The Indian auto market is flooded with a plethora of choices in the case of electric scooters. While a number of the manufacturers are established gamers, others are comparatively new to the play-field whereas nonetheless others are completely new. And whereas having a number of choices to select from is usually nice, a lot may also be an issue when out looking for a brand new experience.
Similar Bikes
Among the a number of selections out there, we not too long ago acquired the Ather 450X and Okinawa Praise Pro for take a look at rides. Per week with every of those choices was loads of time to evaluate each merchandise. Each has its personal strengths and shortcomings, and are additionally range by way of worth factors however are the flagship merchandise from the respective manufacturers at current. Through all the experience expertise on each merchandise, we additionally tried to pit each towards the Ola S1 Pro which we rode earlier this 12 months, albeit for a far shorter length and inside a gated group close to Bengaluru. Since Ola Electric has managed to generate the utmost buzz (and curiosity), a comparability was felt however apparent.
Let’s first begin with our first impressions of Ola S1 Pro:
Ola S1 Pro:
Priced at round ₹1.30 lakh (ex showroom, earlier than subsidies), the Ola S1 Pro is the higher variant of the debut electric scooter mannequin from Ola Electric. During our one hour experience, we discovered the Ola S1 Pro severely quick, particularly within the Hyper mode. A big show display screen, audio system and beneficiant space for storing below the seat had been spectacular.
![Ola S1 Pro stands on 110/70-R12 MRF tyres. Ola S1 Pro stands on 110/70-R12 MRF tyres.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/2021/11/15/original/Ola_S1_Pro_HT_Auto_5_1636954948381.jpg)
There isn’t any denying that the S1 Pro seeks to strike a steadiness between a product that rides properly and one that provides sufficient to maintain the tech fanatic . But not all of the options promised might be examined by us because the items made out there ran on software program in beta model. We additionally could not take a look at the vary and cost time claims.
![Ola S1 Pro has a youthful air around it and can get seriously fast in no time at all. Ola S1 Pro has a youthful air around it and can get seriously fast in no time at all.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/2021/11/15/600x338/Ola_S1_Pro_HT_Auto_1636954864738_1636954875579.jpg)
The S1 Pro does supply a planted experience and even at speeds nearing triple digits, felt properly balanced. Then once more, the exhaustive experience high quality evaluation stays awaited as do the merchandise too. There is an extended ready time for individuals who have bought the S1 or S1 Pro and for individuals who have solely made a reserving thus far, the much-delayed buy window is now scheduled to open someday January. Following a direct-to-home mannequin, supply timelines might stay affected thereafter.
If you are unwilling to defer your plans of shopping for an electric scooter indefinitely, learn on.
Ather 450X
The top-of-the-line Ather 450X is priced at round ₹1.32 lakh (ex showroom, earlier than subsidies). Ather Energy has been round for a while now and has managed to transcend from being known as a Bengaluru-based start-up to a robust participant int he electric scooter section.
![Reverse mode on Ather 450X makes it easy to slide out of parking spots or park the scooter back into garages. Reverse mode on Ather 450X makes it easy to slide out of parking spots or park the scooter back into garages.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/2021/12/31/original/Ather_450X_1640926157271.jpg)
The 450X seems to be a mature dedication to Ather’s ambitions within the nation. First up, the electric scooter seems very hanging in its Mint color choice. There can also be White and Black to select from.
![The Ather 450X has a compact dimension which helps it to squeeze into tight parking spots. The Ather 450X has a compact dimension which helps it to squeeze into tight parking spots.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/2021/12/31/original/Ather_450X_2_1640926183300.jpg)
The frequent curious glances and queries we acquired at visitors alerts from fellow motorists is proof that even the sharp design on the product has a job to play in catching consideration when on the transfer. Interestingly, most fellow motorists who inquired concerning the product didn’t appear to know of Ather’s existence. A number of others requested if this was the Ola scooter. Ather, up your advertising and marketing sport in Delhi!
