Ola Electric S1 Z

The 2025 Ola S1 Z is powered by a 3 kW (4 hp) hub-mounted electric motor It hits a top speed of 70 kmph and accelerates from 0-40 kmph in 4.7 seconds (per Ola’s claims), offering peppy urban performance. The swappable 1.5 kWh lithium-ion batteries are its core: one pack yields a 75 km IDC range, two extend it to 146 km Charging takes 5-6 hours per pack on a standard outlet (Ola Electric), with no fast-charging confirmed.

The 2025 Ola S1 Z opts for a no-frills, utilitarian look that’s a departure from the sleek curves of its S1 siblings. Its boxy silhouette, showcased at Auto Expo 2025 it prioritizes function over flair, finished in a single silver hue—White Standard for the STD, White Plus for the Plus variant, per BikeWale. We notice a flat floorboard and a minimalist front apron with small cubby holes, paired with a long, single seat on the STD for two-up riding, while the Plus swaps rear seating for a storage rack and adds a front cargo shelf. The 14-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in tubeless tyres, give it a sturdy stance, and LED headlamps and taillights keep it modern without fuss. The design feels purpose-built—less about turning heads, more about getting the job done, though its simplicity might not excite style-focused buyers.

Safety on the 2025 Ola S1 Z is straightforward but adequate for its price point. It features drum brakes at both ends with a Combined Braking System (CBS), a cost-effective choice over discs, Ola’s focus here is basic reliability over cutting-edge tech, aligning with its budget ethos, though it’ll need real-world scrutiny to confirm its safety chops.

The 2025 Ola S1 Z enters a bustling budget EV scooter fray, and we’ve scoped its rivals. The Bajaj Chetak 3501 (₹94,999) offers a 153 km range and 73 kmph top speed with a 3.5 kW motor (BikeWale), plus a premium finish, but its fixed battery and higher price contrast the S1 Z’s swappable packs and ₹59,999 start.

The TVS iQube Base (₹1.07 lakh) delivers 100 km range and a 4.4 kW motor (5.9 PS), with better build quality, though its cost and 78 kmph cap don’t match the S1 Z’s value or 146 km dual-battery reach. The Ather Rizta S (₹1.12 lakh) brings a 123 km range, 3.7 kW motor, and plush comfort (Autocar India), but its urban focus and price leave the S1 Z’s utility edge unchallenged.

The Hero Electric Optima CX (₹67,190) competes closer on price with a 110 km range and 45 kmph top speed (BikeWale), yet its dated tech and slower pace cede ground to the S1 Z’s 70 kmph and modern LCD.

The Ampere Magnus EX (₹94,900) offers 121 km range and a 53 kmph top speed with a 1.8 kW motor, but its heavier 130 kg frame lags the S1 Z’s 106 kg agility. We see the S1 Z carving a niche with affordability, swappable batteries, and versatility—rivals may edge it on range or refinement, but not price-to-feature punch.