Ola S1 Air

The S1 Air’s 6kW peak output motor (with a 2.7kW continuous rating) is good for a quick burst of power, getting up to 40 kmph in just over 4 seconds. It tops out at 90 kmph, which is more than enough for city runs. You can switch between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes depending on how zippy or economical you want the ride to be.

 Real-world range sits around 100 km in Normal and drops to roughly 80 km in Sport, while Eco can stretch things up to 120 km with a patient throttle hand. Charging from 0 to 100% takes about 5 hours using a home charger. Throttle calibration could use some refinement though, as it tends to be jerky at low speeds, especially in stop-go traffic. Regenerative braking helps a little with efficiency but doesn’t significantly extend range under aggressive riding.

The Ola S1 Air carries forward the same futuristic styling as its premium sibling but with a few tweaks to keep costs in check. Its clean body lines, U-shaped DRLs, and compact LED headlamp give it a distinct road presence. A functional flat floorboard and a massive 34-litre under-seat storage compartment make it surprisingly practical. 

Available in six appealing colors—Coral Glam, Neo Mint, Porcelain White, Jet Black, Liquid Silver, and Stellar Blue—it’s got visual charm on its side. The 7-inch TFT touchscreen is a highlight, running Ola’s MoveOS 3.0 with navigation, music, and even a 'party mode.' However, the use of plastic-heavy panels and some average paint finishes can be a letdown. That said, it still looks sleek and offers a modern take on electric commuting.

The Ola S1 Air is priced between ₹89,999 and ₹1.12 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it in direct competition with other entry-level and mid-range electric scooters. The TVS iQube offers a more refined ride and slightly better build quality but falls short on feature set and range. The Ather 450S is more expensive, but it feels sportier and better put together, albeit with less storage space. 

Then there’s the Bajaj Chetak, which is built like a tank and has a premium feel, though it skimps on modern tech and touchscreen functionality. When compared to popular petrol options like the Honda Activa 6G, the S1 Air holds its own by offering a greener, more feature-rich alternative at a comparable price, especially for urban buyers.

The Ola S1 Air delivers a compelling mix of affordability, modern design, and smart features that make it a serious contender in the electric scooter segment. Its performance is adequate for everyday use, the touchscreen interface is impressive, and the storage space is a big win for practicality.

It’s an ideal scooter for tech-savvy, eco-conscious riders who want something unique and functional without breaking the bank. Still, a few rough edges remain—like inconsistent build quality, drum brakes, and a slightly jerky throttle—which could deter some buyers. Ola's expanding service network and continued software updates will be key in shaping the S1 Air’s long-term appeal. But as things stand, it’s one of the most value-packed electric scooters you can buy under ₹1.2 lakh.