This New Electric Motorcycle Has Four Gears, Because Why The Heck Not?
Electric motorcycles[1] have long carried an unfair reputation. They're too quiet, too smooth, too simple. No gears, no drama, no character.
Just a twist-and-go experience that many say strips away the soul of motorcycling. But anyone who's actually ridden a good electric knows that's far from the truth. Because, hey, instant torque, seamless acceleration, and low running costs can be incredibly compelling.
Still, Indian electric motorcycle startup Matter[2] isn't content with just proving that electrics can be fun. They want to bring back some of that mechanical involvement that riders miss. Enter the Matter Aera[3], an all-electric machine that wants to break the mold even further.
And that's because it has gears. Four of them. And no, it's not just for show.
At the heart of the Aera is Hypershift, a four-speed manual gearbox that works alongside three ride modes to offer a total of 12 different riding configurations. It's an interesting take on EV performance, giving riders more control over how power is delivered. Matter says it's not just about rider engagement; it also helps improve efficiency, throttle precision, and adaptability across different riding conditions.
Photo by: Matter Motor
Powering it all is a liquid-cooled electric motor that produces 10.5 kW (14 horsepower) and a staggering 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque--a rating that sounds more like a sports car than a commuter bike.
That torque is delivered instantly, helping the Aera accelerate from 0 to 25 mph in just 2.8 seconds. It's fed by a 5 kWh battery, giving it a certified range of up to 107 miles on a single charge under IDC testing. Tech-wise, the Aera comes fully loaded.
A seven-inch smart touchscreen handles navigation, music, ride analytics, and over-the-air updates. There's smart park assist, dual disc brakes with ABS, and a keyless smart start system. The bike also connects to the MatterVerse app, which unlocks features like remote locking, real-time vehicle data, geo-fencing, and customizable ride settings.
Charging is as simple as it gets, just plug it into a standard 110V wall socket. Matter estimates the operating cost at just £0.003 per mile, which could add up to more than £1,200 in savings over three years compared to a typical gas-powered bike.
But all of this brings up a deeper question: can a geared electric motorcycle preserve the soul of the machines we've grown up with? Does it need to vibrate and growl to feel alive, or is the engagement of shifting gears and managing torque enough to stir the soul?
After a successful debut in Bengaluru, Matter is now rolling out the Aera across India, with deliveries and test rides kicking off in cities like Pune, Delhi, and Chennai over the next month. Bookings are now open on the Matter website, and early birds can snag special launch offers. Experience hubs are live in each of these cities for test rides and demos, too.
So yeah, it seems manufacturers aren't just chasing numbers anymore--they're chasing experience. Performance, range, and efficiency are all still key, but bikes like the Aera show there's also a growing focus on how a motorcycle feels to ride. That's exciting.
The only question now is: are you on board with the movement, or are you still on the fence when it comes to battery-powered motorcycles?
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References
- ^ Electric motorcycles (www.rideapart.com)
- ^ Matter (www.matter.in)
- ^ Matter Aera (www.rideapart.com)