Ola recently extended the introductory price window for its entry-level S1 Air electric scooter. We take a closer look at what's different on it compared to the S1 Pro.
Battery, charging time
One of the most crucial differences between the two is the capacity of the battery pack. The S1 Air has a smaller kWh unit as opposed to the larger 4kWh battery pack found on the S1 Pro. Ola claims that the S1 Air can be charged fully in 5 hours as opposed to the 6 hours 30 minutes taken for the S1 Pro.
Motor, performance
As opposed to the more performance-oriented mid-mounted motor on the S1 Pro, the S1 Air gets a simpler hub-mounted unit. Peak power is down to 4.5kW on the S1 Air as opposed to the 8.5kW available on the S1 Pro. However, the S1 Air can still manage a respectable 90kph top speed (claimed), same as an Ather 450X.
Underpinnings, weight
Where the S1 Pro sports Ola’s unique single front fork, the S1 Air has a conventional telescopic fork. Even at the rear, the S1 Air has twin-shock absorbers as opposed to the monoshock setup on the S1 Pro. While the wheel sizes at 12 inches are the same on both, the S1 Air makes use of simpler steel units as opposed to the alloy ones on the S1 Pro. And, where the S1 Pro comes with disc brakes at both ends, the S1 Air is outfitted with simpler drum brakes. As a result of all this, the S1 Air weighs 108kg (just 3kg heavier than a Honda Activa), a full 13kg lighter than the 121kg S1 Pro.
Features, storage space
Except for Hyper mode, the S1 Air gets all the same electronic features as the S1 Pro. At 34 litres, its underseat boot is just 2 litres smaller compared to the 36 litres one on the S1 Pro. While the design of both e-scooters is the same, the S1 Air comes with quite a bit of black plastic body panels. It also gets a single-piece tubular grab handle compared to the split one on the S1 Pro. However, its flat floorboard will be something users will appreciate quite a bit over the banana-shaped one on the S1 Pro. While both e-scooters get the same full-colour 7-inch touchscreen TFT dash, the S1 Air has a lower resolution (800x480 pixels) as compared to the S1 Pro (1280 x 768 pixels).
Price
As a result of all these differences, the Ola S1 Air costs Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory) till August 15, after which prices will rise to Rs 1.20 lakh. That makes it quite a bit more affordable than the Rs 1.40 lakh S1 Pro, the Rs 1.31 lakh base TVS iQube and the Rs 1.42 lakh Bajaj Chetak. Even compared to the soon-to-be-launched Rs 1.30 lakh Ather 450S, the S1 Air is more affordable.
All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru, including FAME-II subsidy.
Autocar India News Desk
Azaman Chothia
Ved Janve
Rishaad Mody
Vishal Venugopal
