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The Ola S1 X is positioned as a more affordable variant of the popular S1 series. This model was crafted with the goal of making electric mobility more accessible to the masses, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. While it lacks some of the premium features of the flagship models, it still carries the DNA of Ola’s tech-first philosophy. For those seeking an affordable, practical electric scooter with reliable performance, the S1 X is worth a close look.
Design and Styling Evolution
Visually, the Ola S1 X retains the minimalist, clean-cut design language that the company is known for. The silhouette is simple yet elegant, with smooth curves, a matte-finished plastic body, and a color palette that strikes a balance between youthful and mature. It doesn’t scream premium, but it doesn’t look cheap either.
The lighting setup includes a halogen headlamp with an integrated LED DRL ring that gives it a unique identity on the road. The rear has a solid finish with a subtle taillight design. The body panels are functional, and the under-seat paneling is robust, offering a neat finish. The footboard is wide, flat, and can handle urban practicality like grocery bags or a laptop bag with ease.
Performance and Riding Dynamics
Riding the Ola S1 X is a smooth and predictable experience. It is powered by a hub-mounted motor with a peak output of around 4.5 kW, providing decent pickup in city conditions. The scooter comes with three ride modes – Eco, Normal, and Sports. While the Eco mode limits speed to conserve battery, it still offers acceptable performance for short city trips. Sports mode, however, gives the scooter a surprising burst of speed, enough to confidently overtake slow-moving traffic.
The initial throttle response is linear, making it beginner-friendly. It’s not a performance monster, but it does a respectable job in tight traffic, narrow lanes, and daily use cases. Acceleration is not neck-snapping, but the delivery is consistent and refined.
Battery, Range, and Charging
The Ola S1 X offers multiple battery options, including a 2 kWh and 3 kWh configuration. In real-world riding conditions, the smaller battery variant provides a range of around 80 km, while the larger one pushes closer to 120 km. These figures, though slightly lower in practical use than the brand claims, are still reasonable for daily commuting.
Charging the battery takes about 5 to 6 hours on a regular home socket. Ola also offers fast charging through its Hypercharger network, although availability may vary by city. The removable battery option adds convenience for apartment dwellers or those without dedicated parking.
Comfort and Everyday Usability
The seat on the Ola S1 X is well-cushioned and slightly longer than the average commuter scooter. It can accommodate two adults comfortably. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, tuned for city comfort. Small potholes and road undulations are managed well, although it can feel slightly bouncy on rougher patches when fully loaded.
The upright riding posture, combined with wide handlebars and good visibility, makes it ideal for urban use. The scooter’s kerb weight is around 101 kg, which feels light enough for maneuverability but stable enough on open stretches.
Features and Technology
This is where the Ola S1 X trims down to maintain a competitive price. It ditches the touchscreen seen on higher-end Ola scooters in favor of a basic LCD instrument cluster. You still get essential readouts like speed, battery level, ride mode, and range.
The scooter comes with features like reverse mode, side-stand alert, and regenerative braking. However, it skips app-based features, navigation, and remote unlock, which are reserved for higher trims. For riders who value simplicity over tech-heavy dashboards, this minimalist approach is not a dealbreaker.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Ola S1 X starts at a very aggressive ex-showroom price, undercutting many petrol-powered scooters and even other entry-level electric two-wheelers. Depending on the battery variant, the pricing stays well under the subsidy limit in many states. Combined with low running costs and Ola’s service ecosystem, it emerges as a strong contender in the budget e-scooter space.
If your needs are basic city commuting, this scooter offers significant value without locking you into a fossil fuel future. It also qualifies for government incentives in many regions, further reducing the on-road cost.
Competitors and Market Dynamics
The S1 X takes on rivals like the Hero Electric Optima CX, TVS iQube base variant, Bajaj Chetak Urbane, and some models from Ampere and Ather. Most competitors either lack performance, brand trust, or scale compared to Ola.
Ola’s aggressive pricing, direct-to-consumer model, and growing Hypercharger network give it a strategic edge. However, customer service and after-sales consistency still remain an area where Ola must improve to solidify its position.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
With growing concerns over pollution and fossil fuel dependency, the Ola S1 X strengthens the case for sustainable mobility. It produces zero tailpipe emissions, reduces noise pollution, and requires less frequent maintenance than its petrol-powered counterparts. Ola’s larger mission to create a green mobility ecosystem aligns well with this product’s intended use and audience.
Its lightweight construction also contributes to lower energy consumption per ride, making it a more efficient option for daily use in crowded urban centers.
Final Verdict on Ola S1 X
The Ola S1 X first ride review confirms that this electric scooter is more than just a budget offering. It is a purpose-built, no-frills commuter designed for everyday usability. With decent range, smooth performance, practical comfort, and a highly competitive price, it checks most of the boxes for first-time EV buyers.
For those looking to shift from petrol scooters or enter the EV space without burning a hole in their pocket, the S1 X is a solid gateway product. It may not have all the flashy tech of its older siblings, but what it offers is reliability, simplicity, and genuine value for money.
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