The buzz around Hero MotoCorp’s latest launch is unmistakable. The Hero AE-8, an electric scooter aimed at the mass Indian commuter market, has rolled onto the scene with a mix of style, substance, and a clear nod toward sustainability. For a country that has long been dominated by two-wheelers, the AE-8 feels like a natural progression—a familiar form with an all-electric soul.
Hero has been testing waters in the EV space for a while, but the AE-8 marks a serious play. The company seems to be balancing performance with affordability, two elements that decide whether a scooter can survive the cutthroat Indian market.
Design
First impressions matter, and Hero clearly knows it. The AE-8 sports a lightweight yet solid build, with a sleek frame that doesn’t scream “futuristic prototype” but feels modern enough to stand out on the road. The scooter comes with a 770mm seat height, making it comfortable for shorter riders while still roomy enough for taller commuters.
Its TFT digital display gives it a premium edge, offering sharp graphics for speed, range, and alerts. Add in 12-inch wheels for stability and a bunch of color options, and it’s clear Hero wanted to make a scooter that looks stylish without drifting into gimmicky territory.
Smart Features
This is where Hero has gone all-in. The AE-8 is packed with features you’d expect only in pricier EVs: reverse parking assist, call and SMS alerts, digital speedometer, side-stand motor cutoff, keyless ignition, and not one but two USB charging ports. There’s even a smart access system, which essentially modernizes the riding experience for a generation used to smartphones doing everything.
It’s hard to miss that Hero has deliberately tried to target the young urban crowd here—the college student who wants style, the office-goer who values convenience, and even the tech geek who loves connected features.
Battery and Motor
Numbers tell the story, and the AE-8’s spec sheet is solid. A 4kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a 6.7kW motor translates into a top speed of 90 km/h—more than enough for city commutes and occasional highway stretches. Range anxiety, a big concern for EVs, has been addressed decently. On a full charge, the scooter can clock anywhere between 120 km to 161 km depending on riding conditions.
Charging is fairly practical too. Plug it into a standard charger and you’re looking at about 80% juice in 5 hours, and a complete charge in 6. That means you can leave it overnight and be ready to roll the next morning without hassle.
| Specification | Hero AE-8 |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4kWh Lithium-Ion |
| Motor Power | 6.7kW |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h |
| Range (Full Charge) | 120–161 km |
| Charging Time (0–80%) | 5 hours |
| Charging Time (Full) | ~6 hours |
| Wheel Size | 12-inch front & rear |
| Seat Height | 770mm |
| Starting Price | ₹1.1 lakh |
Safety and Comfort
Hero hasn’t cut corners on safety. Both front and rear wheels come with drum brakes—less fancy than discs, but perfectly functional for Indian city conditions. The inclusion of a side-stand sensor and safety lock adds peace of mind for daily riders.
Suspension is handled by telescopic forks in the front and a heavy-duty spring setup at the rear, tuned for both pothole-ridden city roads and uneven semi-urban stretches.
Price and Market
Here’s where things get interesting. The AE-8 starts at ₹1.1 lakh, which positions it right in the sweet spot of the mid-range electric scooter market. Rival offerings from Ola Electric and Ather Energy lean pricier when you load them with similar features. Hero seems to be betting on value-for-money to bring in mass adoption.
Financing options sweeten the deal further. With EMIs starting at around ₹7,000 per month, the AE-8 is designed to be accessible to the middle-class Indian buyer who’s considering a shift from petrol to electric.
FAQs
What is the price of the Hero AE-8 in India?
The Hero AE-8 starts at ₹1.1 lakh, with EMI options beginning around ₹7,000 per month.
What is the top speed of the Hero AE-8?
The scooter can hit a top speed of 90 km/h, making it suitable for city and short highway rides.
How long does the AE-8 battery take to charge?
It charges to 80% in about 5 hours and fully charges in roughly 6 hours with a standard charger.
What is the range of the Hero AE-8 on a single charge?
Depending on riding conditions, the scooter offers 120–161 km per charge.
Does the Hero AE-8 come with smart features?
Yes, it includes a digital TFT display, reverse assist, side-stand cutoff, call/SMS alerts, keyless ignition, and dual USB ports.
