Ola S1 v TVS iQube Standard: Performance, Range, Features and Price Compared

With the new feature-loaded Ola S1 e-scooter retailing at Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom, introductory), the TVS iQube Standard variant is now directly in its crosshairs. Both claim to offer a range of 100km, cool features and a price tag of under Rs 1 lakh. So here’s a quick glance at what sets these two entry-level e-scooters apart and which one offers more value for money, at least on paper.

Range and charging times

While the Ola S1 gets a 3kWh Lithium-ion pack in place of the larger 4kWh unit as on the S1 Pro, the iQube Standard features a larger 4.56kWh battery pack. That said, despite its smaller battery pack, Ola is claiming an ARAI-certified range of 141km.

True range figures on the Ola S1 is a claimed 128km in ‘Eco’, 101km in ‘Normal’ and 90km in ‘Sports’ modes. In comparison, the TVS iQube claims a ‘Real World Range’ of 100km in ‘Economy’ and only 75km in ‘Power’. The Ola S1’s charging times of zero to 100 per cent is a claimed five hours, while the iQube can be topped up from zero to 100 percent in four hours and six minutes.    

Performance 

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The motor on the S1 is a 5.5kW mid-mounted electric motor with a peak output of 8.5kW just like the bigger S1 Pro. The S1 claims a 0-40kmph acceleration time of 3.8 seconds, a 0-60kmph in 5.9 seconds and a claimed top speed of 95kmph.

The TVS iQube Standard gets a smaller 3kW electric hub motor with a peak power output of just 4.4kW. Clearly, TVS has played it safe, and the iQube gets a 0-40kmph time of 4.2 seconds and a claimed top speed of 78kmph.   

Features

Despite the affordable price tag, both the S1 and the iQube Standard get colour TFT screens. While the Ola gets a 7-inch touchscreen instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, the iQube gets a simple 5-inch cluster which isn’t a touchscreen unit.

Even features like navigation and reverse mode are standard on both scooters. However, while TVS gets music control, the Ola features music playback thanks to two large speakers behind the front apron. Hence, one extra point for the Ola S1.

Underpinnings and cycle parts

In terms of hardware, the Ola S1 gets the same single-sided front suspension and rear monoshock as on the S1 Pro. It retains the 220mm and 180mm single disc brakes, front and back respectively, combined braking system is also standard, and the rims, too, are the same 12-inchers with tubeless alloys as the S1 Pro.

In comparison, the TVS features a telescopic fork and twin rear shocks. Braking on the iQube is managed by a 220mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum, and it also gets 12-inch alloy rims front and back, like on the S1. Tyres on the iQube are skinny 90-section units front and rear, whereas the Ola gets fatter 110-section rubber front and rear.

A smaller battery pack means the S1 weighs just 121kg kerb, whereas the TVS weighs seven kilograms more at 128kg kerb. And speaking of utility, the Ola S1 gets a super spacious 36-litre underseat storage space, while the iQube gets a slightly smaller 32-litre tub. 

Price and Verdict

The Ola S1 gets an introductory price of Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom) and you can have the iQube base variant for Rs 99,130 (on-road Delhi). That said, in many areas the Ola S1 offers more than the TVS iQube. You get more value, better hardware like front and rear disc brakes, more features, more colours, better everyday utility and three instead of two riding modes.