Ola S1

Ola S1 Expert Verdict

Ola S1 Detailed Review

• S1 Looks and Design 8 /10

  Ola made a buzz in the Indian EV market with its S1 and S1 Pro e-scooters. The simplistic design matched with subtle futuristic styling cues has made Ola stand apart in the e-scooter crowd of the Indian market. Both the variants of the Ola electric scooters have a fluid design with glossy colours with a matte finish. The Ola S1 was bestowed the German Design Award 2020 for its innovative, sustainable and excellent design. The body frame of the bike appears posh, modern, and stylish. Ola claims to have subjected every stitch, panel, bracket, and curve to the highest level of scrutiny. The scooter has all-LED lighting. It comes with a twin-pod headlight that shines brightly throughout your night rides. The headlamp has an iconic LED DRL ring. The indicators and tail lights are also LED-powered and give the two-wheeler an extra sleek look. The Ola S1 offers monocoloured panels, and front-fender and curvy side panels. To ensure safety, there is a sturdy grab rail at the back and a side step on the side. The sculpted pillion seating is extremely comfortable and soft, optimal for long drives. The biggest attraction, however, is the large room for the storage area. The boot space is around 36 litres big. You can easily fit your helmet, your purse, and several bags on grocery runs. Ola claims that the boot space can fit two open-face helmets. 

  Summary

  The looks and design of the Ola S1 are contemporary, sleek and very trendy with its added comfort level.

• S1 Dimensions 8 /10

  Speaking of the dimensions, the Ola S1 is a nimble and slim scooter. The overall size of the Ola S1 makes it a comfortable city commuter with ample of space to carry two people and luggage along with. The Ola S1 is 1859 mm long, 712 mm wide and 1160 mm high. The saddle height of the two-wheeler is 792mm and the ground clearance is 165mm. These dimensions don't quite add up properly. The scooter doesn't have well-proportioned dimensions in comparison to other petrol-driven scooters. However, the ground clearance is quite generous. It makes your rides easier throughout all seasons on any road in India. The weight of the Ola S1 is 125 kg, slightly on the heavier side. The scooter may become even heavier after adding your baggage to the 36 litres under-seat storage area. The wheelbase stands at 1359 mm. 

  Summary

  The Ola S1 is ill-proportioned since the measurements of each dimension are not normal in comparison to other two-wheelers.

• S1 Engine Performance and Mileage 8.5 /10

  The main USP of the Ola S1 became its powerful combination of the battery pack and electric motor. The performance of the powertrain is much loved by the existing customers hence making it a fun-to-ride e-scooter. The Ola S1 has a maximum power of 8.5kW and a maximum torque of 58Nm. The scooter features hyper mode acceleration where you can zoom through highways at a top speed of 115kmph. You can enable this mode and accelerate within 3 seconds from 0 to 40 km/h or 0 to 60 km/h in merely 5 seconds. The Second to None range characteristic claims riding of 181 km in just one charge of the battery. Ola ensures that the battery needs just 18 minutes to charge for a 75km ride. You can cruise control at the press of a button without any usage of the throttle to ride in a one-speed range without changing your speed. The rider can opt for the reverse mode with just one twist of the throttle in the opposite direction. The motor will hold you securely even on high and slippery slopes. The magnetic motor is linked with a 2.98kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a range of 121km. If you choose the 3.97kWh lithium-ion battery then you will get a range of 181 km. This charging of this battery can be completed successfully using a home charger in 4 hours and 48 minutes only. You can cruise at the top speed of 90kmph on all kinds of roads- potholed, flooded, and dusty uphill roads. 

  Summary

  Due to the upscale performance and mileage, the Ola S1 is in great demand in the electric scooters industry in India.

• S1 Tyres, Brakes and Features 8.5 /10

  Ola has provided the S1 with a comfortable and safe tyre plus brake setup. The overall dynamics of the Ola S1 are sorted and confidence-inspiring for the rider. The Ola S1 drives on 12-inch alloy wheels with a wheelbase of 1259mm. The tyres are tubeless and made of aluminium alloy. The wheels are wrapped in 110-section rubber at both ends. The Ola S1 offers a disc brake system, rear mono suspension, and superior chassis. The suspension duties of the two-wheeler are carried out by a single-side fork in the front and a rear monoshock with a single-sided swingarm. The combined braking system of both the front and rear disc brakes of both the wheels with standard CBS. The electric automobile has an aerodynamic frame that helps it maintain equilibrium. The aerodynamic design guarantees easy and stable handling, power-packed performance and top-notch endurance.

  The Ola S1 comes loaded with a big variety of modern tech features. One of the biggest benefactors is the digital key. You can lock and unlock your scooter with your phone digitally. The welcome screen of the scooter includes many different features too. If you connect your phone, you can customize moods and widgets on it, flash a small version of apps on it, set unique and multiple rider profiles, send location to your scooter for navigation and charge station suggestions, etc. The scooter has a microphone with built-in speech recognition and voice control which can be enabled after you say "Hey Ola". By connecting your phone, you can track your scooter and stay in touch with your family by sending location or making calls and sending messages with the help of the touchscreen Control pad. The instrument cluster has not only smartphone connectivity but also Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS connection. You can also get a side stand, anti-theft, tamper and geofencing alerts. The Ola S1 offers different modes such as Get Home Mode, Take Me Home lights, Reverse Mode and a Limp Home Mode. Other standard features include Find My Scooter, HMI moods with sound, HMI brightness adjustment, OTA updating, manual SOS, stand alarmed, digital odometer, digital trip meter, Hill assist, parking assist, infotainment system, killswitch, clock, central locking system and low battery indicator. It does not have a digital tachometer, shift light or stepped seat. 

  Summary

  The Ola S1 has a confident handling, strong braking system and features that justify the high retail price.