OLA S1 Pro

The Ola S1 Pro is a top model from the brand, manufactured to impress customers with its features and performance. It is built on a new platform, which gives it better handling than earlier models. This Ola scooter is known for its stylish look, advanced features, and exciting software updates. But does it really meet expectations? Let’s explore the details and find out what this scooter offers.

The first thing about the Ola S1 Pro that can attract any customer is its sleek, compact design & vibrant colour options. The scooter’s design is exceptionally impressive, featuring a simple, neat and very minimal look. It combines a modern look with a retro touch. From the front, the scooter seems very slim and compact, with the sleek panels, body-coloured mask, and simple Ola branding. This gives it a clean and mature look.

There are no distracting stickers, which adds to its sophisticated appeal. Moreover, the headlamp comes with a proper DRL setup for low-beam and high-beam lights, enhancing visibility and style. It comes with two speakers placed at the front of the scooter, which no other scooter offers. However, the footrest on the scooter feels a bit unstable and could be better.

Now, we come to what Ola has changed in Gen 2 models in terms of design elements. The company has removed some odd design elements, like the hum on the floorboard. This makes stowing luggage easier, especially for Indian households. The new model also has a better grab rail than the older one.

Apart from this, the scooter also offers a massive 34-litre underseat storage. You can store groceries or a helmet, even with the portable charger inside. Another handy feature is the 20 kg capacity hook at the front, which is perfect for carrying bags or other items.

The Ola S1 Pro boasts tremendous performance. It is built with an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor, which enables it to give a peak power of 11kW and steady power of 5kW. When we test-rode the scooter, it accelerated from 0 to 40 kmph in merely 2.6 seconds, so you see how fast it is.

It has a top speed of 120 kmph, and even after a long period of usage, the scooter continues to perform well. In fact, riding in Hyper Mode is thrilling due to its excellent acceleration, and you can beat any other electric scooter with this one.

The S1 Pro has a 4kWh battery. The company claims it can go up to 195 km on a single charge, but in real life, it gives a range of 100-140 km depending on the mode and riding conditions. We tested it in Eco Mode and got a range of 143 km. The battery takes 6.5 hours with the standard charger. While this is longer than some competitors, it’s understandable, given the battery size.

To counter this, Ola has started hypercharging stations, which are game-changers. You can get 50 km of range in just 15 minutes of charging. Moreover, the energy-saving vacation mode, introduced with MoveOS 4.0, helps conserve battery during long periods of inactivity.

The Ola S1 Pro is one of the most range-efficient scooters on the market. When charging at home, it takes 3 units of electricity, costing approximately Rs. 27. That’s incredibly cost-effective, especially when compared to petrol scooters.

The S1 Pro Gen 2 has several updates on its underpinnings. The old single-arm fork has been replaced by a conventional telescopic fork. This makes the scooter stable and capable of absorbing bumps, which is excellent for Indian roads. The rear monoshock suspension is great and does not create much jerking, even on the worst roads. The scooter weighs 116 kg and feels very light and manageable to control. It is effortless to navigate through traffic and stable while turning.

The ride quality has noticeably improved over the previous generation. Moreover, the upright riding posture is comfortable due to the high-set handlebar. The seat is well-padded and long enough for two riders. However, the seat height of 805 mm is a bit tall for shorter riders. They might need to sit forward to plant their feet securely on the ground. 

Ola S1 Pro is packed with smart features that make it stand out in the electric scooter market. At the centre of it all is a 7-inch touch-enabled TFT display that supports Bluetooth, WiFi/4G, and GPS. With the MoveOS 4.0 update, the scooter has become even more advanced, introducing features like regenerative braking with three levels, hill hold functionality for easier starts on slopes, and geo-fencing for added security.

However, during testing, the display system occasionally hung, which was frustrating, and the Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration could have been smoother. One of the coolest additions is proximity unlock, which lets the scooter sense when you’re nearby and unlock itself automatically. Vacation mode is another thoughtful feature that conserves battery during long periods of inactivity, which makes it perfect for when you’re away.

Furthermore, a standout feature is the fencing system. If you lend your scooter to someone, you can use this to set it to Eco Mode, limiting performance and ensuring the scooter shuts off automatically after a limited km of usage. It’s a smart way to maintain control and security.

The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 is an all-rounder. It offers top-notch performance, excellent range, and a plethora of features. The updated design and improved suspension make it even better than before. However, it’s worth considering the reliability and after-sales service.

Some users have raised concerns in these areas. If Ola improves these aspects, the S1 Pro could dominate the EV market even further. Yes, it has some flaws, but its strengths far outweigh them. So, if you want an electric scooter with style, power, and practicality, this is a great choice.