The 2025 Ola S1X Gen3 update it’s a full-throttle evolution of India’s budget EV poster boy. Packed with more punch, polish, and practicality than ever, the new S1X is gunning straight at the heart of the daily commuter crowd. And judging by the early buzz, it’s not just holding its ground—it’s sprinting ahead.
Let’s break down what’s new, what’s working, and what still needs fixing in this affordable e-scooter that’s turning heads across Indian roads.
The Legacy
When Ola first dropped the S1X in 2023, it was a clear message to legacy players: the ₹1 lakh electric scooter wasn’t a pipe dream—it was parked outside your neighbor’s house.
The original S1X came with three battery pack options—2kWh, 3kWh, and 4kWh—offering real-world range between 95 to 190 kilometers. That, paired with a zippy 6kW hub motor, was more than enough for the average city slog. Riders loved the instant torque and quick takeoff at red lights. But they didn’t hold back on flaws either—twitchy throttles and sluggish service left a few bruises on Ola’s early reputation.
Still, with state and central subsidies, falling lithium cell prices, and a nation shifting gears toward electric mobility, the S1X carved its space. Fast forward to 2025, and Ola’s re-engineered this ride from the motor out.
Gen3 Powertrain
The headline upgrade? That slick new mid-drive motor. Out goes the basic hub unit, and in comes an 11kW mid-drive setup with integrated MCU (Motor Control Unit). This gives the 2025 S1X Plus a claimed top speed of 125kmph and a 0-40kmph dash in just three seconds. It’s not just fast for an EV—it’s quick, period.
But the real magic? Efficiency.
The 4kWh pack now delivers 242km IDC range. Real-world users report a solid 180km in Eco mode, especially on mixed urban-highway routes. And at roughly ₹0.18/km in energy cost, it’s laughing in the face of ₹100-a-litre petrol.
| Variant | Battery | IDC Range | Top Speed | Ex-showroom Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1X 2kWh | 2kWh | 108km | 101kmph | ₹84,999 |
| S1X 3kWh | 3kWh | 176km | 115kmph | ₹1.03 lakh |
| S1X 4kWh | 4kWh | 242km | 123kmph | ₹1.20 lakh |
| S1X Plus | 4kWh | 242km | 125kmph | ₹1.25 lakh |
Charging’s faster too—80% in 4.5 hours at home or 10-70% in just 35 minutes via Ola’s Hypercharger network. That’s a game-changer for daily riders.
Design
From a distance, the Gen3 doesn’t scream change—but look closer. The body’s a bit more athletic, leaner by a few kilos, and now weighs in between 105–113kg depending on the variant. That lighter build means better handling and slightly better range.
Seat height sits at a comfy 791mm, which should suit most Indian riders. And with 10 fresh colorways—from Passion Red to Liquid Silver—it’s easy to find a vibe that suits your street swagger.
The new 4.3-inch color LCD display might not be touchscreen, but it’s bright, sharp, and finally does justice to Ola’s software prowess. It shows navigation, cruise control, and even SOS alerts thanks to OTA MoveOS5 updates.
Safety gets a bump too: full chain cover, reflex reflectors, and disc brakes (front-only, sadly) make the Gen3 better prepped for city chaos.
MoveOS5
Ola’s custom operating system, MoveOS, is now in its fifth iteration—and it’s packing serious digital muscle. Think brake-by-wire with regen calibration, reverse mode, predictive maintenance alerts, and remote unlocking.
Don’t want to carry a key? The digital lock + physical backup handles that. Want music on your ride? It streams. Parking in the hills? Vacation mode preserves battery when parked for weeks.
And for riders who push it, regenerative braking with sensor-based feedback can help squeeze out a few more kilometers on hilly commutes. It’s not Tesla-level smart, but it’s miles ahead of rivals in this price bracket.
Ride Quality & Handling
With telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, the S1X rides cleaner over India’s infamous potholes than its older siblings. The 12-inch alloys with broader rubber (up to 110/70 on the rear) offer solid grip, especially around bends.
That said, some riders still report slightly nervous throttle behavior—especially in Sport mode. It’s manageable once you’re used to it, but there’s a learning curve.
At 80–90kmph highway speeds, the Gen3 feels stable, quiet, and planted. And while regen braking has improved, some still prefer more control via traditional levers, especially in heavy traffic.
Wallet Impact
Let’s be honest: pricing is Ola’s ace. Even the top-end S1X Plus at ₹1.25 lakh ex-showroom undercuts rivals with weaker specs. Factor in Delhi’s state EV subsidy, and some models land under ₹80k on-road. That’s ridiculous value.
Even better? Ola’s pushing easy EMIs starting at ₹3,000/month with ~12% interest, making it an accessible upgrade for the two-wheeler masses. For commuters burning ₹5,000/month on petrol, the math just works.
The base warranty (3 years/50,000km) covers essentials, but Ola also offers up to 8 years/1.25 lakh km extended coverage. However, some owners aren’t thrilled about parts delays and limited offline support, especially in tier-2 towns.
User Feedback
Scroll through owner groups or Ola’s community forums, and it’s a mixed scene. Users love the tech, punchy motor, and low cost per km. But there are complaints too—slow after-sales, glitchy chargers, and erratic service centers.
Some quotes tell the story:
“Smooth beast, 180km real range, killer pickup” – Raju, Bengaluru (5,300km ridden)
“Had to wait 3 weeks for charger replacement. Not cool.” – Aman, Jaipur
“Throttle’s too touchy at first, but grows on you. App is slick.” – Priya, Pune
Despite the hiccups, the S1X still averages around 4.2/5 in user ratings. That’s strong in a space where even legacy brands trip up.
Battle of the Budget EVs
Here’s how the S1X Gen3 stacks up against key rivals:
| Scooter | Price (Ex) | Claimed Range | Top Speed | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ola S1X (Plus) | ₹1.25 lakh | 242km IDC | 125kmph | Mid-drive, MoveOS5, OTA, cruise |
| Ather 450X | ₹1.40 lakh | 210km (IDC) | 90kmph | Warp mode, touchscreen |
| TVS iQube | ₹1.25 lakh | 145km | 82kmph | Better service network |
| Bajaj Chetak | ₹1.35 lakh | 113km | 73kmph | Steel body, heritage styling |
If you’re looking strictly at range, speed, and smarts under ₹1.3 lakh, it’s hard to top the S1X. Especially with 4680 battery tech on the horizon, promising cheaper, denser cells in the next few years.
Yes, the 2025 Ola S1X Gen3 is real, launched officially by Ola Electric in December 2024 and now shipping across Indian metros. Pricing and specs match official documentation on Ola’s website. Subsidy amounts vary by state, but FAME-II and state EV policies are applicable. Delivery delays and service complaints reported by users are confirmed by third-party reviews and owner forums.
Wrap-Up
If you’re done with petrol bills, tired of service center roulette, and want a daily ride that feels future-ready without nuking your savings—the Ola S1X Gen3 should be on your radar.
It’s not perfect. The service network needs work. Some riders will miss tactile, mechanical feedback. But if you’re ready to plug in and ride out, this scooter is leading the charge for the sub-₹1.3 lakh crowd.
In short: fast, fun, and frugal. Just how an EV should be.
FAQs
Users report between 160–180km in Eco mode, depending on traffic and terrain.
Standard charging: 0-80% in 4.5 hours. Hypercharger: 10-70% in 35 minutes.
No, the battery is fixed. Swapping isn’t available on the S1X lineup.
Yes, especially the 3kWh and 4kWh versions. Stability is solid up to 90kmph.
S1X offers better top speed, more range, and similar tech for less money, though Ather leads in build and service.
