Ola S1X Plus: Redefining Budget Electric Mobility in India

The electric two-wheeler market in India has been heating up over the past few years, and Ola Electric has been at the forefront of this revolution. After disrupting the premium scooter market with the S1 Pro, Ola took the affordability route with its S1X series. Among them, the Ola S1X Plus stands out as the most balanced variant, combining attractive pricing with meaningful features.

With an emphasis on modern design, smart connectivity, and practical range, the S1X Plus is an ideal choice for urban commuters transitioning to electric mobility. Let’s dive into what makes this electric scooter a game-changer in the mass-market EV space.


A Look at the Design: Bold Yet Practical

The Ola S1X Plus embraces a minimalist yet sharp design philosophy. Unlike the more premium S1 Pro, this scooter has subtle styling cues that appeal to a wider range of users — especially those who prefer function over flash.

Key design highlights:

  • Clean, aerodynamic body panels
  • Slim LED headlamp housed in a distinctive oval casing
  • Flush body-colored panels with new dual-tone options
  • Simple handlebar layout for ease of use

While it lacks some of the visual drama of higher-end electric scooters, it still looks modern and sleek. The scooter is now available in dual-tone color options, adding to its style quotient for younger buyers.


Performance and Powertrain

At the heart of the Ola S1X Plus is a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery, paired with a hub-mounted electric motor that delivers peak power of 4.5 kW. This setup ensures that while the scooter remains energy-efficient, it doesn’t compromise on performance for daily use.

Key performance stats:

  • Top speed: 90 km/h
  • 0–40 km/h: Around 3.3 seconds
  • Claimed range: Up to 151 km (IDC)

While real-world range may fall between 100–120 km depending on riding habits, this is still impressive for a scooter in its price bracket.


Ride Quality and Comfort

The S1X Plus has been designed with everyday usability in mind. The riding posture is upright and relaxed, suitable for both short city trips and longer daily commutes.

Suspension Setup:

  • Front: Telescopic forks
  • Rear: Dual shock absorbers
  • Brakes: Drum brakes on both ends (CBS standard)
  • Wheels: 12-inch steel rims with tubeless tyres

The ride quality is stable and smooth even over speed breakers or broken patches, although suspension tuning is on the firmer side — more suited for urban use than rural terrain.


Technology and Connectivity

This is where the Ola S1X Plus begins to separate itself from other budget EVs. Despite being positioned as a mid-entry offering, it gets a 7-inch touchscreen TFT display, powered by Ola’s MoveOS platform.

Smart features include:

  • Navigation
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Vehicle tracking and geo-fencing
  • Ride modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
  • OTA (Over-the-Air) updates

While the basic S1X variant uses a simpler LCD unit, the Plus model gives you a full digital experience — something previously reserved for higher-end scooters.


Charging and Battery Efficiency

The S1X Plus comes with a portable charger and supports home charging via a regular 5A socket.

Charging time:

  • 0 to 100% with 500W charger: Around 7.5 hours
  • Ola has also begun expanding its Hypercharger network across Indian cities, which may be accessible to S1X users for faster charging in the future.

The battery is fixed (non-removable), but thanks to Ola’s extensive network plans, long-term charging flexibility should improve.


Variants and Comparison

The Ola S1X lineup comes in three versions:

  1. Ola S1X (2 kWh) – Basic features, lowest price
  2. Ola S1X (3 kWh) – Higher range, same design
  3. Ola S1X Plus (3 kWh + TFT) – Smart features + top range

The S1X Plus stands out because it brings the best of both worlds: affordability and advanced tech. For a small price premium, users get a connected dashboard and a richer riding experience.


Pricing and Value for Money

As of mid-2024, the Ola S1X Plus is priced at around ₹89,999 (ex-showroom) including FAME II and applicable state subsidies. This makes it one of the most competitively priced electric scooters with smart features.

Considering the tech stack, decent performance, and Ola’s brand presence, the S1X Plus offers outstanding value in the sub-₹1 lakh EV segment.


Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

  • Futuristic design with new color options
  • Excellent range for the price
  • Smart touchscreen dashboard
  • Ride modes and OTA updates
  • Strong acceleration and top speed for city use

❌ Cons:

  • Drum brakes only, no disc option
  • Non-removable battery
  • Long charging time with standard charger
  • Build quality is decent but not premium

After-Sales Service and Support

Ola Electric has been scaling up its Experience Centers, mobile service vans, and at-home servicing to address customer concerns around support. While initial reviews of service quality were mixed, recent updates suggest an improvement in responsiveness.

Warranty:

  • Battery: 3 years or up to 40,000 km (extendable)
  • Motor and electronics: Covered under manufacturer’s warranty

As Ola continues to expand, post-sales support and service infrastructure are expected to become more robust.


Who Is the Ola S1X Plus For?

This scooter is perfect for:

  • Daily city commuters
  • College students and first-time riders
  • Budget-conscious buyers wanting smart features
  • Eco-conscious families looking for a second vehicle

It’s also great for those making the first switch from petrol to electric, thanks to its simplicity, style, and technology.


Final Verdict: Is the Ola S1X Plus Worth It?

Absolutely. The Ola S1X Plus hits the sweet spot between affordability and modern tech. It doesn’t try to be flashy, but it gives users everything they truly need in an urban electric scooter — range, speed, features, and value.

If you want a reliable EV without breaking the bank, and you care about being part of the future of mobility, the S1X Plus is a smart investment.

Ola’s growing brand, software-driven features, and competitive pricing make this scooter one of the top choices in 2024 for practical electric commuting.


FAQs

Q1: What is the real-world range of the Ola S1X Plus?
You can expect 100–120 km in mixed riding conditions, though Ola claims 151 km (IDC cycle).

Q2: Does the Ola S1X Plus support fast charging?
It currently supports standard charging; fast-charging support may be enabled via Ola’s Hypercharger network in the future.

Q3: What is the top speed of the S1X Plus?
The scooter can reach up to 90 km/h, making it one of the fastest in its class.

Q4: Is the touchscreen waterproof and durable?
Yes, Ola’s TFT displays are IP-rated for water resistance and can withstand general urban weather conditions.

Q5: What colors is the S1X Plus available in?
It is now offered in a range of dual-tone and solid colors, recently expanded to cater to different style preferences.


Five Dual-Tone Colors Added to Ola S1X