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Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450 X vs TVS iQube S vs Bajaj Chetak I Electric scooter comparo I Autocar India
Autocar India
Overview
This video compares four leading electric scooters: the Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, TVS iQube S, and Bajaj Chetak. The comparison evaluates performance, ergonomics, storage, range, handling, and technology features, testing them under typical urban riding conditions. While the Ola S1 Pro excels in raw performance and features, it faces criticism for its build quality reputation and high price. The Bajaj Chetak offers a premium feel and comfort but lags in performance and range. The Ather 450X is a technologically advanced and glitch-free option but compromises on rider comfort. Ultimately, the TVS iQube S is highlighted as the most well-rounded and practical choice due to its balance of features, performance, comfort, and affordability, despite minor areas for improvement.
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Chapters
- Ola S1 Pro leads in power and acceleration, reaching 60 and 80 kph faster than others.
- Ather 450X offers the most natural accelerator response and consistent performance across modes, even at low battery.
- TVS iQube S provides quick acceleration to 40 kph without overwhelming new riders and has usable eco and power modes.
- Bajaj Chetak is the slowest to accelerate but offers seamless mode switching for overtakes and adequate city performance.
Understanding the performance differences helps riders choose a scooter that matches their need for speed, quickness in traffic, or a more relaxed riding experience.
The Ola S1 Pro's top speed is verified at 99.8 kph, significantly higher than the Ather 450X's 80 kph, making it unbeatable for those prioritizing high top speeds.
- Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube S offer the most comfortable and natural riding positions, benefiting from established manufacturers' experience.
- Ather 450X is the least comfortable due to its small seat and high floorboard, leading to a cramped position for taller riders.
- Ola S1 Pro is more comfortable than the Ather but has a tall, curved floorboard with a central spine that restricts foot placement and storage.
- Comfort is crucial for urban commuting, especially for longer durations or for heavier riders.
Ergonomics directly impact rider comfort and fatigue, making a scooter suitable or unsuitable for daily commutes and longer rides.
The Chetak's floorboard is set at an appropriate height relative to the handlebar, and its seat is wide and comfortable, making it a preferred choice for comfort-conscious riders.
- Ola S1 Pro boasts the largest boot space, capable of holding a charger, bag, and groceries due to clever battery placement.
- Ather 450X has the second-largest boot (22 liters), sufficient for daily essentials but reduced by carrying the portable charger.
- TVS iQube has adequate (17 liters) storage, also impacted by the large portable charger.
- Bajaj Chetak offers a shallow but usable trunk (18 liters) and a unique glove box for the compact charger, freeing up boot space.
Adequate storage is essential for urban practicality, allowing riders to carry daily necessities like chargers, bags, or groceries.
The Ola S1 Pro's massive boot can easily accommodate an office bag and groceries alongside its charger, showcasing its superior storage capacity.
- Ola S1 Pro offers the longest range due to its largest battery, but performance drops significantly below 5% SOC.
- Ather 450X has the most accurate range indicator and maintains usable speed until the battery dies.
- Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube have similar range figures but restrict performance sooner as the battery depletes.
- Ather and Ola offer proprietary fast charging, though Ola's network is still developing.
Understanding range and charging capabilities is vital for managing 'range anxiety' and ensuring the scooter can meet daily travel needs without frequent, inconvenient charging stops.
The Ather 450X's range indicator is highly trustworthy, allowing riders to accurately plan their journeys without unexpected power loss.
- Bajaj Chetak offers excellent handling with a lightweight, communicative chassis and grippy tires, making it agile in traffic and corners.
- Ather 450X's stiff suspension provides great handling but results in a harsh ride on poor roads at low speeds.
- Ola S1 Pro has a good balance of ride and handling, effectively absorbing bumps with its suspension, though the front can feel firm.
- TVS iQube S strikes a balance between ride comfort and predictable handling, soaking up bumps well but with a tendency for the front to bottom out.
The interplay between handling and ride quality determines how comfortable and engaging the scooter is to ride, especially on varied urban road conditions.
The Chetak's lightweight chassis and short wheelbase contribute to its reputation as one of the best-handling electric scooters, making it a joy to maneuver.
- All scooters offer Bluetooth connectivity, mobile apps, and LED lighting; Ola and Ather feature crisp touchscreen displays.
- Ola S1 Pro stands out with a keyless passcode system, cruise control, and onboard speakers, but has experienced electronic glitches.
- Ather 450X has an intuitive touchscreen and a glitch-free track record, showcasing strong engineering.
- TVS iQube offers call/SMS alerts and notifications via its app, but its display flickers during regenerative braking.
- Bajaj Chetak has a basic LCD display that's hard to read in daylight but includes premium features like hill hold and keyless start.
Advanced technology and features enhance the user experience, but reliability and software stability are crucial for a dependable ride.
The Ather 450X's consistent glitch-free performance across multiple units highlights its robust engineering and reliability compared to other models.
- Ola S1 Pro excels in specs but is hampered by customer confidence issues and a high price point.
- Bajaj Chetak offers premium build and comfort but lacks performance and range for its price.
- Ather 450X is technologically advanced and reliable but compromises on rider comfort and is the most expensive.
- TVS iQube S is the most well-rounded, offering a great balance of performance, comfort, features, and affordability, making it the pick of the moment.
The final verdict helps learners synthesize the comparison points to make an informed decision based on their individual priorities and budget.
The TVS iQube S is the most affordable scooter by a significant margin at ₹1.26 lakh on-road, making its well-rounded package an exceptional value proposition.
Key takeaways
- Performance leaders like the Ola S1 Pro offer exhilarating speed, but this often comes at the cost of ride comfort and potentially reliability.
- Established manufacturers like TVS and Bajaj excel in ergonomics and comfort, providing a more relaxed riding experience suitable for daily commutes.
- Storage capacity is a critical practical consideration, with the Ola S1 Pro leading due to innovative battery packaging.
- Real-world range and the accuracy of the range indicator are crucial for managing anxiety and planning journeys effectively.
- While advanced technology and features are appealing, a glitch-free and reliable user experience, as demonstrated by the Ather 450X, is paramount.
- The Ather 450X, despite its technological prowess and reliability, sacrifices rider comfort, making it less ideal for those prioritizing a plush ride.
- The TVS iQube S emerges as the most balanced option, offering a strong combination of performance, comfort, practicality, and affordability.
- Customer confidence and after-sales support are significant factors in purchasing decisions, an area where Ola S1 Pro faces challenges.
Key terms
Electric ScooterPerformanceAccelerationTop SpeedErgonomicsRiding PositionBoot SpaceRangeState of Charge (SOC)Fast ChargingHandlingRide QualityRegenerative BrakingTouchscreen DisplayBluetooth ConnectivityMobile AppGlitchesWell-rounded
Test your understanding
- How do the Ola S1 Pro and Ather 450X differ in terms of acceleration and top speed, and why does this matter for different rider types?
- What makes the Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube S more comfortable for riders compared to the Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro?
- How does the battery placement in the Ola S1 Pro contribute to its superior boot space compared to the other scooters?
- Why is the Ather 450X's range indicator considered more trustworthy than those of the other scooters tested?
- What are the trade-offs between ride quality and handling for the Ather 450X and the TVS iQube S?
- How do the technological features and reported glitches of the Ola S1 Pro and Ather 450X influence their overall reliability perception?
- Based on the comparison, what factors make the TVS iQube S the most well-rounded e-scooter for the average urban commuter?