Ola S1 Pro vs Simple One: Specifications Compared

Both scooters currently promise some of the highest range and most features in the market. 

• The Ola S1 Pro has been priced at Rs 1,39,999, ex-showroom Bengaluru. 
• Ola is the only brand with a hyper-charging network in India. 
• The Simple One promises a massive 236km range.

On the 75th Independence Day, two new electric scooters were introduced in India: the Ola S1 Pro and the Simple One. These scooters are much better than the ones already available in the market. Both scooters have similar features and specifications. However, it is difficult to say which one is better. Let's compare their specifications to find out.

Ola S1 Pro vs Simple One: Design & Features 

The Ola S1 Pro has a large trunk area of 36 litres, which can easily fit a full-face helmet and more. It comes with dual LED headlights, a stylish design with single-coloured panels, and alloy wheels as standard features. To ensure comfort for the passenger, it has a grab rail, side steps, and well-shaped seating.

The Ola S1 Pro is equipped with all-LED lights and a touch-enabled 7-inch TFT display. This display allows for smartphone connectivity, as well as WiFi/LTE, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity. Additionally, it has features like warning when the side-stand is down or in case of theft, geo-fencing, a reverse mode, Get Home mode, Take Me Home lights, and a Limp Home mode.

The Simple One was designed to have a futuristic and minimalist look. It shares some design similarities with the Ather 450X, especially in the triangle-shaped headlight. However, it has a sleek tail section and a wide body with various cuts. The grab grip is strong and thick.

The Simple One comes with Bluetooth navigation, a 7-inch display for information, and an LED headlamp made by Simple Energy. It also offers features like document storage, phone calls, and music playback. The scooter can receive over-the-air updates and has features like geo-fencing, tire pressure monitoring, and vehicle tracking. It comes with a 4G LTE sim card and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ola S1 Pro vs Simple One: Motor Capacity & Range

Ola has adjusted its riding settings to offer a more exciting riding experience. The scooter feels quick and lively in Hyper mode, and it doesn't feel slow in Sport or Normal modes either. In fact, with the MoveOS 2 software, the scooter is nearly a second faster in reaching 60kmph compared to before.

The torque distribution is more balanced across all riding modes, reaching the top speed for each mode. The throttle response is slightly faster than before, but there is still room for improvement in this area.

The Simple One Standard model is equipped with a 4.8kWh lithium-ion battery. It claims to have a range of 236km in Eco mode according to the Indian Driving Cycle. The top speed it can reach is 105kmph. However, they have introduced a new battery option with a 6.4kWh battery that claims to offer a range of more than 300 kilometers. 

The performance of the Simple One is one of its best features, and the company has done a good job in delivering on that promise. Unlike Ola, the 'Eco' mode on Uber is suitable for city use and has a maximum speed of 45kph. 

Even the 'Sonic' mode is exciting, as we were able to reach a speed of 104kmph on a short stretch. However, it would have been better if the modes were slightly adjusted to provide quicker acceleration for overtaking.

Ola S1 Pro vs Simple One: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The front suspension of the Ola scooter is quite advanced and interestingly designed with a horizontally-mounted monoshock placed off-center. It generally performs well and effectively absorbs small bumps and uneven surfaces. 

However, it falls short when it comes to larger obstacles, as the ride can become uncomfortable and harsh. Your wrists and back may feel the impact when encountering significant bumps. On the bright side, when taking corners with the Ola S1 Pro, the suspension, sturdy tubular chassis, and large 12-inch tires instill a sense of confidence and stability.

The Simple One not only has impressive performance but also a strong chassis. Simple has carefully considered the riding experience, although we can't fully evaluate the suspension until we test it on a real road. The electric scooter is lightweight and easy to handle. Whether you're accelerating or turning, you always feel connected to and in control of the Simple One.

Moreover, the braking system matches the scooter's performance capabilities. The components feel similar to those on the Ather 450X, but they are different from the Gen-2 scooter. Braking requires minimal effort, and the brake response is just right for smoothly controlling the brakes.

Ola S1 Pro vs Simple One: Dimensions

The weight of the Ola scooter is most noticeable in city riding. The scooter's longer wheelbase and slightly reduced agility compared to models like the Ather 450X or TVS iQube become apparent. It's not a major issue, but you do feel the weight of the scooter when maneuvering in tight parking spaces.

The Simple One has a flaw in its overall quality and level of fit and finish. The electric scooter had issues with uneven fitting and poorly finished edges throughout. Even the rear brake line was positioned in a way that it could get pinched when riding with a passenger. However, Simple has assured that these problems will be fixed once the scooter goes into production.

Moving on to smaller details, the seat of the Simple One has another minor issue. During strong braking, the curved structure of the seat causes you to slide forward. There is enough room for a passenger, but it would have been better to have more space, especially considering the scooter's performance.

Ola S1 Pro vs Simple One: Price

The Ola S1 Pro is offered in a single configuration and is priced at Rs 1,39,999 (ex-showroom Delhi), which includes the FAME II subsidy. It is available in various color options, including Gerua, Marshmallow, Porcelain White, Liquid Silver, Khaki, Millennial Pink, Neo Mint, Coral Glam, Jet Black, matte Anthracite Grey, matte Midnight Blue, and Matte Black.

The Simple One is available in two pricing options. The regular color schemes are priced at Rs. 1.45 lakh, while the X dual-tone color schemes are priced at Rs. 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru), and these prices include the latest FAME-II incentives.

Verdict

There's no doubt that the MoveOS 3 updates have significantly improved the S1 Pro scooter. It is now faster in all riding modes and offers better control and customization options. However, if the engineers could address the remaining throttle calibration issues and make the Eco mode more usable, it would be an even more impressive package. 

Simple has made great efforts to meet the high expectations it set last year with the release of the One. The scooter has an attractive design, impressive performance that could pose a serious threat to competitors, and is equipped with advanced features and powerful hardware.

Although the pre-production models had poor construction quality, it is understandable for a young company to face challenges in meeting certain quality standards right away. However, with a strong foundation, we expect an improvement in the manufacturing process and overall quality.