KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ola S1 X price starts at Rs. 74,999 and goes up to Rs.99,999
- Offers a claimed range of up to 193 km on a single charge
- Available in 3 battery pack options- 2 kWh, 3 kWh, and 4 kWh
The Ola. scooters have been synonymous with the electric scooter space since its early launch and a solid market appeal since its launch its most affordable model, the Ola S1 X is very popular in its class. But under the market appeal and stylish design, is there anything that saves it from topping the charts? Let's look at the top Pros and Cons of this scooter and find out if this can be your daily ride. But before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads with extensive coverage of the latest news and insights from the automotive space.
Also Read- Honda Shine Pros And Cons: Still The Premium Commuter King?
PROS
1. Comfy Ride With Big Underseat Storage
When it comes to ride quality, the Ola S1 X offers a comfy ride with its finely tuned suspension along with a big seat that is spacious enough for the rider and pillion. If you are for longer durations on the Ola S1 X and generally run out of charge every day, the seating comfort is something that will not bother you. Moreover, due to its electric nature, it also moves silently, something that a section of owners find better than the grunty ICE scooters. I could, however, live with both without any issues, at least for scooters!
2. Slick Performance; Good Range
The Ola S1 X boasts impressive performance, accelerating from 0-40 kmph in just 3.3 seconds. The 2kWh version tops out at 85 kmph, while other variants reach 90 kmph. Its advanced regeneration system extends the riding range, and the cruise control feature, available on select versions, is especially useful for highway riders, helping maintain range. The battery range is competitive, offering the longest range in its price segment, though it diminishes with aggressive riding. It offers a 2 kWh, 3kWh, and a 4kWh battery pack offering certified ranges of 95 km, 151 km, and 193 km resepctively.
3. Good Enough Features
The top-spec version of the S1 X stands out with its 10.9 cm segmented display and keyless digital unlock. It includes Bluetooth connectivity, side-stand alert, cruise control, and reverse assist. However, it lacks navigation support across all variants and comes with drum brakes on both wheels, missing out on the more advanced disc brakes.
CONS
1. No Disc Brakes Even With Top Trim
This is something a big miss on the safety front as the scooter misses out on disc brakes totally, even after spending Rs. 99,999 ex-showroom for the 4 kWh variant. The scooter could have been incorporated with discs and the spread could have been for a base drum model with the disc variant coming at a slight premium. I don't understand why there isn't even an option for it when this happens to be the usual trend these days.
Also Read- Bajaj Pulsar 150 Key Features Explained- Here's All You Get!
2. Fit And Finish Could Be Better
The Ola S1 X has faced recurring quality issues, with numerous users reporting consistent problems. The fit and finish lacked consistency and at some points, the material felt a bit inferior. While this is an entry-level scooter and some cost-cutting measures are expected, they sometimes are too evident, beyond the reasonable limit. And this stays true even with its flagship, Ola S1 Pro as well. This needs serious reworking as the space is getting pretty unforgiving and this cannot be just left unseen.
3. Higher Charging Time
If you are charging at your home, the charging time is pretty high with the base 2 kWh trim taking 5 hours and subsequently it goes up to 7.5 hours as you keep increasing the battery capacity. When you cannot just top it up like a petrol scooter, this should have been lower for a more practical daily life usage. However, if your run is below the certified range, you might be just fine with this one as well.
Verdict
Ola has revolutionised the e-scooter space with its offerings and it supports the same by pletheora of features, pretty decent urban range and a comfortbale ride quality. However, the market is now flooding with more and more rivals with fit and finish much better than the Ola scooters. It is surely the right time for Ola to adress the uderlying issues and keep its top spot shielded from the oncoming heat.