But the 450X does have a clear profile with very restricted Ather badges. The LED head and tail lights have a hanging design and there may be additionally a utility gentle for the space for storing below the seat. This house is sufficiently big for a big helmet or the Ather transportable charging unit, however not each collectively.
The 450X has 4 experience modes – Eco, Ride, Sport and Warp. While Eco is usually meant to be used in heavy visitors conditions, the Ride mode ought to suffice for many elements. If there are two individuals on the electric scooter, the Sport mode offers the required push whereas the Warp mode is an absolute thrill. Unless cornering at comparatively excessive speeds, the 450X additionally stays fairly regular in its experience traits.
Unfortunately although, Warp mode takes a large toll on the vary. A complete of 80 kms is one of the best we might handle on a full cost and in Eco. Mix it up between Ride and Sport and you can get between 50 kms to 60 kms earlier than the Ather 450X would require a plug again in. Using a house charging level, this usually takes 5 hours.
The different options like maps and Bluetooth work as supposed.
Okinawa Praise Pro
Priced at ₹80,000 (ex showroom, earlier than incentives), the Okinawa Praise Pro has its priorities proper. Unlike the above two merchandise, it seems extra of a scooter than a scooty, has sharp design angles, high-positioned head lights and switch indicators and a comparatively excessive ground mattress.
![Okinawa Praise Pro isn't the quickest off the block but does benefit from a calm riding characteer. Okinawa Praise Pro isn't the quickest off the block but does benefit from a calm riding characteer.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/2021/12/31/original/Okinawa_Praise_Pro_1640926215114.jpg)
The largest benefit that Praise Pro has over Ather 450X and Ola S1 is that it comes with a removable battery which will be charged at house or workplace areas utilizing a daily wall energy level – very similar to cell telephones. Sure it’s heavy to hold however then once more, if there is a charging level within the parking space, one can plug the scooter in there too.
But this additionally means that there’s zero space for storing for anything below the hood. In our grocery run, we saved thanking the massive ground mattress for the house it supplied for our luggage in addition to toes. There is extra space for storing on the entrance apron which additionally has a USB charging slot.
![Okinawa Praise Pro comes with a side stand - as seen here, or a regular center-mounted stand too. The alloys on the front look very attractive. Okinawa Praise Pro comes with a side stand - as seen here, or a regular center-mounted stand too. The alloys on the front look very attractive.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/2021/12/31/original/Okinawa_Praise_Pro_2_1640926241086.jpg)
In phrases of experience dynamics, the Praise Pro will get Eco and Sport mode. In the previous, the scooter has a prime pace of 45 kmph whereas in Sport, this goes as much as round 65 kmph. For a bit extra push, there’s a button for Turbo which takes the pace as much as 75 kmph for a couple of minutes earlier than the mode is mechanically disengaged.
What we did not like although was the way wherein the battery standing was displayed. It is a battery bar on the digital display screen which works up and down relying on the mode chosen and there may be actually no efficient option to know what number of extra kms will be traveled earlier than a recharge is required. On the secure aspect, we discovered plugging the scooter in with two bars left to be one of the best ways.
Verdict:
The Ola S1 Pro is the flashiest of the lot. Its hyper mode is superior enjoyable and the claimed vary is first rate. But supply timelines are slightly muddled and Ola Electric must come good on the promise of at-home service community. The claimed vary determine is at 180 kms
The Ather 450X is a assured product with first rate experience traits. It has new-age tech to maintain riders busy even when not on the transfer. Per-charge vary although is a slight concern. The claimed vary determine is at 116 kms
The Okinawa Praise Pro is relatively inexpensive and whereas it lacks a number of experience and tech-based options which Ola and Ather has – like Cruise Control, Reverse Mode and so forth, it does ship on the promise of a secure experience. The removable battery is extra a success than a miss as a result of having the choice ought to work properly for a lot of.
Note: This comparability is for reference goal solely. The Ola S1 Pro was examined for one hour in a gated group close to Bengaluru. Ather 450X and Okinawa Praise Pro had been examined in Delhi over 4 days.