You know, when you hear "Ola", you immediately think of those trusty cabs zipping around town. Been like that for years, right? But hold up, they've only gone and added a new player to the game: Ola Electric. Now, this crew's all about those sleek electric two-wheelers, and let me tell ya, they're turning heads.
I've actually got one myself, the OLA S1 Pro. Now, you're probably wondering, does it live up to the hype?
Well, lemme break it down for you.
Well, it all started when my sister was about to hit 16. The talk of getting her a scooter got me intrigued. I did my homework, and it boiled down to two options: the good ol' petrol engine or the new kid on the block, electric.
After some pondering, I decided to embrace the electric trend. Seemed like the way forward, especially with all the buzz around Indian EV brands. It felt like stepping into something fresh and promising. So, I went for it, excited to be part of this electric wave.
So, here's the deal: no dealership involved. You basically order this scooter online, like buying stuff on Amazon. Sounds wild, right? moreover, the process is simple and clear, they do have this thing called an "experience center" where you can check out the scooter in person before pulling the trigger.
That's where I went to see this scooty before ordering it and starting from the looks oh boi
Those graceful curves that seem to dance with the wind at 116kmph and also gracefully hides the 4KWh battery within, adorned in a color that's both striking and sophisticated. And those WALL-E eyes? They add a touch of charm, like a hint of personality peeking out from behind the sleek facade.
From those beautiful single-side Front Fork and rear swing arm that houses the 8.5KWh motor that produces 58Nm of torque connected to 110/70 12” tyres front and back, the OLA S1 Pro captures the essence of beauty and Performance.
On the flip side, I did notice some panel gaps that could've been more consistent. And while the features within the software are pretty awesome, I encountered a few glitches here and there that I wished weren't there.
But let's talk about the display. It's lightning-fast fast, just as responsive as your favorite smartphone. The colors pop and even in dark mode, you can still see everything crystal clear, even in direct sunlight.
Now, let's dive into the audio department. So, get this, the OLA S1 Pro comes with built-in speakers. But here's the thing: don't expect booming bass. Nah, these speakers are all about clear, loud sound. Picture this: cruising down the street with your favorite tunes blasting from the speakers. It's become a bit of a trend, you'll see folks grooving along with their favorite jams as they ride.
So, let's address the elephant in the room: the skepticism some folks have about electric vehicles, especially when it comes to safety. I've had my fair share of people questioning my choice, worried about potential hazards like the bike falling apart or going up in flames.
But here's the thing: every vehicle has its risks. Even traditional bikes break down, and yeah, sometimes those fuel tanks can explode too. So, why all the hate, right? Plus, Ola didn't skimp on safety. They hooked me up with a beefed-up front fork that's tougher than nails. And as for overheating? Never even got close to being an issue. Always chugging along at normal temps, no sweat.
Now, let's talk about the cool stuff. Ola went all out with their Move OS 4 update, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Ola maps? ahead of the previous map my india ones. Better routes, up-to-date info, you name it. Plus, features like auto indicator cut-off, tracking the scooter within the app, sending location from the app to the scooter and hill hold assist. They've got you covered, though there is a loooooot of features that I write a whole page about, but these are my favorite ones.
Sure, there are still a few glitches here and there, occasional black screens, even with all these fancy new features. But they're more like minor annoyances than deal-breakers. Overall, the experience? Solid.
Well, I forgot to mention that she can charge herself for 0 to 100% in 6hrs from a normal wall socket, and with OLA’s hypercharging stations, you can get 20 to 80% in 15 minutes.
The wide and comfortably cushioned seat adds to the overall ergonomics, showcasing thoughtful design considerations.
While the safety feature of brakes overriding the accelerator is appreciated, it can be slightly irksome during tight turns.
Switching on involves pressing the power button and then entering the passcode, akin to a smartphone, since there are no traditional keys to start the scooty. Putting it in drive mode requires pressing the power and brakes simultaneously.
The scooty boasts four driving modes: normal, eco, sports, and hyper. In Eco mode, power is limited, resulting in a somewhat lethargic feel but offering an impressive range of 150 to 160 km on a single charge and a top speed of 40 kmph. Normal mode, the default upon entering drive mode, provides decent power and a range of around 130 to 110 km, with a top speed of 80 kmph. Sports mode amps up the fun factor, delivering lively performance and around 100 km of range, albeit with a capped top speed of 97 kmph. Finally, Hyper mode unleashes the full torque, offering a wild ride with a top speed of 116 kmph but sacrificing range significantly to just 75 to 60 km.
Overall, this scooter offers a delightful experience for daily use. While it may not be suitable for highway riding at the moment, it excels in handling daily chores with ease. It's worth noting that electric vehicles, in general, are currently at their early stage, and there's plenty of room for improvement in the future. With advancements in technology and innovation, electric scooters like this one are only going to get better over time.