I recently purchased the Honda Activa e, and here's my experience of it after two months of constant usage. Hope it helps others planning to shift to electric!
Buying Experience:
The purchase process was quite smooth. I purchased it from a Honda dealership close to my location, and the personnel were friendly, although a little slow with documentation. The delivery was about 5 days from the time of booking, which I thought could have been done faster. They provided a brief demo of the features, but I had to learn a lot on my own. Nevertheless, overall good experience.
Riding Experience:
The ride is super smooth and silent. At first, it felt weird not hearing any engine sound, but now I’ve gotten used to it and actually enjoy the quiet. Pickup is decent – not as punchy as some petrol scooters, but enough for daily city commuting. Suspension handles bumps pretty well, and balancing feels easy, even for beginners.
Looks:
It has the same Activa appearance with slight futuristic design elements. If you have witnessed the petrol Activa, there is little that has changed in terms of design. I would have liked Honda to play around a bit more with the design to make it look more "EV" like. It still looks presentable but does not get too attention – which can be a good or bad thing depending on personal preference.
Performance:
Performance-wise, it's better for city commutes and short distances. It has a top speed of about 50-60 kmph depending on terrain and load. Battery range is decent – I get about 70-75 km on a full charge with average usage. Not very good for long commutes, but great for daily college or office commutes.
Servicing and Maintenance:
Servicing is still somewhat of a question mark as it's new in the market. My initial service was fine, although the mechanics themselves appeared still acclimating to EVs. Maintenance is minimal so far – no oil change, no engine tuning. Just need to monitor battery health.
Pros:
• Extremely quiet and smooth ride
• Low running cost (no petrol, low maintenance)
• Eco-friendly and suitable for short commutes
• Good brand trust with Honda
• Short range, not for extended journeys
• Pickup slower than petrol variants
• Till now, charging facilities aren't that great
• Design not different enough from previous Activas
Advice for Other Drivers:
1. Always carry a power bank or mobile charger with you if you're using Google Maps – phone + headlight uses up battery marginally faster.
2. Don't let your battery dip below 15% – performance takes a hit.
3. If you are a flat dweller, ensure your society permits ground floor charging.
4. Drive in eco mode for improved mileage unless you prioritize instant pickup.
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Last Word:
If you seek a hassle-free, everyday electric scooter that economizes fuel expense and is appropriate for city commuting – Activa e is a good bet. It is no looker, but it is a working ride.
Rating Parameters
(out of 5)
About the Reviewer