OLA S1 Air:
Budget-friendly e-scooter with fun features, but is the range enough?
Weighing the pros and cons
- Impressive 165km range (claimed) – ideal for city commutes?
- Sleek design & 7″ touchscreen – modern and user-friendly
- 3 riding modes & playful features – Eco, Sport, party mode & faux motor sound
- Affordable price – starting at ₹99,999
- Drum brakes & lower real-world range – potential concerns for some
Is it the right choice for you? Find out in our review!
The new OLA S1 Air now gets 165 kilometers of range. Installed new Move OS 3 software which brings out fun in your daily commutes. S1 Air has three riding modes Eco, Normal and Sports with a selection of variants based upon power from 2kWh to 4.5kWh.
In Eco mode S1 Air delivers 101 km of range. S1 Air is lighter and weighs 99 kg as compared to S1 and S1 Pro which weighs 125 kg. Foot resting floor is now flat and can place your luggage balanced. As compared to S1 and S1 Pro comes with a bump which becomes impractical for luggage space. Equipped with conventional telescopic front forks shock absorbers and twin rear shock absorbers at the rear. S1Air’s braking system is conventional drum brakes as compared to higher models S1 and S1 Pro gets both disc brakes as standard. Seats are re-designed in single piece tubular grab handles. Under the seat is the big 34 liters of storage space. S1 and S1 Pro get 36 liters which is 2 liters more than S1 Air. Ola is also going to give an under storage organizer, pillion side step and center stand as accessories.
7 inch TFT touchscreen, reverse mode and most advanced latest move os 3.0 software as standard. In which, hill hold function, riding modes, multiple profiles, proximity alert, music and phone calls like tech features are available. In party mode you can play music through speakers. In vacation mode, a scooter will save power by limiting a few features. In faux motor sound the scooter can generate fake exhaust sounds to entertain your ride and enthusiasm. The new OLA S1 Air is available in 5 new colors viz. Porcelain White, Neo Mint, Coral Glam, Jet Black and Liquid silver.
If you compare Ola S1 Air with TVS iQube. Then adding some fancy features to iQube and reducing Rs. 32,000 from iQube becomes Ola S1 Air. You can book Ola S1 Air on its official website Ola Electric with Rs. 999 only. Deliveries are expected to arrive in April 2023.
User Experience Review – Is It Airy Enough for your Commute?
The OLA S1 Air, with its recent software update and boosted range, has sparked renewed interest in the budget-friendly electric scooter market. But does it offer a smooth and practical ride, or is it all just hot air? We delve into the technical details and user experiences to help you decide.
Performance and Range:
- New Move OS 3: Users report the software update delivering a more responsive and fun riding experience.
- Range: The claimed 165 km range in Eco mode is impressive, but real-world usage might see it closer to 100-120 km, depending on terrain and riding style.
- Power: Three riding modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) cater to different needs. Users appreciate the zippy acceleration in Sport mode, while Eco offers ample range for casual commutes.
- Weight: Lighter than its siblings, the S1 Air (99 kg) promises easier manoeuvrability, especially in urban settings.
Comfort and Convenience:
- Flat Floorboard: This user-friendly design provides ample space for luggage and groceries, unlike the bumpier floor in the S1 and S1 Pro.
- Suspension: Conventional telescopic and twin rear shock absorbers offer a decent ride, but some users report feeling bumps more prominently compared to disc-equipped models.
- Braking: Drum brakes raise concerns about stopping power and performance, especially at higher speeds. Users accustomed to disc brakes might find them less reassuring.
- Seat and Storage: The redesigned single-piece seat and 34L under-seat storage are appreciated for comfort and practicality. However, it loses 2L compared to the S1 and S1 Pro.
Tech and Features:
- 7-inch TFT Touchscreen: Users love the bright and responsive display, offering easy access to information and controls.
- Move OS 3: Features like hill-hold, multiple profiles, and proximity alert are praised for their convenience and safety features.
- Party Mode: The ability to play music through speakers adds a fun touch to your ride, while Vacation Mode helps conserve power for longer journeys.
- Faux Motor Sound: This playful feature might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it adds a touch of whimsy for some users.
Overall Impression
The OLA S1 Air offers a compelling package for budget-conscious electric scooter buyers. Its impressive range, fun features, and user-friendly design are attractive propositions. However, the lack of disc brakes and slightly lower range compared to competitors might be dealbreakers for some. Ultimately, the decision boils down to prioritizing budget, features, and riding style.
Electric Scooter Showdown
OLA S1 Air vs TVS iQube vs Bajaj Chetak vs Ather 450 vs Simple One
Deciding on the perfect electric scooter can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. Here’s a detailed comparison of the OLA S1 Air, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450, and Simple One, covering key technical details to help you choose:
Performance:
| Feature | OLA S1 Air | TVS iQube | Bajaj Chetak | Ather 450 | Simple One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 2-4.5 kW | 3.4 kW | 4 kW | 5.4 kW | 4.5 kW |
| Top Speed | 85 kmph | 78 kmph | 65 kmph | 85 kmph | 95 kmph |
| Acceleration (0-40 kmph) | 5.9 seconds | 4.2 seconds | 4.3 seconds | 3.3 seconds | 2.95 seconds |
| Riding Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport | Eco, Sport | Eco, Sport | Eco, Ride, Sport, Warp | Eco, Comfort, Sport |
| Feature | OLA S1 Air | TVS iQube | Bajaj Chetak | Ather 450 | Simple One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claimed Range | 165 km (Eco) | 100 km | 90 km | 116 km (450X) | 236 km |
| Real-world Range (approx.) | 100-120 km | 70-80 km | 60-70 km | 80-90 km (450X) | 180-200 km |
| Feature | OLA S1 Air | TVS iQube | Bajaj Chetak | Ather 450 | Simple One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 2-4.5 kWh | 3.4 kWh | 3.1 kWh | 2.9 kWh (450), 6.0 kWh (450X) | 4.8 kWh |
| Charging Time (0-80%) | 4.5-6.5 hours | 5.5 hours | 4 hours | 3.5 hours (450), 6 hours (450X) | 2.5 hours |
| Feature | OLA S1 Air | TVS iQube | Bajaj Chetak | Ather 450 | Simple One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch TFT Touchscreen | 5-inch LCD | 4.1-inch digital cluster | 7-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Smart Features | Move OS 3 with hill-hold, profiles, navigation | TFT SmartXconnect with navigation, calls, music | None | Ather Grid connectivity, OTA updates | AI-powered features, navigation, smart assistant |
| Brakes | Drum brakes | Disc brakes (front) Drum (rear) | Drum brakes | Disc brakes (front & rear) | Disc brakes (front & rear) |
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| OLA S1 Air | ₹99,999 – ₹1,49,999 |
| TVS iQube | ₹1,17,422 |
| Bajaj Chetak | ₹1,15,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Ather 450 | ₹1,39,696 (Plus), ₹1,53,696 (X) |
| Simple One | ₹1,09,999 |
Verdict
Choosing the best scooter depends on your priorities:
- Budget: OLA S1 Air and Simple One offer the most affordable options.
- Range: Simple One wins with the longest real-world range.
- Performance: Ather 450 leads with high speed and acceleration.
- Features: Ather 450 and Simple One boast the most tech and connectivity features.
- Comfort: TVS iQube receives praise for its comfortable ride.
Remember, a test ride is crucial before making your final decision. This comparison is a starting point to help you narrow down your options based on technical specifications and features.
