OLA S1X 2025 : The electric two-wheeler segment in India has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, evolving from niche curiosities to mainstream mobility options.
Leading this charge has been homegrown manufacturer Ola Electric, which disrupted the market with its initial S1 series. Now, with the launch of the 2025 S1X, Ola is looking to redefine value propositions in the segment once again.
I had the opportunity to test ride the new S1X at Ola’s Future Factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu last week, spending a full day putting it through its paces on the test track and simulated urban environments.
The experience was illuminating, revealing both how far electric scooters have come and where Ola is pushing the boundaries with this latest iteration.
Design Evolution: Familiar Yet Fresh
The 2025 S1X maintains the distinctive silhouette that has become synonymous with Ola’s design language, but introduces several refinements that give it a more premium presence.
The flowing body panels and minimalist aesthetic remain, but with sharper creases and more defined character lines that create a more sophisticated appearance.
Available in seven colors, including three new premium options with a matte finish, the S1X makes a stronger visual statement than its predecessors.
The new “Eclipse Black” with its subtle gray undertones is particularly striking, with a depth to the finish that photographs don’t quite capture.
“We wanted to maintain our design DNA while elevating the perceived quality,” explained Nidhi Sharma, Head of Product Design at Ola Electric, during our walkaround.
“The 2025 S1X introduces more premium materials, improved panel gaps, and subtle design elements that communicate quality without shouting about it.”
This attention to detail is evident in elements like the redesigned LED headlight, which now features a distinctive light signature that functions as both DRL and turn indicator.
The rear section has been resculpted with a sleeker LED taillight assembly that spans the width of the scooter, giving it a more contemporary appearance.
Practical improvements include a larger floorboard with enhanced texturing for better grip in wet conditions, and redesigned grab rails that offer passengers a more secure hold.
The side stand now includes a safety feature that prevents the scooter from moving when deployed—a small but thoughtful addition.
Premium Touches: Elevating the Experience
Where the 2025 S1X really distinguishes itself from both previous generations and competitors is in the attention to detail and premium features that have trickled down from higher segments.
The handlebar setup has been completely redesigned, with better switch gear that offers tactile feedback significantly improved over earlier models.
The horn button, previously criticized for being difficult to locate by feel, has been enlarged and repositioned for easier access.
The seat deserves special mention—Ola has replaced the somewhat firm cushioning of the original S1X with a dual-density foam setup that offers significantly better comfort for both rider and passenger.
The seat height remains accessible at 800mm, but the contouring has been improved to accommodate riders of varying heights more comfortably.
Storage capacity has been increased to 34 liters, up from 30 liters in the previous generation. This under-seat storage is now illuminated and features a USB-C charging port—small touches that enhance everyday usability.
The glove box on the front apron has also been redesigned with a dampened opening mechanism and felt lining that prevents items from rattling.
“The focus wasn’t just on adding more features, but on improving the ones that matter most in daily use,” noted Varun Dubey, Chief Marketing Officer at Ola Electric.
“We analyzed thousands of customer feedback points to identify pain areas and delight factors.”
Technology: Smarter and More Intuitive
The centerpiece of the tech experience remains the touchscreen display, which has been upgraded to a 7-inch unit with higher resolution (1024×600) and improved brightness for better outdoor visibility.
The interface has been completely redesigned with a more intuitive layout and reduced latency—addressing one of the more persistent complaints about earlier models.
The MoveOS software has evolved to version 5.0, bringing several new features:
Enhanced Navigation: Turn-by-turn directions now include lane guidance and real-time traffic updates
Ride Profiles: Customizable settings for throttle response, regenerative braking intensity, and top speed
Smart Home Integration: Control compatible smart home devices directly from the scooter
Advanced Voice Commands: The system now recognizes natural language queries for functions beyond basic navigation
Predictive Maintenance: AI-powered diagnostics that can predict potential issues before they cause problems
The companion app has also received a significant overhaul, with a cleaner interface and expanded functionality. Particularly useful is the new “Remote Diagnostics” feature, which can identify over 100 potential issues without requiring a visit to the service center.
