OLA S1 X

The OLA S1X is a budget-friendly electric scooter built for everyday use. The S1X sits at the affordable end while still promising good range and performance. Along with this, the all new OLA S1X gen 3 scooter offers better range and features with multiple models catering to different budgets.

But is it worth buying? Let’s explore its design, performance, features, and real-world experience.

At first glance, the OLA S1X looks stylish and premium. It features twin LED headlights, similar to the more expensive S1 Pro, but lacks the daytime running lights (DRLs) present in the Pro variant. The scooter rides on 12-inch tyres with twin telescopic suspension, which ensures a comfortable experience on city roads. The Funk colour variant, with a black front and green rear, adds a unique touch.

Apart from this, the storage is well thought out, with a 34-litre boot capable of holding two helmets and a charger. The front pocket is spacious enough to store small essentials like a phone or a water bottle. Moreover, Ola provides a medical kit and a small tool kit, which adds practicality. However, despite its premium look, some riders have reported panel gaps and loose fittings, which affect overall build quality.

OLA offers the S1X with three battery options, including 2kWh, 3kWh, and 4kWh, each caters to different range needs. The claimed IDC (Indian Driving Cycle) ranges are:

• 4kWh: 193 km (real-world range ~160 km in Eco mode)
• 3kWh: 143 km (real-world range ~120 km in Normal mode)
• 2kWh: 95 km (real-world range ~80 km in Normal mode) 

The battery is positioned under the footboard, improving stability. The standard 750W charger charges the scooter in approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Moreover, the scooter has three riding modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport. If you need maximum range, Eco mode is the way to go. However, it significantly reduces acceleration, which makes it suitable for calm city rides rather than highway travel.

After riding over 50 km on city and highway roads, the S1X’s real-world performance became evident. The acceleration is brisk in Normal and Sport modes, but Eco mode feels sluggish. The transition between modes is smooth, and the scooter feels stable even at higher speeds.

Furthermore, the scooter offers good mileage, but as expected, real-world range depends on riding style. Riders who accelerate aggressively will see reduced range, while steady riders can maximise battery life.

The S1X provides a smooth ride and reasonable comfort. The seat is well-padded but due to being too soft, it may not feel good for longer rides. Nevertheless, its seat height is 730mm, which is comfortable for most riders. Moreover, the floorboard is wide enough for comfortable foot placement.

It's good on smooth roads. Some problems do come on rough roads. There are many complaints regarding rattling, especially from the display housing, which is not sealed well. Panel gaps also continue to be an issue, which impacts the fit and finish of the scooter overall.

That being said, the S1X's rounded mirrors are more solid than the S1 Pro's mirrors. The switchgear is better positioned and less difficult to get used to, particularly for those coming from traditional petrol scooters.

Unlike the S1 Pro, which boasts a touchscreen, the S1X keeps things simple with a 4.7-inch LCD. The display shows all the necessary riding data without requiring toggling through menus.

A notable addition is the reverse mode, which makes parking easier. By twisting the throttle in the opposite direction, the scooter slowly moves backward. The cruise control feature is another welcome addition. It maintains a constant speed without throttle input and is useful for long commutes at steady speeds.

Another highlight is the traditional key fob system. Unlike the S1 Pro, which relies on a digital unlocking system, the S1X operates with a standard key, which makes it more intuitive for riders who prefer traditional controls.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the OLA brand has been service quality. Customers have reported long wait times and ineffective problem resolution at service centers. Some buyers were told their issues couldn’t be fixed because the scooter was “new.”

A lack of proper quality control (QC) means that early buyers often end up acting as testers for the product. While Ola has improved over time, service inconsistencies remain a concern. The company must step up its after-sales support if it wants to build long-term trust with customers.

The OLA S1X is a practical electric scooter with good range and essential features. The 4kWh variant is the best option under 1 lakh. However, build quality issues and poor after-sales support might make some buyers think twice.

If you’re okay with a few minor rattles and don’t expect top-tier service, the S1X is a solid choice. But if reliability and excellent customer support are priorities, you might want to wait for Ola to improve quality control before making a purchase.