The Indian two-wheeler market is seeing a gradual upward trend with brands updating their existing products as well as bringing in new ones. Ather recently updated its 450 Plus with the Gen 3 update while Ola launched a new model, dubbed the S1 Air. Both e-scooters are entry points to their respective brands. So, we’ll compare the two on paper and see what’s on offer.
Design
The Ather 450 Plus Gen 3 has retained a majority of its design from the Gen 2. It features the same apron-mounted LED headlight with turn indicators located on the handlebar. Overall, it still looks equally sporty and should entice young buyers. Meanwhile, the Ola S1 Air borrows its design language from the higher-spec S1 and S1 Pro. It gets twin LED projector headlamps, a wide seat, and curvy side panels. That said, unlike its siblings, the S1 Air gets a flat floorboard and a single tubular grab rail.
Battery and Motor
Powering the Ather e-scooter is a 5.4kW (peak power) motor mated to a 2.6kWh lithium-ion battery. The 450 Plus’s claimed range and top speeds are 85km and 90kmph. Meanwhile, the full charge time is 5 hours and 40 minutes. On the other hand, the Ola S1 Air packs a 4.5kW motor (peak power) and a 2.5kWh battery. It gets a 76km claimed range and a top speed of 85kmph.
Features
Premium EVs are loaded with features, and the Ather450 Plus and Ola S1 Air adhere to the same. The 450 Plus gets a seven-inch touchscreen TFT, smartphone connectivity, navigation, music control, ride modes, document storage, OTA updates, remote location tracking, remote charging status, and ride statistics. The Ola S1 Air too packs a similar set of features and some more like music playback, speakers, and remote lock/unlock.
Hardware
The 450 Plus rides on telescopic front forks and a monoshock. Meanwhile, its braking hardware comprises a 200mm front and 190mm rear disc with CBS and regenerative braking. The setup is mounted on a 90/90-12 front and 100/80-12 rear wheel. The S1 Air’s hardware consists of telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks. As for its braking setup, the Air packs front and rear drum brakes mounted on 90/90-12 front and rear wheels.
Price
The asking price for the Ather 450 Plus is set to Rs 1,34,147 (ex-showroom Delhi inclusive FAME II) and that for the Ola S1 Air is Rs 84,999 (ex-showroom Bengaluru).
