Indian electric vehicle (EV) startup Matter Motor Works has launched its most advanced product yet—the Aera 5000+, a high-performance electric motorcycle priced at ₹1.93 lakh (ex-showroom). The company unveiled the bike in Mumbai and shared its bold vision to transform India’s two-wheeler market and go public within the next few years.
Founded in Ahmedabad, Matter has made headlines by building the world’s first electric bike with a manual gearbox, aiming to offer the power and thrill of petrol motorcycles while keeping the benefits of electric mobility. The Aera 5000+ represents a major step in that journey.
What Makes the Aera 5000+ Unique
Matter designed the Aera 5000+ to stand out from every other electric bike in the Indian market. Most electric bikes use automatic transmissions and prioritize ease of use. Matter took a different approach. Its engineers developed the first-ever 4-speed manual gearbox for an EV, complete with a clutch.
This innovation gives riders the same control and engagement that petrol bikes offer. Motorcyclists who love gear shifts and engine braking can now experience the same thrill, but in an electric format.
The Aera 5000+ includes:
- A 5 kWh liquid-cooled battery
- A 10.5 kW electric motor
- Certified range of 172 km on a single charge
- Real-time connectivity features through a 7-inch touchscreen display
- Navigation, call alerts, geofencing, over-the-air updates, and remote locking
- A smartphone app to control and monitor performance
The bike supports both normal and fast charging. Standard charging with a 5A charger takes about 5 hours to reach 80%, while a 3 kW fast charger does the same in about 1.5 hours.
Real-World Performance and Feedback
Matter invited industry experts and reviewers to test the Aera 5000+ under real road and track conditions. In “Sport” mode, riders achieved a real-world range of around 88 km, while “Eco” mode delivered close to 125 km. These figures proved to be practical and matched the expectations for urban riding.
Reviewers praised the bike’s fast acceleration, clocking 0–40 km/h in under 3 seconds. They also appreciated the firm handling and sporty riding posture. However, they recommended improving suspension quality, braking performance, and rider comfort, especially for long-distance rides.
The clutch and gearbox added a unique flavor, blending the convenience of electric power with the engagement of petrol performance.
Who Matter Wants to Target
Matter priced the Aera 5000+ to directly compete with petrol bikes in the 150cc–200cc segment. These include popular models like the Yamaha R15, Bajaj Pulsar NS200, TVS Apache RTR 160, and KTM Duke 200.
The company wants to convince traditional motorcyclists to switch to electric without giving up the riding experience they love. By introducing a manual transmission, Matter appeals to riders who feel that current EVs lack personality or excitement.
Matter’s Expansion Plan
Matter already started deliveries in Ahmedabad and plans to grow fast across India. The company has announced:
- Setting up 45 dealerships across six states by the end of 2025
- Building a manufacturing facility that can produce up to 120,000 bikes per year
- Increasing monthly output from 4,000 units in 2025 to 20,000–30,000 units by 2026
These numbers show that Matter wants to become a major force in the Indian motorcycle market. The company expects to sell around 50,000 units in 2026, making it one of the largest EV two-wheeler producers in the country.
Innovation and Technology at the Core
Matter has invested heavily in innovation. The company filed over 350 patents for its proprietary technologies. These include systems for liquid cooling, manual gear shifting, battery safety, and connectivity.
The use of a liquid-cooled battery makes the Aera 5000+ safer and more efficient in India’s extreme climate. The advanced electronics inside the bike collect real-time data, allowing the system to improve its performance with each ride.
Future Models and Global Plans
Matter plans to launch three new electric motorcycles over the next three years. Each model will target a different segment of the market, starting from the 125cc category and expanding upward. The company wants to release one new bike per year from 2026.
In addition, Matter plans to enter global markets starting in 2026. The company sees strong demand in Southeast Asia, East Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe. Its strategy focuses on offering high-performance bikes at competitive prices, backed by strong innovation and Indian manufacturing.
Strong Financial Backing
Matter recently raised $75 million in Series B funding, which brought the company’s valuation to around $230 million. Investors in this round include:
- Helena
- Capital 2B
- Japan Airlines Innovation Fund
- Translink Innovation Fund
- LetsVenture
- Baring Private Equity
- SB Invest
The company now seeks to raise an additional $200 million to scale production, expand retail presence, and fuel new model development.
IPO Plans Within 3 to 4 Years
Matter’s leadership team shared their plan to take the company public in the next 3–4 years. They aim to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) after meeting key financial goals. These include:
- Reaching 20,000–30,000 bike sales per month
- Achieving positive EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization)
- Completing expansion across India and establishing export operations
The company wants to list on Indian stock exchanges and raise capital to become a global player in the EV space.
A New Chapter in Indian EV Industry
The launch of the Aera 5000+ signals a turning point in India’s EV journey. For the first time, an electric bike offers manual gear shifting, connected features, high-performance riding, and a price competitive with petrol bikes.
Matter has built a unique product that challenges the belief that electric bikes must feel like silent scooters. Instead, it offers something exciting, smart, and built for Indian roads.
This launch also highlights a shift in Indian consumer behavior. Young riders now look for tech-savvy options that combine sustainability with style. Matter’s approach matches this mindset by giving users full control and a truly personal riding experience.
Challenges Ahead
While Matter has made strong progress, it still faces challenges:
- Customer Education: Buyers must understand how a geared EV works and how it benefits them.
- Service and Support: Matter must set up reliable service centers to support nationwide sales.
- Price Sensitivity: At ₹1.93 lakh, the bike costs more than most scooters. Matter must prove its value.
- Competition: Brands like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Ultraviolette, and Revolt are also growing fast. Matter must stay ahead in terms of innovation and execution.
Conclusion
Matter has launched a powerful new product that could reshape India’s electric two-wheeler market. With the Aera 5000+, it introduces a bold idea—an electric bike with gears and personality. The company has strong financial backing, big expansion plans, and a clear path to IPO.
If Matter continues to deliver on performance, customer support, and innovation, it could become a leader in India’s transition to electric mobility.
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