Ola S1 Air vs Bajaj Chetak Urbane: Best Urban EV?

Urban electric mobility in India is evolving fast, and the Ola S1 Air vs Bajaj Chetak Urbane comparison highlights two very different approaches. Ola targets young, tech-focused riders with aggressive pricing and smart features, while Bajaj leans on build quality, brand trust, and a premium feel. Both scooters promise zero-emission commuting, but which one truly makes more sense for daily city use?

Motor & Performance

The Ola S1 Air uses a hub-mounted electric motor producing around 4.5 kW (6 hp) with instant torque delivery. Acceleration feels quick off the line, ideal for traffic gaps, while the top speed is capped at 90 km/h.

The Bajaj Chetak Urbane features a 4.2 kW motor, tuned more for smoothness than outright punch. With a top speed of 73 km/h, it feels calmer but refined, suiting relaxed urban riders. Torque delivery is linear, prioritizing comfort over excitement.

Chassis & Ride Quality

Ola S1 Air is built on a lightweight tubular frame, making it easy to maneuver through dense traffic. The suspension setup is tuned on the softer side, handling potholes reasonably well but feeling less planted at higher speeds.

The Chetak Urbane stands out with its all-metal monocoque chassis, giving it a solid, premium road presence. Ride quality feels more stable, especially on broken roads, though the scooter’s weight makes it slightly less agile in tight spaces.

Technology & Features

Ola clearly wins on tech. The S1 Air offers a 7-inch touchscreen display, smartphone connectivity, navigation, OTA updates, and multiple riding modes—features that appeal strongly to younger buyers.

Bajaj keeps things simple. The Chetak Urbane uses a colour LCD console, LED lighting, and basic connectivity features. It focuses more on reliability and ease of ownership than digital gimmicks.

Specs Comparison Table

Conclusion

If your priority is technology, performance, and value pricing, the Ola S1 Air is the smarter urban EV for young city riders. However, if you value build quality, refinement, and long-term reliability, the Bajaj Chetak Urbane justifies its premium. The best urban electric scooter ultimately depends on whether you prefer smart features or solid craftsmanship—both deliver clean, efficient city mobility.