Ola Electric has launched the Ola S1 X, a premium electric scooter that’s making waves in India’s two-wheeler market. Priced between ₹65,499 and ₹1.35 lakh (ex-showroom), the S1 X blends sleek design, smart features, and affordability, aiming to outshine competitors like the yet-to-launch Honda Activa EV. Unveiled at the 2025 Auto Expo, this scooter is grabbing attention with its vibrant colors and long range of up to 190 km. Despite Ola’s strong sales, can the S1 X truly challenge the iconic Activa EV? Let’s dive into what makes this scooter a game-changer.
Eye-Catching Design
The Ola S1 X stands out with its modern, sporty look, perfect for young riders. Its slim LED headlights, sharp lines, and seven color options like Funk Yellow and Midnight Blue give it a premium vibe. Unlike the Activa EV’s expected classic design, the S1 X feels futuristic with a flat floorboard for extra comfort. The scooter’s lightweight build (around 112 kg) makes it easy to handle in city traffic, though some users note minor panel gaps in early models, which Ola promises to fix in production units.
Strong Performance and Range
The S1 X comes in four variants with battery options of 2 kWh, 3 kWh, and 4 kWh, offering ranges from 95 km to 190 km (IDC-certified). Its hub-mounted motor delivers up to 5.5 kW power, hitting a top speed of 90 km/h. The scooter accelerates from 0-60 km/h in 8.1 seconds, ideal for quick city rides. Charging takes 5 hours for a full charge with a home charger, or 50% in just 18 minutes using Ola’s Hypercharger. However, real-world range often falls to 130-145 km in Eco mode, slightly below claims.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | ₹65,499 – ₹1.35 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Battery Options | 2 kWh, 3 kWh, 4 kWh |
| Range | 95 km (2 kWh) / 190 km (4 kWh) |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h (4 kWh variant) |
| Charging Time | 5 hours (full, home charger) |
Smart Features for Modern Riders
The S1 X is packed with tech, including a 5-inch LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity via the Ola Electric app. Riders can track their scooter, get call alerts, and switch between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Features like cruise control, reverse mode, and a mobile app for navigation add convenience. Safety includes dual-channel ABS and a sturdy chassis, though some users want better battery safety details. Compared to the Activa EV’s expected basic features, the S1 X feels more advanced but struggles with after-sales service complaints.
Tough Fight with Activa EV
Honda’s Activa EV, set to launch soon, is expected to target affordability with a price under ₹1 lakh and a range of around 100 km. While the Activa brand is a household name with 5.5 crore units sold, the S1 X challenges it with better range and tech. Ola leads EV sales with 27,506 units in August 2024, but service issues, like delays and spare part shortages, hurt its reputation. The Activa EV, backed by Honda’s reliable service network, could gain an edge if priced lower.
Ola’s Big Push in EVs
Ola Electric is not just stopping at scooters. With plans for electric bikes like the Roadster series by late 2025 and a 20 GWh Gigafactory for batteries, Ola aims to dominate India’s EV market. The S1 X’s 8-year battery warranty and low running costs (₹1,761 monthly savings vs. petrol scooters) make it attractive for budget riders. However, Ola must fix service issues to compete with Honda’s trusted network. For now, the S1 X’s style and features make it a strong rival to the Activa EV, exciting young buyers across India.
