By In this article, we will compare two of India’s most popular electric scooters, the Ather 450X and the Ola Electric S1 Pro. Both scooters have their unique features and strengths, making it essential to understand how they stack up against each other. We’ll explore aspects like design, technology, performance, and more to help you decide which scooter might be the best fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Ather 450X has a sporty design and better build quality compared to the Ola S1 Pro.
- The Ola S1 Pro offers more advanced features but has some software issues.
- In terms of performance, the Ather 450X is quicker in city traffic, while the Ola S1 Pro has a higher top speed.
- Battery range is better on the Ola S1 Pro, but its range indicator can be misleading.
- Pricing favors the Ola S1 Pro, especially with available subsidies, but Ather offers a more reliable service experience.
Design and Build Quality
Ather 450X’s Sleek and Sporty Look
The Ather 450X impresses with its sleek design that feels both modern and sporty. Its floating side panels and unique rear LED lights make it stand out on the road. We appreciate how compact it feels, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Ola S1 Pro’s Futuristic Aesthetic
In contrast, the Ola S1 Pro showcases a futuristic look with its bold curves and single-sided front suspension. The larger frame and fat tires give it a robust presence, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial ride.
Build Quality Comparison
When we compare the build quality, the Ather 450X takes the lead. Every part, from the mirrors to the side stand, feels premium and well-made. On the other hand, the Ola S1 Pro, while visually striking, has some noticeable flaws. We found panel gaps and a loose handgrip, which detracted from its overall appeal.
In the end, while both scooters have their unique styles, the Ather 450X’s superior build quality gives it an edge in our eyes.
Features and Technology
Display and Connectivity
Both the Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro come with a 7-inch TFT display that provides essential information at a glance. The Ather 450X stands out with its Bluetooth connectivity, allowing us to connect our smartphones seamlessly. This feature enhances our riding experience by providing navigation and notifications right on the screen.
Navigation and Over-the-Air Updates
One of the coolest features we appreciate is the navigation system. The Ather 450X offers over-the-air updates, which means it can receive new software and features without needing to visit a service center. This keeps our scooter up-to-date with the latest technology.
Keyless Entry and Cruise Control
The Ola S1 Pro impresses us with its keyless entry feature. We can unlock the scooter just by being nearby with our smartphone. Additionally, the cruise control feature allows us to maintain a steady speed without constantly holding the throttle, making long rides much more comfortable.
In our experience, these technological advancements not only enhance convenience but also make riding more enjoyable.
Both scooters have their unique strengths, but they share a commitment to integrating modern technology into our daily rides.
Performance and Riding Experience
Acceleration and Top Speed
Riding both the Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro was quite an adventure. The Ola S1 Pro is known for its smooth and quiet ride, boasting impressive peak power. However, we noticed that its initial acceleration can feel a bit slow until it reaches about 25-30 km/h. In contrast, the Ather 450X, while having less power on paper, is quicker off the line, especially up to 40 km/h, making it feel more agile in city traffic.
Thermal Management Issues
One thing we found interesting was the thermal management of the Ola S1 Pro. During our tests, it often switched out of hyper mode to cool down, which was a bit frustrating. On the other hand, the Ather 450X performed consistently without such interruptions, allowing for a more reliable riding experience.
City Traffic Maneuverability
When it comes to navigating through city traffic, both scooters have their strengths:
- Ola S1 Pro: Higher top speed of 115 km/h (though it often maxes out around 99.8 km/h) makes it feel powerful.
- Ather 450X: Tops out at 80.3 km/h but feels more nimble and responsive in tight spots.
In summary, while the Ola S1 Pro shines in raw power, the Ather 450X offers a more dependable and agile ride, especially in urban settings.
Range and Battery Life
Battery Capacity and Range
When it comes to electric scooters, the battery capacity and range are super important. The Ola S1 Pro stands out with a larger battery, allowing it to cover more distance. In our tests, we found that:
- Ola S1 Pro: In sport mode, it managed over 100 km, and in normal mode, it reached around 127 km.
- Ather 450X: This scooter provided a range of about 74 km in sport mode and 88 km in normal mode.
Charging Time and Efficiency
Charging time is another key factor. Here’s how they compare:
- Ola S1 Pro: Takes about 6.5 hours to fully charge.
- Ather 450X: Charges in approximately 5.4 hours.
Range Indicator Accuracy
Both scooters have range indicators, but we noticed some differences. The Ola S1 Pro tends to show a more optimistic range, while the Ather 450X’s indicator is more realistic. This can affect how we plan our rides, especially for longer trips.
