Ola Electric S1 Pro Plus

The S1 Pro Plus is powered by a 13 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) motor with Ola’s new magnetized electric coil technology for better thermal efficiency. The 5.3 kWh variant achieves a claimed top speed of 141 kmph and accelerates from 0-40 kmph in 2.1 seconds, while the 4 kWh variant tops out at 128 kmph, hitting 0-40 kmph in 2.3 seconds. It offers four riding modes - Hyper, Sports, Normal, and Eco, allowing riders to choose between performance and efficiency on the go. Users have praised its swift acceleration and ability to handle city traffic, though some report sluggishness in Normal mode.

The Ola S1 Pro Plus Gen 3 retains the sleek, modern aesthetic of the S1 Pro but adds premium touches. It features a high-mounted LED headlight, a flat floorboard for practicality, and a stylish LED tail lamp. The two-tone seat and body-colored mirrors enhance its visual appeal, while six color options - Jet Black, Porcelain White, Industrial Silver, Passion Red, Midnight Blue, and Stellar Blue cater to varied tastes. The design is reminiscent of classic scooters like the Vespa but with a contemporary twist. However, some users have noted inconsistent panel gaps and average build quality in certain areas.

The S1 Pro Plus sets a high standard with dual-channel ABS, a first for Indian electric scooters, and disc brakes on both wheels. It includes a brake-by-wire system, regenerative braking, and safety tech like an anti-theft alarm, proximity lock, geofence, time fence, and tamper alerts. The bright LED lighting ensures good visibility. Additional features like hill riding aids and ride telemetrics enhance safety. However, some users report software glitches affecting safety features.

The Ola S1 Pro Plus faces stiff competition in the premium electric scooter segment:

• Ather 450 Apex: Against the Ather 450 Apex (Rs 1.49 lakh), the S1 Pro Plus shines with a superior 320 km claimed range versus 157 km, a 141 kmph top speed compared to 100 kmph, and dual-channel ABS, which the Ather lacks. It also offers a larger 34-liter storage over Ather’s 22 liters. However,the 450 Apex edges out with better build quality, a smoother ride on rough roads, a more reliable service network, and a glitch-free touchscreen interface, appealing to buyers valuing quality and refinement.
• TVS iQube ST: The TVS iQube ST (Rs 1.55 lakh) is outclassed by the S1 Pro Plus’s 320 km range versus 150 km, 141 kmph top speed against 82 kmph, and richer features like ABS and Ola Maps. However, the TVS counters these with its superior build quality, a more comfortable suspension, and a dependable service network, ideal for those seeking reliability.
• Bajaj Chetak: Compared to the Bajaj Chetak (Rs 99,990), the S1 Pro Plus dominates yet again with a 320 km range over 123 km, atop speed of 141 kmph versus the Chetak’s 95 kmph, and advanced tech like ABS and a TFT display. The Chetak’s lower price, robust steel body, extensive service network, and compact handling make it a budget-friendly, durable option for short commutes.

The Ola S1 Pro Plus Gen 3 is a standout electric scooter with segment-leading performance, range, and features. Its sleek design, powerful motor, and tech-rich interface make it ideal for urban commuters and tech-savvy riders. The claimed 320 km range and dual-channel ABS are major highlights. However, concerns about after-sales service, software glitches, and real-world range falling short of claims (some users report 150-200 km) temper its appeal. If Ola improves its service network and addresses quality issues, the S1 Pro Plus could dominate the premium electric scooter market. It’s a strong choice for those prioritizing performance and features over service reliability.