Ola S1 Pro

Ola Electric introduced the MoveOS 3 OTA update in late 2022, bringing the promised features that were initially announced when the electric scooter was launched in 2021. The question is, how have these updates impacted the riding experience of the S1 Pro? We'll dive into that shortly, but first, let's take a closer look at the Ola S1 Pro scooter:

Sleek and Compact

Comparatively, the Ola S1 Pro carries a bit of weight. At 125kg, it's 7kg heavier than the TVS iQube Electric and, notably, a hefty 17kg more than the Ather 450X. Nevertheless, Ola has done a good job arranging the battery packs, effectively lowering the center of gravity. This means you won't feel the weight as much when manoeuvring. Consequently, it's fairly effortless to navigate the scooter in parking lots, not to mention the reverse mode that's there to assist if needed.

Plenty of Storage

One advantage of the distinct banana-shaped batteries is the ample storage space beneath the seat – a generous 36 litres to be exact. But don't get your hopes up for fitting a full-face helmet; unfortunately, it's not deep enough. You can, however, fit two half-face helmets and even tuck a portable charger into one of them. Beyond that, the boot is capacious enough for a sizable backpack, and a couple of small exposed cubbies at the front come in handy for holding your phone and other odds and ends. Just be aware that the charging port lacks a lock, making it somewhat vulnerable to tampering.

Slightly Restrictive Ergonomics

Although the floorboard of the S1 Pro seems spacious at first glance, the curved design restricts the movement of your feet, especially if you have larger feet. This can lead to some discomfort, as you might find yourself longing for more legroom. Additionally, the presence of a central spine for wiring prevents the floor from being completely flat, which could make transporting certain items a bit tricky. Nevertheless, it's still capable of accommodating a small suitcase, and a small luggage hook is present for holding grocery bags.

Inconsistent Quality

While some colour options might not exhibit this, we noticed variations in paint quality on the gloss black version of the S1 Pro we tested. Additionally, the glossiness of the colors differed from one another, lacking a consistent sheen. The switches on the scooter felt rather rubbery and lacked tactile feedback. They resembled car buttons more than scooter controls, leading to occasional difficulties, such as locating the horn switch. Lastly, the charging port lacks a lock, which could potentially lead to tampering.

Proximity Unlock and Profiles

Thanks to the new Move OS 3 update, you don't need to input a password or use the app to unlock the S1 Pro. The scooter now utilizes Proximity Lock/Unlock, automatically detecting your smartphone's presence to lock or unlock itself. While this feature is convenient and secure, the unlocking aspect didn't function consistently during our testing, so we often resorted to using the password. Since this feature is in the Beta stage, future updates are likely to address these issues. Ola Electric has also introduced the ability to add multiple user profiles to the scooter's onboard computer, eliminating the need for OTPs every time someone else uses the scooter. The scooter even retains the settings associated with each profile.

Moods and More

MoveOS 3 introduces the 'Moods' UI themes – Vintage, Bolt, and Eclipse (standard) – to the S1 Pro. Each theme boasts a unique design and its own corresponding 'exhaust notes'. While the concept of these themes is intriguing, the sounds themselves can be a bit irksome, particularly during extended rides. Thankfully, the sound effects can be turned off. Another noteworthy feature is Hill Hold, which prevents the scooter from rolling back on slopes. Though it's still in the Beta stage, it functions as intended, albeit requiring both brakes to be held to activate it.

Party Mode, Bluetooth Calling, and Safety Lights

This update further enhances the scooter's connected features. Party Mode allows you to play music while the scooter's lights sync with the rhythm when stationary. The S1 Pro also now supports call notification alerts and offers the ability to reject calls with an automated message.

Enhanced Performance

MoveOS 3 brings the option to switch between default, low, and high levels of regenerative braking. While each level offers a discernible difference in riding experience, even at the highest setting, the regen isn't as robust as that found in the TVS iQube or the Bajaj Chetak. The update also includes subtle performance upgrades. The Eco Mode benefits from slightly improved acceleration, making it more manageable in urban settings. However, overtaking remains a bit of a challenge due to its limited top speed in this mode. Normal and Sport modes now offer better acceleration, shaving over a second off the nought to 60kmph sprint times. Hyper Mode also sees a marginal improvement in acceleration. This enhanced performance is accompanied by a slightly recalibrated throttle response, allowing for brake modulation while navigating traffic.

Impressive Range Boost

With MoveOS 2, we achieved a range of 141km, which has now improved to an impressive 147.68km with the latest update. This makes the S1 Pro the electric vehicle with the most extensive range tested so far. However, the Eco mode's usability remains a concern, as the last 15 percent of battery charge is often spent limping back home to recharge.

Verdict

The MoveOS 3 update brings a slew of new features to the already feature-rich S1 Pro, significantly enhancing the overall riding experience. The question is, is the Ola S1 Pro worth its Rs 1.40 lakh price tag (ex-showroom, including FAME-II subsidy)?

Despite considerable improvements, issues with paint quality and fit-and-finish persist, making it challenging to wholeheartedly recommend the scooter. However, Ola's efforts in expanding the Hypercharger network, establishing showrooms, and setting up service centers indicate a commitment to providing an enhanced experience. With these efforts in mind, we hope to see improvements in both product quality and services offered. And while we're discussing improvements, an enhanced throttle calibration and a more practical Eco mode could potentially be on the horizon for the MoveOS 3.1 OTA update.