In conclusion, if long rides are your thing, the Ola S1 Pro is likely the better choice. However, for shorter commutes, the Ather 450X still holds its ground.
Comfort and Practicality
Seating and Rider Comfort
When we think about comfort, the Ola S1 Pro really shines. It has a spacious seat that feels great, especially for taller riders. The Ather 450X, while smaller, still offers a decent ride but may feel a bit snug for some.
Under-Seat Storage
In terms of practicality, the Ola S1 Pro wins again with its larger under-seat storage. This extra space is perfect for carrying our essentials, whether it’s a helmet or groceries. The Ather 450X has storage too, but it’s not as roomy.
Suspension and Handling
Both scooters handle well, but they have different feels. The Ather 450X is lighter and offers sharper handling, making it fun to ride in the city. The Ola S1 Pro has a good suspension system that absorbs bumps nicely, but we can still feel some sharp impacts.
Overall, both scooters have their strengths in comfort and practicality. Choosing between them depends on what we value more: space and comfort or agility and handling.
Pricing and Value
Cost Comparison
When we look at the prices, the Ola S1 Pro is the more budget-friendly option. It starts at around ₹1,24,999 ex-showroom, which is quite competitive, especially with various subsidies available. In contrast, the Ather 450X is priced at ₹98,079 ex-showroom, and ₹1,28,443 with the pro pack. This makes the Ather a bit pricier, but it offers some advanced features that might justify the cost for some buyers.
Subsidies and Incentives
Both scooters benefit from government incentives, which can significantly lower the final price. Here are some points to consider:
- State-level subsidies can vary, affecting the overall cost.
- The Ola S1 Pro is often compared to premium petrol scooters in terms of price, making it appealing for those looking to switch to electric.
Ownership Experience
While the Ola S1 Pro is cheaper, we’ve noticed some issues with its home delivery and service model. Many users have reported delays and communication problems. On the other hand, the Ather 450X has a more established service network, which can lead to a more reliable ownership experience.
In the end, while the Ola S1 Pro offers a lower entry price, the Ather 450X may provide better long-term value due to its service reliability and performance.
Safety and Reliability
Safety Features
Both the Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro come equipped with essential safety features. These include hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, ensuring effective stopping power. Additionally, both scooters have LED lighting for better visibility at night. Here are some key safety features:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Helps prevent wheel lock-up during sudden stops.
- Proximity Unlock: Allows the scooter to unlock as you approach it with your smartphone.
- Reverse Assistance: Uses sensors to help avoid collisions when backing up.
Software and Hardware Reliability
When it comes to reliability, the Ather 450X has a solid reputation. It has undergone extensive testing, which gives us confidence in its performance. The Ola S1 Pro, while feature-rich, has faced some software issues that can affect its reliability. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Ather 450X: Known for consistent performance and fewer software glitches.
- Ola S1 Pro: Offers many features but has had reports of software bugs.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service is crucial for any vehicle owner. We’ve found that Ather provides a more reliable service network across India. In contrast, Ola is still expanding its service reach. Here are some points to consider:
- Ather: Strong service network and quick response times.
- Ola: Growing service network but may have longer wait times in some areas.
In conclusion, while both scooters have their strengths, we feel that the Ather 450X offers a more reliable and safer riding experience overall.
Final Thoughts
In summary, both the Ola S1 Pro and Ather 450X have their strengths and weaknesses. The Ola S1 Pro shines with its impressive range, comfort, and affordability, making it a great choice for many riders. However, it does have some quality control issues and software bugs that need fixing. On the other hand, the Ather 450X may not be as powerful or have the same range, but it offers a reliable and enjoyable ride without the frustrating glitches. If you’re looking for a dependable scooter, the Ather 450X is a solid option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in design between the Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro?
The Ather 450X has a sporty and sleek look, while the Ola S1 Pro features a more futuristic design with smooth curves.
How do the features of Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro compare?
Both scooters have a 7-inch display, but the Ather offers reliable Bluetooth and navigation, while the Ola has features like keyless entry that are still being improved.
Which scooter performs better in city traffic?
The Ather 450X is quicker off the line and more agile in city traffic, making it easier to navigate through crowded areas.
What is the battery range for each scooter?
The Ola S1 Pro has a longer range, offering over 100 km in sport mode, while the Ather 450X provides around 74 km.
How comfortable are the rides on both scooters?
The Ola S1 Pro has a more spacious seat and better under-seat storage, while the Ather 450X offers sharp handling and good braking.
Which scooter is more affordable?
The Ola S1 Pro is generally cheaper, especially with available subsidies, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
