Vespa Elegante 150 vs Ola S1 Pro: Petrol Scooter vs Electric Scooter

Scooters are an extremely popular way of daily commuting, whether they be the emerging segment of electric scooters or the ever reliable petrol-powered ones. The Vespa Elegante 150 is a great retro-style scooter that encapsulates that European charm, whereas the Ola S1 Pro comes with modern yet minimalist styling and tons of features. So let's find out how the battle of EV vs ICE pans out.

Engine 

The Ola S1 Pro’s electric motor has the advantage of churning out all that torque from the get-go, giving you an edge to be faster off the line than the Vespa Elegante 150. 

The S1 Pro packs a decent range. However, with the 7.4-litre fuel tank filled to the brim, the Vespa will be able to offer a lot more range. And with the wider network of refuelling stations than charging points (for the Ola S1), you can also forget about the range anxiety with the Vespa. 

Moreover, unless you are fast charging the Ola, it will take you about six and a half hours to completely juice up the batteries, whereas the Vespa, being an ICE scooter, can be topped up in only a couple of minutes.

Underpinnings 

While the Vespa gets a front disc and rear drum brake setup, the S1 Pro gets discs at both ends, which should make it better in terms of safety and braking. The 12-inch wheels on the S1 Pro should also lead to better handling and ground clearance. 

Dimensions 

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Not a lot of details on the Vespa Elegante 150 are available in terms of dimensions. However, it does get a seat that’s lower than the Ola S1 Pro. This would translate to the Vespa being more accessible to shorter riders.

Apart from that, we know Vespa has a good amount of underseat storage, which can fit a half-face helmet, whereas the S1 Pro has one of the biggest storage spaces in the segment.

Features 

	Vespa Elegante 150	Ola S1 Pro
Digital Instrument cluster	semi	Yes
Bluetooth connectivity	optional	Yes
Navigation	No	Yes

In terms of features, the Vespa Elegante 150 just gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, making it lag far behind the Ola S1 Pro, which is the most feature-packed scooter (not just electric). The S1 Pro packs ride modes, keyless operation, cruise control, navigation, voice and music control, anti-theft alert and a USB charging slot.

Price & Verdict 

Vespa Elegante 150	Ola S1 Pro
Rs 1.54 lakh	Rs 1,20,149

(all prices ex-showroom Delhi)

 The Ola S1 Pro isn’t just more affordable but also offers better value for money – at least in theory – as it packs performance, features and more. Meanwhile, the Vespa carries the elegant appeal of a retro scooter devoid of any range anxiety. So if you are looking for a greener scooter, the S1 Pro is a better choice, but if you want a simple, classy and petrol-powered machine, then the Elegante 150 is the pick for you.

Please note that the mentioned price for Ola S1 Pro includes the Fame II and state subsidies, while the Vespa's on-road price will be even more, with an additional amount over the ex-showroom price.