Is OLA scooter better than the existing e-scooters?

Ola, the ride-hailing service by ANI Technologies Ltd is already a unicorn in offering services hire and food delivery services. Ola electric backed by Softbank launched its first-ever electric scooter on August 15, 2021, after acquiring Etergo, an Amsterdam-based e-bike startup. Another major launch was by Simple Energy – Simple One scooter on the same day. “Ola has already created a buzz in the Indian market with its ‘Future Factory’ and its production plans,” said Bakar Sadik Agwan, senior automotive analyst at London-based data analytics firm GlobalData. Now lets us compare and see – Is Ola scooter better than the existing e-scooters?

India is giving birth to a new startup every day. The research on electric vehicles in India is outnumbering the other domain. Around 2,90,000 electric vehicles have been sold in India in FY2021. The already existing EV 2-wheeler market is ruled by Ather Energy, Hero Electric, Ampere, Bajaj, and many more. The introduction of the Simple One scooter is believed to have revolutionized the EV market in terms of the range of vehicles.

Is it too soon to say if Ola’s scooter will sustain?

With fuel prices skyrocketing and showing no signs of retracting, e-two wheelers make perfect sense to keep household budget in check. And with many states announcing subsidies, the models available are also cheaper than ever before. In fact, prices are now almost comparable with conventional scooters. Our already rulers of the EV market have set a benchmark for these scooters.

Ola and Simple Energy with its newly launched scooter has crossed the benchmark and set it even higher. The perfect launching time with a reasonable price and a better range has made these EVs more popular amongst the customers. Let us look into the fact about how Ola scooters are better.

Ola’s latest S1 and S1 Pro scooters have just been launched with prices starting at Rs 99,999. Both the Ola S1 and the Ola S1 Pro get a reverse mode. However, the S1 Pro also gets hill hold and cruise control as well. Both include a brake pad wear sensor and an electronic handlebar lock. The Ola Electric app in the user’s smartphone can unlock the scooter. However, it can also be unlocked with a security code in case the user’s smartphone is lost, or dead. 

Ola Electric scooter launch in India on August 15, get all important  details here - Auto News

Ola is attempting to give users a smartphone experience through its display. It comes with different ‘MOODS’ to change the appearance and layout of the screen as well as the sound. A unique feature is the built-in speakers that are able to play music or support phone calls. The features are unique compared to scooters at a similar price. Will look into the comparison in detail.

Ola S1 Pro vs Simple One

Ola S1 Pro and Simple One has a neck to neck competition in terms of performance. Both excel in their specifications and customer satisfaction.

HighlightsOla S1 ProSimple One
Range181 km/charge236 km/charge
Charging Time4.5 Hours (0 – 100%)
or
75km in 18 minutes
2.75 hr (Fixed battery, 0-80%)
75 minutes (portable battery, 0-80%)
Battery Pack3.97 kWh3 kWh (Fixed)
+
1.8kWh (Portable)
Motor TypeMid-drive IPMPMSM
Motor Power8.5 kW peak7 kW peak
Max Torque58 Nm72 Nm
Top Speed115 kmph105 kmph
PriceRs 1,29,999Rs 1,09,999
The prices are Bengaluru-based and each state has its own subsidy further reducing its price.

These modern electric scooters are equipped with features like TFT instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, LED lighting, CBS, and fast charging. 

The Simple One’s TFT lets you store digital documents and shows tire pressure. Although this is missing on Ola S1 Pro there are other premium features making it better. S1 Pro featurize cruise control, hill hold control, ‘take me home’ lights as well as remote start/stop and lock/unlock, giving it an edge over the Simple One. 

You can check the price of electric vehicles in each state after subsidy: Here

Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450x

The Ola S1 is a direct rival to Ather 450 that has been currently ruling the premium electric scooter segment. Just like the Ather 450 that is available in two variants — Ather 450 Plus and Ather 450X — even the Ola S1 comes in two variants — S1 and S1 Pro — with the latter having better specifications.

HighlightsOla S1 Ather 450x
Range181 km/charge116 km/charge
Charging Time6.5 Hours (0 – 100%)
or
75 km in 18 minutes
5 Hours and 45 minutes (0-100%)
or
15 km in 10 minutes
Battery Pack3.97 kWh2.9 kWh
Motor TypeMid-drive IPMPMSM
Motor Power8.5 kW peak6 kW peak
Max Torque58 Nm26 Nm
Top Speed115 kmph80 kmph
PriceRs 1,29,999Rs 1,44,500
The prices are Bengaluru-based and each state has its own subsidy further reducing their price.

Ather 450x also gets a seven-inch touchscreen instrument panel with Bluetooth for telephony and music with no voice commands. The scooter also includes a park assist system with reverse and forward mode, illuminated under-seat boot, regenerative braking, and an app that allows riders to find a charging station, vehicle statistics, save locations, and even store documents. Both the instrument clusters support over-the-air updates.

Ola S1 vs Hero Electric Photon

Hero Electric Photon is available in 3 different colours while Ola S1 comes in 10 colours.

HighlightsOla S1 ProHero Photon
Range121 km/charge108 km/charge
Charging Time4.48 Hours5 Hours
Battery Pack2.97 kWh2 kWh
Motor TypeMid-drive IPMBLDC Hub
Motor Power8.5 kW peak1.2 kW
Top Speed90 kmph42 kmph
PriceRs 85,099Rs71,440
The prices are Delhi-based and each state has its own subsidy further reducing their price.

Many of these features are unheard of on vehicles at this price point. The scooter has brought about a revolution and competition in the Indian EV market. What Ola and Simple Energy claims about their scooter will come true only after their road test by the customers. We hope to get our first ride of the Ola scooter in the first half of September 2021 whereas December in the case of Simple.

Are you ready to buy an e-scooter? However, don’t forget to locate your nearest charging station with the Charzer App! Charge your electric vehicle from a network of over 100+ charging stations across India with our EV Charging App 

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