If a service visit is necessary, the app can now schedule appointments and provide estimated completion times based on current service center loads.
Security features have been expanded with the addition of fall detection, which automatically sends location alerts to emergency contacts, and an enhanced anti-theft system that uses multiple sensors to detect unauthorized movement.
Performance and Range: Setting New Standards
The most significant upgrades to the 2025 S1X come in the form of its powertrain and battery system. Ola has developed a new mid-drive motor that delivers 8.5 kW of peak power, a substantial increase from the 6 kW motor in the previous generation.
This translates to improved acceleration and hill-climbing ability, with the S1X now capable of tackling 18-degree inclines without struggling.
Three variants of the S1X will be available at launch:
| Variant | Battery Capacity | Range (IDC) | Top Speed | 0-40 km/h | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1X 2 | 2 kWh | 85 km | 85 km/h | 3.8s | ₹79,999 |
| S1X 3 | 3 kWh | 125 km | 90 km/h | 3.6s | ₹89,999 |
| S1X 4 | 4 kWh | 190 km | 105 km/h | 3.1s | ₹1,09,999 |
The standout here is clearly the S1X 4 variant, which offers nearly 50% more range than the previous top model.
This puts it in territory previously occupied only by much more expensive models and addresses one of the primary concerns potential EV buyers have—range anxiety.
The range figures aren’t just theoretical improvements either. During my test ride on the S1X 4, I completed a 75 km route that included city riding, highway stretches, and some spirited riding on the test track.
The battery level dropped from 100% to 61%, suggesting a real-world range of approximately 170-175 km—impressive for a scooter in this price segment.
Charging infrastructure has also been addressed with the new “Hypercharger+” network that Ola is rolling out across the country. These updated stations can add up to 85 km of range in 15 minutes on the S1X 4 model.
For home charging, the included 750W portable charger can fully charge the 2 kWh battery in about 3 hours, the 3 kWh battery in 4.5 hours, and the 4 kWh battery in 6 hours.
Ride quality has seen noticeable improvements thanks to reworked suspension settings. The front telescopic fork now offers 30mm of travel (up from 25mm), while the rear monoshock has been retuned for better compliance over broken surfaces.
The scooter feels more planted at speed and handles urban obstacles like speed breakers with greater composure.
The riding modes have been expanded to four options:
Eco: Maximizes range with gentle acceleration and limited top speed
Normal: Balanced performance for everyday riding
Sport: Enhanced acceleration and responsiveness
Hyper: Unlocks maximum performance (exclusive to S1X 4 variant)
In Hyper mode, the S1X 4 is genuinely quick, with enough torque to surprise unsuspecting motorcyclists at traffic lights.
The throttle calibration is much improved over earlier models, with a more progressive delivery that makes the scooter easier to control in stop-and-go traffic.
Braking performance has also been enhanced with a larger 220mm front disc (up from 200mm) and improved rear drum brake.
The combined braking system works effectively, though I would have preferred a disc brake at the rear on the premium variant.
Practical Considerations: Ownership Experience
Beyond the hardware and software improvements, Ola has made significant strides in addressing the ownership experience.
The service network has expanded to over 400 centers nationwide, with mobile service options available in 120 cities.
Warranty coverage has been extended to 8 years/80,000 km for the battery pack and 5 years/50,000 km for the motor and controller—industry-leading figures that should help alleviate concerns about long-term reliability.
A new “Battery Assurance Program” guarantees that the battery will maintain at least 70% of its original capacity for 5 years, with a replacement provided if it falls below this threshold.
For an additional ₹9,999, customers can opt for the “Power Pack” that extends this guarantee to 8 years and includes annual maintenance.
The ownership calculator on Ola’s website provides a transparent breakdown of costs, showing that over a 5-year period, the S1X 3 would cost approximately ₹67,000 less to own than a comparable petrol scooter, factoring in purchase price, running costs, and maintenance.
