Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 vs Ather 450 Apex: Premium electric scooters compared!

On paper, the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 sounds a fair bit better than the Ather 450 Apex

• The Ather 450 Apex’s 3kW motor ensures a solid 100kmph top speed
• That said, the S1 Pro Gen 2’s top speed is a claimed 120kmph
• As for the range, the Ather 450 Apex claims a good 157km in eco-mode

Ather recently unveiled its flagship electric scooter, the 450 Apex. Its debut was preceded by the launch of the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2. So, among these recently launched premium electric scooters, which one aligns better with your lifestyle? Let's explore this question in depth through a comprehensive comparison narrative.

Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 vs Ather 450 Apex: Designs

The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 stands out within the S1 range with its sleek design, notably featuring a smaller headlight cowl. The apron and side panel design closely resemble those of the standard S1. Additional visual differentiators include a telescopic fork and blacked-out steel wheels.

Regarding features, the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 offers a comprehensive range, including multiple riding modes, a reverse mode, a side stand alert, a TFT instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity with navigation, and even cruise control.

However, it's essential to acknowledge that specific features may vary depending on the chosen variant. For a detailed breakdown of the feature distinctions, please refer to the Variants section for comprehensive information, providing a clear overview of the specific features available within the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 lineup.

Warp+ mode also introduces a playful redesign of the TFT display UI, creating a 'warp speed' appearance. However, the significant innovation with the Ather 450 Apex lies in something called Magic Twist, a feature set to extend to the company’s future lineup.

Essentially, Magic Twist offers a regenerative braking function where twisting the accelerator backward gradually slows the scooter to a halt. While some electric two-wheelers in the UK already offer regenerative braking to varying degrees, none have achieved the same level of strength and effectiveness as Ather's implementation.

Ather acknowledges the challenge of providing a consistent regenerative braking experience, given its dependency on factors such as battery state of charge and vehicle speed. Unlike cars, which utilize e-brakes to mitigate the inconsistencies of traditional regenerative braking and offer a 'one-pedal driving' experience, this isn't feasible on a budget e-scooter.

Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 vs Ather 450 Apex: Motors

The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 electric scooter features a hub motor delivering a continuous power output of 6kW with a top speed capped at 120kmph. Riders can choose from multiple riding modes: Eco, Normal, and Sports, catering to diverse preferences. Acceleration-wise, the S1 Pro Gen 2 can reach 0 to 60kmph in just 5.5 seconds.

Paired with a 4kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the scooter typically takes around 7.4 hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent using the home charger. With its efficient design, the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 offers a range of performance options to suit various riding styles and preferences, making it a versatile choice for riders.

Meanwhile, power in the Ather 450 has seen an increase of around ten percent, now at 3kW, enabling the scooter to achieve a top speed of 100kph. Acceleration has also improved, with the 0-40kph sprint now taking just 2.9 seconds compared to the previous 3.3 seconds. During a test ride, the Ather scooter demonstrated strong acceleration and rapid response in Warp+ mode, alongside a smooth and precise accelerator feel. Additionally, the Warp+ mode enhances the scooter's 40-80kph performance.

Riding the scooter on a go-kart track highlighted Ather's continued focus on precision engineering, with the product feeling well-tuned and refined. However, it's worth noting that with the added performance, there's a slight drop in performance after sustained high-speed riding, although not as pronounced as some competitors and more noticeable than the existing 450 model.

Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 vs Ather 450 Apex: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 boasts an impressive certified range of 180km by ARAI. Charging to full capacity using a home charger typically requires around 7.4 hours. Notably, the S1 Pro Gen 2 model comes with a 500W portable charger, ensuring a flexible and efficient charging experience tailored to various user needs.

Achieving this feat involved extensive software engineering and several hardware modifications within the motor. While it may require some adjustment, the effort is rewarding as it significantly reduces the effort required for in-city riding. The backward accelerator action offers 15 degrees of rotation, providing precise control over regenerative braking. Eventually, riders may find themselves not needing to use the brakes in most normal slowing-down scenarios.

In fact, riders may become so accustomed to this feature that it's advisable to keep their left hand close to the brake lever, as reaction time to emergency braking might be slightly delayed. This regenerative braking system is particularly effective below 50kph, covering up to 75 percent of braking scenarios, according to Ather.

Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 vs Ather 450 Apex: Dimensions

The S1 Pro Gen 2 boasts a reasonable light weight of 125kg. The scooter demonstrates enhanced agility, responding more swiftly to changes in direction, and negotiating corners becomes notably more effortless. 

This marked improvement can largely be attributed to the reduced size of the battery pack in the S1 Pro Gen 2, effectively eliminating the sense of bulkiness associated with the S1 Pro. Consequently, users experience a lighter and more agile riding sensation, ultimately enhancing the overall ride quality.

Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 vs Ather 450 Apex: Prices

Ola has set the ex-showroom price for the S1 Pro Gen 2 at Rs 1.47 lakh. Although not classified as extremely affordable, it also avoids the exorbitant pricing seen in some of the larger Ola scooters. Therefore, it falls within the financial reach of the average consumer, instilling a sense of aspiration as well.

The Ather 450 Apex, on the other hand, costs a solid Rs 1.89 lakh, both prices ex-showroom. Yes, it is expensive, as Ather scooters have always been. But what it does is give you a riding experience, one that is similar to no other scooter that has ever been in India (at least in this segment, barring the larger scooters like the BMW C 400 GT). So once you ride the Ather Apex, it is understandable as to why Ather wants a hefty sum of money for it. 

Verdict

While the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 offers an attractive price point, it falls short in certain familiar Ola areas. The scooter's finishing leaves room for improvement, with the paint scheme appearing hastily executed. Despite its appealing exterior, close examination reveals significant irregularities in the side panel gaps, which may detract from its visual appeal. There are concerns that these panels may develop rattling and bouncing issues after just a few months of ownership.

Furthermore, the S1 Pro Gen 2 still experiences some technical issues. For consumers with a budget slightly above Rs 1 lakh, exploring alternative options may be advisable.

In contrast, while value may not be a prominent feature of the Ather 450 Apex, the scooter appeals to those seeking exclusivity and those desiring ownership of what is likely the pinnacle of the current Ather 450 range.