Motor founder Mohal Lalbhai spoke about the thought process behind India’s first geared electric motorcycle. He discussed why the company chose to bring back the gear experience in its flagship Aera model, how the brand plans to tap into the mass market, and what makes their EV approach different.“When we started back in 2019, we really wanted to come down to what it meant for a motorcycle user,” Lalbhai explained, highlighting that traditional motorcycle riders, especially in rural areas, need precise control over power and torque. “The gearbox came up as one of the most essential things,” he added, noting that on uneven roads and off-road terrains, gearboxes give better traction and responsiveness.
This approach contrasts sharply with the growing yet saturated electric scooter segment, which already stands at about 6% penetration in the two‑wheeler market. According to Lalbhai, “the motorcycle segment is going to grow” as manufacturers begin launching electric bikes. He outlined Matter’s expansive roadmap, confirming that the Aera (200cc equivalent) will be followed by 150cc and 125cc models, though the latter may use different technical platforms. “And for us, the segments that we are seeing going to grow are between 125 to 200 cc,” Lalbhai noted.Pricing remains a common barrier in the EV space, but Matter has tackled this with a bold strategy: full vertical integration. The Aera is priced at Rs 1.94 lakh, ex-showroom, which Lalbhai characterizes as “quite competitive” when compared to petrol motorcycles of similar displacement. He explained that by avoiding external IP licensing – “we didn’t want to keep paying money towards IP… the biggest leakages of margins” – Matter develops its own hardware, electronics, and software, keeping costs under control.In terms of manufacturing, Lalbhai confirmed that the Aera is “100 percent made in India” except for battery cells, magnets, and semiconductor chips. However, this local thrust includes precise component assembly, electronics integration, and final manufacturing. Matter also holds over 375 patent applications, with more than 70 grants, covering gearbox design, liquid cooling, proprietary charging systems, and more.As for sales and customer convenience, Matter is building a three-pronged network: service, sales, and spares. Importantly, the company is integrating predictive maintenance tools into the Aera. “We actually get to see how the bike is performing… If something is going wrong, we would be able to proactively reach out to the customer,” Lalbhai shared.Looking beyond India, the company plans to export to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Eastern–Southern Europe next year, though India remains its focus for now. On expanding product lines, Lalbhai said they plan to explore delivery and cargo models around the 125cc equivalent segment in two to three years, aligning with growing demand for light commercial EVs. Accessories and apparel are also on the radar, with plans to support riders with protective gear and bike-specific clothing by early next year. But the immediate focus, Lalbhai said, remains on its core motorcycles and expanding the Aera’s presence.