Ola Electric recently launched its most affordable electric scooter, the S1 Air. It looks similar to the existing variants but packs a different motor and hardware. Now, it rivals the likes of TVS iQube, so we’ve faired the two e-scooters on paper. Here are the results.
Design
The TVS iQube looks pretty futuristic and family-friendly. It gets an apron-mounted LED headlight and an LED DRL on the handlebar cowl. The iQube’s side panels are large and give it an overall minimalist look. The TVS e-scooter too gets a single-piece rear grab rail. The S1 Air features the same design as its siblings. It gets twin LED projector lamps with an LED light on the periphery. Even the side panels and the seat design looks the same. Ola has equipped the S1 with a single-piece tubular rear grab rail. That said, the S1 Air gets a flat footboard which should act as added storage space.
Features
On the feature front, the TVS iQube sports LED illumination, a five-inch TFT screen, smartphone connectivity, navigation, call alerts, side stand alerts, geo-fencing, anti-theft alerts, live location status, regenerative braking, and crash/fall alert. On the other hand, the Ola S1 Air is equipped with LED illumination, a seven-inch TFT touchscreen, three ride modes (eco, normal, and sport), CBS, side stand alert, smartphone connectivity, navigation, music playback, OTA updates, remote boot lock/unlock, and predictive maintenance.
Battery and Motor
Powering the Hosur-based EV is a 3kW motor mated to a 3.4kWh battery. TVS claims that the iQube’s range is 100km and its top speed is limited to 78kmph. Meanwhile, the S1 Air houses a 4.5kW motor (peak power) and a 2.5kWh battery. The Ola e-scooter gets a claimed range of 76km and a top speed of 85kmph.
Hardware
Both scooters ride on telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks. TVS has equipped the iQube with a front disc and rear drum brake whereas the S1 Air gets drum brakes at both ends. That said, the two EVs get the same size of wheels and tyres: 90/90-12 for both front and rear.
Price
TVS has priced at iQube at Rs 1.12 lakh (on-road Bengaluru) while the Ola S1 Air costs Rs 84,999 (ex-showroom Bengaluru).