Manufacturing and Sustainability
The Future Factory in Tamil Nadu continues to expand, with annual capacity now reaching 2 million units. What’s particularly notable is Ola’s push toward more sustainable manufacturing processes.
The factory now operates on 100% renewable energy, with a combination of on-site solar and wind power purchase agreements.
Component localization has reached 96%, reducing both carbon footprint from transportation and dependency on international supply chains.
The battery cells, previously imported, are now being manufactured at Ola’s adjacent gigafactory—making it the first electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India to produce cells domestically.
The company has also implemented a comprehensive battery recycling program, recovering up to 93% of materials from end-of-life battery packs for reuse in new batteries or other applications.
Real-World Impressions: Living with the S1X
Technical specifications and feature lists only tell part of the story. What matters more is how the scooter performs in everyday use. During my day with the S1X 4, several aspects stood out:
The ride quality is substantially improved, with better damping over rough surfaces and more confident handling through corners.
The scooter feels more substantial and planted than its predecessors, inspiring greater confidence at higher speeds.
The quietness of operation remains a highlight, with only a faint whir from the motor even under hard acceleration.
Wind and road noise become the predominant sounds at speeds above 50 km/h, creating a strangely serene riding experience compared to petrol alternatives.
The throttle response is more intuitive now, with a natural feel that makes it easy to modulate speed precisely.
This is particularly noticeable in congested traffic, where smooth, controlled progress is essential.
The touchscreen, while improved, still requires taking your eyes off the road momentarily to operate.
The addition of physical buttons for key functions like mode selection and headlight control is a welcome ergonomic improvement.
Heat management has seen significant improvement. Even after spirited riding in 34°C ambient temperature, the scooter showed no signs of thermal throttling or performance degradation—an issue that occasionally affected earlier models.
Competitive Landscape: Where Does It Stand?
The electric scooter segment has evolved rapidly, with several strong offerings now available across various price points.
The 2025 S1X lineup positions itself strategically across this spectrum:
The base S1X 2 at ₹79,999 undercuts most established competitors while offering comparable or superior specifications, making it an excellent entry point for first-time EV buyers.
The mid-tier S1X 3 at ₹89,999 hits the sweet spot of range and performance that most urban commuters require, competing directly with models like the Ather 450X and TVS iQube.
The premium S1X 4 at ₹1,09,999 enters territory previously dominated by models costing ₹1.3 lakh and above, offering class-leading range and performance at a more accessible price point.
What gives the S1X lineup a particular advantage is the extensive charging network that Ola has established, with over 1,500 Hypercharger stations now operational across 300+ cities.
This infrastructure advantage, combined with the improved range, addresses the two most significant barriers to EV adoption.
OLA S1X 2025 Conclusion: Raising the Bar
The 2025 Ola S1X represents a significant step forward not just for the company but for the electric scooter segment as a whole.
By combining improved build quality, thoughtful feature additions, and genuinely useful range enhancements at competitive price points, Ola has created a compelling package that should appeal to both existing EV enthusiasts and those still on the fence.
The most impressive aspect isn’t any single feature but rather the cohesiveness of the overall package. The 2025 S1X feels like a product that has benefited from several iterations of customer feedback, addressing pain points while building on strengths.
Is it perfect? No. The touchscreen interface, while improved, still has occasional lag. Some plastic components don’t quite match the premium feel Ola is aiming for.
And the service experience, though expanded, remains inconsistent across locations based on user reports.
But these are relatively minor quibbles in the context of what the S1X offers—a practical, feature-rich electric scooter with genuinely usable range at a price point that makes the math work in favor of electric mobility.
For urban commuters looking to make the switch from petrol to electric, the 2025 S1X makes a stronger case than ever before.
As the electric two-wheeler market continues to mature, the bar for what constitutes a competitive offering keeps rising.
With the 2025 S1X lineup, Ola hasn’t just cleared that bar—they’ve raised it significantly for everyone else.