Ola launched its cheapest entry-level e-scooter, the S1 Air a few days ago, at an introductory price of Rs. 79,999 this price was valid till 24 only.Th After October, the price increased to Rs. 84,999. The S1 Air is based on the S1 platform with a few tweaks to ensure the product’s affordability. The Air looks like a stripped down, base model version of the upmarket looking S1 with its black lower body panels instead of the body color found on its premium siblings.
To keep costs under control, Ola has changed simple mechanicals and underpinnings as the S1 Air is equipped with traditional steel wheels with drum brakes at both ends and no option to upgrade to discs. The unique, futuristic-looking single-sided front fork is also gone and replaced by a common telescopic unit with twin rear shock absorbers. What’s new with the S1 Air is the hub-mounted electric motor that produces a peak power of 4.5kW that reaches a top speed of 90km/h. The motor draws power from a small 2.5kWh battery pack which is good for a range of 101km in Eco mode.
This entry-level e-scooter is around 25kg lighter than the S1 Pro, thanks to a smaller battery and simpler mechanicals, tipping the scales at just 99kgs. Ola has given the S1 Air three riding modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. Further changes include underseat storage capacity reduced by 2kg to 34 liters and a basic single-piece tubular grab rail at the rear. The e-scooter now sports a flat floorboard thanks to which buyers will find it much easier to carry their stuff despite the massive boot.
The good news is that the S1 Air will come equipped with Ola’s new software – Move OS 3.0 as standard with features like Hill Hold functionality, Proximity Unlock, Party Mode, Modes, Multiple Profiles so that users can change passcodes. Or keys, full-LED lighting and speakers have to share the same seven-inch color TFT touchscreen display as offered on the more expensive S1 and S1 Pro. The S1 Air, despite being affordable, sports reversing function and is offered in four color schemes – Neo Mint, Coral Glam, Jet Black, Porcelain White, and Liquid Silver. According to Ola, we can expect deliveries to start in the first quarter of 2023.