Which Electric Scooter to Choose: Ola S1 Pro or Ather 45

Introduction

When it comes to choosing an electric scooter, the Ola S1 Pro and Ather 45 stand out as top contenders. Both scooters offer a range of features and performance, but which one is the better choice? In this article, we will compare these two models comprehensively to help you make an informed decision.

Performance Metrics

Riding Range

The Ola S1 Pro boasts a riding range of 195 km, making it a formidable choice for longer commutes. The Ather 45, on the other hand, has a more modest range of 111 km. Despite the difference in range, Ather 45's real-world range is up to 116 km, which is a close second. This makes the Ather 45 a reliable option for shorter but more frequent rides.

Top Speed and Acceleration

In terms of top speed, the Ola S1 Pro can reach up to 120 km/h, while the Ather 45 maxes out at 90 km/h. The Ather 45, despite having a lower top speed, compensates with faster acceleration, reaching 0-40 km/h in just 3.3 seconds compared to the Ola S1 Pro's 3 seconds. This makes the Ather 45 a more agile choice for navigating through traffic.

Battery and Charging

Battery Capacity

The Ola S1 Pro has a slightly larger 4 kWh battery, whereas the Ather 45 manages with a 2.9 kWh battery. However, the Ather 45's 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery provides a more realistic range of up to 116 km per charge, which is competitive with the Ola S1 Pro's claimed 135 km.

The charging process is also different. The Ola S1 Pro supports fast charging with 0-50 charge in 18 minutes using a fast charger, but full charging takes about 6.5 hours with a home charger. The Ather 45, however, can achieve 0-80 charge in just 50 minutes using a fast charger, with a full charge taking around 5 hours using a home charger.

Features

The Ather 45 comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard that includes navigation features, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple ride modes. It also has a reverse mode, hill hold, and other tech-savvy features. This makes it a user-friendly choice for tech-savvy riders.

The Ola S1 Pro features a digital touchscreen display, cloud connectivity, reverse mode, cruise control, hill hold, and voice assistant integration. The additional features like cloud connectivity and voice assistant make it a more modern and connected option.

Design and Build

Both scooters are equipped with LED lighting, disc brakes, and alloy wheels. However, the Ather 45 has a more sporting appearance, while the Ola S1 Pro presents a sleek and contemporary design. The design differences might be a deciding factor for some riders based on their preference.

Service and Support

When it comes to service and support, the Ather 45 has a more selective city presence with a focus on customer experience. Working with the Ather 45 has been hassle-free, and the service is top-notch. In contrast, Ola being a larger entity has a less robust service infrastructure. Users often have to put in extra effort to resolve issues. Personal experience consistently backs the Ather's service being more reliable and convenient.

Conclusion

Given the performance, features, and support, the Ather 45 stands out as a more reliable and user-friendly choice, even though it has a higher price point. While the Ola S1 Pro is impressive with its long-range and speed, the Ather 45 offers a more balanced and supportive experience.

Which electric scooter would you choose based on the features and performance?