Value engineering is an interesting subject if afforded the time to study it. Of late, electric scooters have started to interest me and one of the most interesting ones in recent times is the Ola electric scooter. I have been spending time with the Ola S1 Pro and so far it has been an interesting journey, to get an insight into the future of motoring. Take starting the scooter for example. You do not get a key or a key fob. The S1 Pro can be started by inputting a password on the touchscreen or via the app on your phone. I prefer using the app as it is more convenient than typing in the password. That said the screen is responsive and easy to swipe through even with riding gloves on.
While the powertrain and range have been impressive, I reckon the S1 Pro has the potential to be impressive even without the current electric powertrain. As a whole, it is a well-built scooter with sorted dynamics, ride quality, space and comfort. The seat is wide and comfortable while the unique suspension is quite absorbent. It handles well too, aided by the wide tyres which offer impressive grip.
The underseat storage space is quite generous and even with the extra large charger stored, has enough space for my laptop bag and knick knacks. Sadly, it is not deep enough to store fullsize helmets. The seat can be opened via the touchscreen and the app but what happens when the battery dies out? This is something I intend to find out over the coming months. Thankfully, range anxiety has not been an issue for my 40-kilometre daily commute. In fact, I have even dropped my wife at her office in the opposite direction, adding another 40 kilometres to daily commute and range anxiety still refused to kick in.
The lack of range anxiety allows me to revel in the Ola S1 Pro’s faster riding modes. I commute to office in 60 percent Sport mode and 40 percent Hyper mode with the return back home purely in Hyper mode. At the end of the day, the range still hovers between 30 and 40 percent. While it takes around four to five hours to fully charge the scooter from 30 percent with the 750- watt portable charger, the Ola S1 Pro is one of the few electric scooters sold here to feature fast charging.
The lack of range anxiety allows me to revel in the Ola S1 Pro’s faster riding modes. I commute to office in 60 percent Sport mode and 40 percent Hyper mode with the return back home purely in Hyper mode. At the end of the day, the range still hovers between 30 and 40 percent. While it takes around four to five hours to fully charge the scooter from 30 percent with the 750- watt portable charger, the Ola S1 Pro is one of the few electric scooters sold here to feature fast charging. I plugged it into one of the fast chargers near the office and it was fully charged within an hour! The Hyper mode is quite addictive, especially the way it accelerates even beyond 60kmph. It’s bloody quick! Most motorists are surprised to see an electric scooter overtaking them and often make a futile effort to catch up. More on the scooter soon!
