Ather 450 Apex vs Ola S1 X Gen 2: Which Electric Scooter To Buy?

Ola has tuned the S1X for a range of 151km

• The S1X is Ola’s most affordable lineup for India
• This scooter arrives at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.09 lakh
• With drum brakes at both ends along with twin shocks, it does have some cost-cutting

The Ather 450 Apex stands as Ather’s fastest and most performance-oriented electric scooter in India to date. Now that it has arrived in India, we find it fitting to pit it against the Ola S1X Gen 2, the brand’s newest, second-generation electric scooter designed to compete with the Ather. Here's a breakdown of which scooter emerged victorious in this comparison:

Ather 450 Apex vs Ola S1 X Gen 2: Design & Features

The Ola S1X Gen 2 distinguishes itself within the S1 range with its sleek design, prominently featuring a smaller headlight cowl. The apron and side panel design closely mirror those of the standard S1. Additional visual differentiators include a telescopic fork and blacked-out steel wheels.

Concerning features, the Ola S1X Gen 2 offers a comprehensive range, encompassing multiple riding modes, a reverse mode, a side stand alert, an LCD instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity with navigation, and even cruise control.

However, it's crucial to note that the specific features may vary depending on the chosen variant. For a detailed breakdown of the feature distinctions, please consult the Variants section for comprehensive information. This provides a clear overview of the specific features available within the Ola S1X Gen 2 lineup.

Warp+ mode also comes with a fun redesign of the TFT display UI that creates that ‘warp speed’ look. However, the bigger deal with the Ather 450 Apex was something called Magic Twist, and this is a feature that will filter down to the company’s future line-up.

Essentially, this is a regen function where you can twist the accelerator backward, and the scooter progressively slows right down to a halt. Some electric two-wheelers in the UK already offer regen to varying degrees, but none have managed it to this extent of strength and effectiveness.

Ather tells us that it is notoriously difficult to offer a consistent regen experience because it varies dramatically based on various factors, including battery SOC and vehicle speed. Cars get around this by using e-brakes to mask the inconsistencies of traditional regen and offer a ‘one-pedal driving’ experience, but that’s not an option on a budget e-scooter.

Ather 450 Apex vs Ola S1 X Gen 2: Motor

The Ola S1X Gen 2 electric scooter is equipped with a hub motor that delivers a continuous power output of 2.7kW and a peak power of 6kW, with the top speed set at 90kmph. The scooter provides the opportunity to select from multiple riding modes: Eco, Normal, and Sports riding modes, catering to diverse preferences. When it comes to acceleration, the S1X Gen 2 can go from 0 to 60kmph in just 5.5 seconds.

The motor is paired with a 3kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging, meanwhile, from 0 to 100 percent using the home charger typically takes around 7.4 hours. This efficient electric scooter offers a range of performance options to cater to various riding styles and preferences, making it a versatile choice for riders.

To that point, power is up by about ten percent, now at 7kW, and the 450 can finally hit a top speed of 100kph. Acceleration is stronger as well, and the scooter gets a new Warp+ mode that replaces the regular 450X’s Warp mode. The Ather was already extremely quick off the line, but the company says that the 0-40kph run now takes just 2.9 seconds instead of 3.3 seconds.

We got to ride the scooter on a go-kart track and briefly on the public road as well. Warp+ mode is great fun with genuinely strong acceleration and very quick response, but it still has a beautifully smooth and precise accelerator feel. Warp+ has also resulted in a quicker 40-80kph performance.

Riding it at the track showed that of all the two-wheeler EVs out there, Ather’s product continues to feel the most dialled-in and well-engineered, although with this extra performance, you will notice a mild de-rating in performance after riding flat-out for more than a few minutes. It’s nowhere close to as abrupt or excessive as some rivals, but it’s more noticeable than the existing 450.

Ather 450 Apex vs Ola S1 X Gen 2: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Ola S1X Gen 2 has been certified by ARAI with an impressive range of 151km. For charging, it requires approximately 7.4 hours to reach a full 100 percent charge using a home charger. Notably, the S1X Gen 2 model is equipped with a 500W portable charger. These features guarantee a flexible and efficient charging experience for Ola's electric scooters, catering to different user needs.

Achieving this took some extensive software engineering as well as a few hardware mods within the motor, but the work is worth it. It takes a little getting used to, but it really reduces the effort of in-city riding. The backward accelerator action has 15 degrees of rotation, which gives you a good amount of fine-tuned control over the regen, and soon enough, you’ll be riding without needing to use the brakes in most normal slowing-down scenarios.

In fact, you’ll get so used to it that it’s probably a good idea to leave your left hand hovering above the brake lever – I suspect that your reaction time to grab the brakes in an emergency will be dulled by this feature. I found that it worked really well below 50kph, and Ather says that this system will cover up to 75 percent of braking scenarios.

Ather 450 Apex vs Ola S1 X Gen 2:  Dimensions

The S1X Gen 2 has a decently impressive weight of 108kg, marking a significant 13kg reduction compared to its much larger sibling counterpart, the S1 Pro. This weight difference becomes evident from the moment you start riding.

The scooter exhibits enhanced agility, responding more swiftly to changes in direction, and navigating corners becomes noticeably more effortless. This notable improvement can be largely attributed to the reduced size of the battery pack in the S1 X Gen 2, effectively eliminating the sense of bulkiness associated with the S1 Pro. This results in a lighter and more nimble riding experience for users, enhancing the overall ride quality.

Ather 450 Apex vs Ola S1 X Gen 2: Price

Ola has priced the S1X Gen 2 at Rs 1.09, ex-showroom. While not extremely affordable, it's not exorbitantly priced like some of the larger Ola scooters either. So, it is within the reach of a common man, bringing a sense of aspiration as well.

Verdict

While the Ola S1X Gen 2 boasts an appealing price point, it falls short in familiar Ola areas. The scooter's finishing could have been more refined, and the paint scheme appears hastily executed. Despite its attractive exterior, close inspection reveals significant irregularities in the side panel gaps, which can be visually unappealing. There's concern that these panels may start to rattle and bounce after just a few months of ownership.

Additionally, the S1X Gen 2 still exhibits some technical issues. If your budget is just over Rs 1 lakh, we recommend considering alternatives.

As for the Ather, value is certainly not a talking point here, but the Apex will appeal to those who crave exclusivity as well as those who would like to own what is surely going to be the highest level the current Ather 450 will ever reach.