Ather Konark S vs Rizta: similar price, but features set them apart

In the electric scooter market, Ather Energy has targeted a different segment with its new Konark S. Built on the company's new EL platform, the scooter is comparatively budget-friendly. Since its price is close to that of the Ather Rizta, comparisons between the two are natural. But the Konark S comes with features such as a metal body, a comfortable suspension and a distinct design that set it apart from the Rizta.

In terms of design, the Konark S has a more conventional look compared to the company's other electric scooters. It gets a wraparound LED DRL at the front and an LED headlamp mounted on the handlebar. There is a light bar at the rear, and blue highlights are visible on the floorboard and seat. Keeping customer demand in mind, the scooter uses metal body panels, giving it a sturdier and distinct look. In terms of storage, there is 31 litres of space under the seat, enough for a full-face helmet. The Rizta, however, offers about 3 litres more storage.

The Konark S's biggest highlight is said to be its suspension. The scooter gets a 14-inch front wheel and a soft suspension setup, which makes rides more comfortable even on rough or pothole-ridden roads. Good damping means riders do not feel much bounce while riding. This makes the scooter well suited for families and everyday city commutes.

On power, the Konark S gets a 6.3 bhp motor, said to be slightly stronger than the Rizta's. However, the Konark S has a top speed of 70 kmph, while the Rizta's top speed is 80 kmph. A speed of 70 kmph may be sufficient for daily city use, but those covering longer distances on highways at higher speeds may find this limiting.

On features, the Konark S gets a 7-inch Deepview colour screen, though it does not have touch functionality. The scooter includes features such as FallSafe, AutoHold and Park Assist. It is powered by a 3.5 kWh battery, which takes about 5 hours 40 minutes to charge from 0 to 80 percent. It comes with a 450W onboard charger, reducing the need to carry a larger external charging brick. Adding an additional 450W charger can bring the charging time down to about 3 hours 10 minutes.

For customers looking for a comfortable ride, a sturdy metal body, good suspension and a design suited for families, the Konark S could be an important option. But given its 70 kmph top speed and the variants currently available, the scooter is best suited mainly for city use. Ather's upcoming higher-range models next year could make the true potential of the Konark platform clearer. For now, those looking for a comfortable urban electric scooter will want to keep an eye on the Konark S.