Ather launches second product Rizta as Lankans upgrade to tech-led two-wheelers

Ather has launched its second product, the Ather Rizta, positioning itself in the Rs. 600,000 to 800,000 range, which is currently the fastest growing segment in the local scooter market.

Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler market is entering a reset phase. After years of import restrictions and a flood of low-cost electric models, the country is now seeing a shift in consumer preference towards upgrading to better-built, long-term reliable vehicles. This trend mirrors what has played out in categories such as smartphones and used cars, where buyers have steadily moved from basic, price-driven options to feature-rich, premium products.

That same sentiment is beginning to surface in electric mobility. Riders, especially in urban centres like Colombo and Galle, are showing a growing willingness to pay for quality, performance, and technology rather than simply the lowest upfront price. For manufacturers, this marks a decisive transition point: the market is small in absolute numbers but is maturing faster than expected.

Until recently, Sri Lanka’s electric two-wheeler (E2W) market was dominated by entry-level imports that offered basic features, limited durability, and compromising battery performance. While these vehicles created initial awareness, they also left many consumers sceptical about battery reliability, servicing, and real-world performance. As a result, Electric Vehicles (EVs) were often viewed as a compromise compared to petrol scooters.

That perception is now changing. With fuel prices volatile and urban usage patterns better suited to EVs, consumers are beginning to see electric scooters as an upgrade – quieter, lower total cost of ownership, and equipped with more features than their internal combustion counterparts. A prime example is Ather’s electric scooters, which come adorned with tech advanced features and enhanced build quality and riding experience – all based on years of extensive R&D, testing, and deep engineering. 

Ather Energy, India’s EV two-wheeler pioneer, exemplifies this new standard. The company has redefined India’s market with smart, software-driven scooters that combine high-performance engineering, connectivity, advanced safety, and a superior riding experience. 

Founded by Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, Ather entered Sri Lanka last year with its flagship 450X. Since then, the company has expanded its presence with 40 experience centres across the country.

Ather distinguishes itself from the earlier wave of budget EV imports by building its core technologies in-house. These include the battery system, software, vehicle intelligence platform called AtherStack, chassis design, and thermal management systems. This vertically integrated approach is designed to address the issues Sri Lankan riders commonly highlight, such as battery degradation, performance drops, unresponsive throttle, or and inconsistent after-sales support.

The company is providing one of its kind warranty available in the market, signalling confidence in product durability. Ather offers a five-year/60,000 km (whichever is earlier) battery warranty for all scooters, with an option to further enhance up to 8 years/80,000 kms (whichever comes first) as an additional purchase. The assurance also guarantees a minimum of 70% battery health at the end of the period. 

The company is also investing in a fast-charging network in key cities to offer meaningful range in short charging sessions and reduce consumer anxiety around day-to-day usability. In India, Ather has established the widest two-wheeler fast-charging network, with over 3,500 Ather grid fast-charging stations spread across the country. 

Unlike typical EVs in this segment, the Rizta uses a software-led architecture, offering features such as a touchscreen dashboard, onboard navigation, ride analytics, and assisted riding functions. The model also prioritises practicality, including one of the largest seats and storage available on an electric scooter. For Sri Lankan commuters who increasingly use connected apps, digital payments, and navigation tools, the idea of a “smart scooter” is now less of a novelty and more of an expected upgrade.

Ather’s entry does not by itself transform the market. But it marks an important milestone: the arrival of engineering-led EVs that prioritise product quality over price alone. If Sri Lanka follows the pattern seen in India and Southeast Asia, the next few years could see the market coalesce around better-built scooters, dependable service infrastructure, and differentiated technology - shifting electric mobility firmly into the aspirational category.