Ola S1 vs Etergo AppScooter: Differences Explained

It’s a known fact that the Ola S1 range is based on the international spec Etergo AppScooter. The two models may look identical but they are actually quite different underneath. Their performance and powertrain, for instance, is completely different. So here’s a closer look at the duo, to help you understand the scooters much better. 

Battery Capacity and Charge Times: 

Specs	Ola S1	Etergo AppScooter
Battery capacity	2.98kWh (S1) or a 3.97kWh (S1 Pro)	1155Wh per module (total 3kWh for 3 modules)
Range	S1: 80km, S1 Pro: 181km	80km per module, total 240km
Charge time	S1: 4.48 hours (0-100%) S1 Pro: 6.5 hours (0-100%)	5.5 hours - Full charge 2.3 hours - Full charge (fast charging) 3.7 hours - 80 per cent 1.5 hr - 80 per cent (fast charging)

The first, and possibly the biggest difference is the battery configuration. Ola uses clever ‘banana’ shaped packs placed in the floorboard for both the S1 and S1 Pro. However, unlike the Etergo AppScooter, they aren’t removable. The charge times and battery capacity are also different as you can see in the table above.

The Etergo, on the other hand, gets swappable banana-shaped modules, three of which can be fit into the AppScooter. At 8.5kg each, these packs are lightweight and get a sling attachment to carry around. You can also use a single battery configuration that claims to offer a range of 80km or you can put in three battery packs and extend the range (claimed) close to 240km. However, the company claims this can be achieved at speeds of about 20kmph. In the real world, we would expect a range of around 150km to 180km, similar to the S1 Pro.

Performance

Next up is the electric motor that drives these scooters. Both the S1 and S1 Pro feature a more powerful electric motor that offers better torque compared to the Etergo. The result is better acceleration times and top speed.  

Due to certain regulations, the AppScooter's top speed is limited to 45kmph in Europe.

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Underpinnings 

There’s no difference in hardware. Both the Etergo AppScooter and Ola’s S1 range use the same frame, suspension and braking setup. Even the tyre sizes are identical. 

Price Difference?

Last but not the least, is the price. Ola has managed to price the S1 and S1 Pro competitively at Rs 99,999 and Rs 1,29,999 (both ex-showroom, Bengaluru, inclusive of FAME-II subsidy) respectively. That’s hard to beat considering the kind of equipment the scooter packs and the kind of performance it has to offer. 

On the flip side, the Etergo AppScooter costs almost twice as much as the top spec S1 Pro, with lower performance figures. So as a value for money proposition, the Ola S1 range definitely makes a lot more sense.