Honda‘s Activa is not just a scooter—it’s a legacy. With a reputation built over 20 long years and more than 2.5 crore units sold in India, the name carries weight across demographics. Now, Honda steps into the electric two-wheeler segment with the Activa e:, a move that’s less about reinventing and more about realigning to the future of urban mobility.
We spent time with the Activa e: on the streets of Bangalore—navigating traffic snarls, tackling potholes, cruising around quieter stretches—and this is our detailed assessment of how well the latest Activa makes the jump into electric.
Design & Styling: Evolution Over Revolution
If you’ve seen an Activa, you’ve essentially seen the Activa e:. Honda has stuck to its winning formula in terms of shape, proportions, and presence. The scooter retains a conservative yet familiar aesthetic with its upright stance, full body panels, and wide grab handle.
What’s changed is subtle: the headlamp now gets a blue DRL ring, the front apron is more angular, and the new alloy wheel design helps differentiate it from the petrol variant. Badging is clean, with minimal “EV” indicators.
The body is offered in five colours (Check all Honda Activa e: color options), and while they do help liven up the presence, there’s no drastic styling departure like we’ve seen from Ola, Ather, or even TVS with the iQube. Honda’s focus seems to be on creating a product that feels instantly familiar—something long-time Activa users would feel comfortable adopting without hesitation.
It’s a safe design move, but one that fits Honda’s target customer—those who value dependability and simplicity over flash.
Performance & Ride Quality: Comfortably In Control
Under the bodywork lies a mid-mounted motor producing 6kW of peak power paired with 2 swappable 1.5kWh batteries under the seat. The claimed IDC range is 110 km, but during real-world city use with mixed riding modes, we managed a realistic 85–90 km, which should be sufficient for most daily commutes.
The motor delivers torque in a very linear and predictable manner. There’s no sudden burst of acceleration like you might experience on an Ola S1 or Ather 450S. Instead, it builds speed progressively, which suits Honda’s more family-friendly image. Top speed is capped at 80 km/h, and while that might sound limiting on paper, in city conditions, it feels adequate.
Where the Activa E truly shines is in ride comfort. The combination of a telescopic front suspension and a 3-step adjustable rear shock absorber absorbs most road imperfections with ease. Even with a pillion, the ride remains composed and planted. The weight distribution—thanks to a centrally placed motor and low-slung battery—results in a balanced, confident ride. Low-speed manoeuvrability is especially good, and the 12-inch front wheel helps with stability during quick direction changes.
Handling isn’t sporty, nor does it pretend to be. Instead, it’s calm, neutral, and thoroughly approachable—exactly what a commuter scooter needs to be.
Storage & Comfort: Needs Improvement in Utility
If there’s one area where the Activa e: noticeably underdelivers, it’s in storage. The under-seat capacity has taken a hit due to the battery pack’s placement. There is next to no under-seat storage and this is a departure from what Activa owners have come to expect.
One of the strengths of the petrol Activa has always been its practicality—not just in riding dynamics, but in its ability to carry things. The Activa E compromises this to a degree, and users will likely need to rely on external storage options like top boxes or floorboard space for carrying more than just a wallet and charger.
On the comfort front, though, Honda delivers. The seat is wide and supportive, making it pillion-friendly. The seating triangle remains neutral, which means no fatigue even during longer commutes. The floorboard is flat and spacious enough to carry a bag or two, adding to its utility, though taller riders might find legroom a bit limited compared to newer EV designs.
A USB charging port inside the front glovebox is a welcome inclusion, though a larger cubby or open pocket would’ve added real-world usability.
User Experience & Starting Procedure: Room for Simplification
The Honda Activa e: introduces a Smart Key system aimed at enhancing security and convenience, but in real-world usage, it feels less intuitive than expected. Unlike fully keyless systems that automatically detect the fob’s presence and allow a seamless start, Honda’s implementation still requires a series of manual steps—turning a knob, pressing the power button, and waiting for system checks.
For users accustomed to the simplicity of a traditional key turn or the fluidity of modern keyless EVs, this hybrid system can feel unnecessarily complicated. It neither delivers the tactile straightforwardness of a mechanical key nor the effortless experience of a true smart start, making it an awkward middle ground that may frustrate everyday riders, especially older users or first-time EV adopters.
Honda Activa e: Battery & Subscriptions
The new Honda Activa e: in India follows a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, so you don’t actually own the batteries in the scooter. Instead, you are going to subscribe to a plan that lets you swap drained batteries for fully charged ones at Honda’s e:Swap stations. The scooter runs on two removable 1.5 kWh battery packs, and since home charging isn’t an option, all charging happens at these swapping stations.
Honda offers two subscription plans based on commuter’s daily travel needs. The ₹1,999/month subscription plan gives you 35 kWh of energy, which is enough for about 40 km per day, while the ₹3,499/month plan provides 87 kWh, covering roughly 100 km daily. As for charging speed, the batteries take about 4.5 hours to reach 80% and 6.5 hours for a full charge at the swapping stations.
Verdict: A Trustworthy Start, With Room to Grow
The Honda Activa e: doesn’t aim to revolutionize the electric scooter space. Instead, it offers a familiar transition for millions of Activa users who may be hesitant to jump onto newer, more experimental brands.
That said, it comes with a few compromises: the limited storage, swappable batteries (although not all might dislike this), and cumbersome start-up process might feel dated when compared to its more feature-rich rivals. But as a no-nonsense, comfortable, and refined commuter, the Activa E delivers on the basics that matter to everyday riders.
If you’re already part of the Honda family and are looking for a simple, trustworthy EV to get around town—this could be a compelling option. For tech enthusiasts or users needing greater versatility, the competition offers more compelling propositions.
Let us know what do you think of new Activa e: by commenting below.
