Ola Roadster: The Electric Bike That's Breaking Barriers

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Ola Electric has made a significant move in the Indian two-wheeler market by launching its highly anticipated Roadster Series of electric motorcycles at its annual event, Sankalp 2024. The company aims to replicate its success in the electric scooter segment by introducing a range of electric motorcycles.

Multiple Motorcycle Models: Ola Electric will launch several motorcycles under the Roadster Series.
Accelerating EV Adoption: The company believes its entry into the motorcycle segment will significantly boost the adoption of electric vehicles in India.
Integration of Ola Cells: Ola plans to integrate its battery cells into its vehicles starting from early next year.
Focus on Mass Adoption: The company is determined to make electric vehicles accessible to a wider audience in India.

Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder and CMD of Ola Electric expressed confidence in the company’s ability to disrupt the motorcycle market and accelerate the shift towards electric mobility.

Ola Electric has indeed unveiled a promising lineup of electric motorcycles under its Roadster series. Let’s break down the key details:

Model Variants and Pricing

Ola has introduced two primary models:

Roadster X: Positioned as the entry-level option, it offers multiple battery pack choices. Prices start at ₹75,000 (ex-showroom) and go up depending on the battery capacity.
Roadster Pro: This is the flagship model, offering higher performance and advanced features. Prices for this variant start at ₹1.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

Key Features and Specifications

The Ola Roadster X is positioned as a strong contender in the entry-level electric motorcycle segment. Let’s break down its key features:

Performance and Range

Peak Power: 11 kW motor ensures brisk acceleration.
Acceleration: 0-40 kmph in just 2.8 seconds (for the top variant) is impressive.
Top Speed: 124 kmph is sufficient for city and highway riding.
Range: The 4.5 kWh battery variant offers a commendable 200 km range on a single charge.

Features and Technology

Braking: CBS with disc brakes and advanced brake-by-wire technology enhances safety.
Riding Modes: Sports, Normal, and Eco modes cater to different riding styles.
Display: The 4.3-inch LCD provides essential information and features.
Connectivity: Ola Maps navigation, cruise control, and OTA updates add convenience.

Overall Impression

The Roadster X appears to be a well-rounded electric motorcycle, offering a good balance of performance, range, and features. Its competitive pricing and Ola’s established brand presence could make it a popular choice among buyers.

Ola Roadster Pro: A Performance Powerhouse

The Ola Roadster Pro is aimed at performance enthusiasts.

Performance

Power: With a peak power output of 52 kW and 105 Nm torque, it’s a beast.
Acceleration: A blistering 0-40 kmph in just 1.2 seconds and 0-60 kmph in 1.9 seconds is sports car territory.
Top Speed: 194 kmph is a seriously high top speed for a motorcycle.

Range and Battery

Battery: The 16 kWh battery is substantial, promising a class-leading range of 579 km on a single charge.

Features

Display: The 10-inch TFT touchscreen is a premium touch.
Suspension: USD (upside down) forks contribute to handling.
Brakes: Two-channel switchable ABS with disc brakes ensures safety.
Riding Modes: Four modes (Hyper, Sport, Normal, and Eco) offer versatility.
DIY Modes: Two customizable modes for personalized settings.

The Ola Roadster Pro is shaping up to be a truly impressive motorcycle, not just in terms of performance but also in terms of technology.

MoveOS 5 Updates

The upcoming MoveOS 5 update will equip the Roadster Pro with a host of advanced features:

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): This could include features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Three-Level Traction Control: Enhancing rider safety and control in various conditions.
Integrated Ride Modes (Race, Urban, Rain, Off-road): Tailoring the motorcycle’s performance to different riding environments.
Access Controls (Geofencing, Timefencing, Modefencing): Providing security and control over the motorcycle’s usage.

MoveOS 6: For the Track Enthusiast

Ola is aiming to cater to a wide range of riders. The next-gen MoveOS 6 will introduce features specifically designed for track enthusiasts:

Race Mode: Optimized settings for maximum performance on the track.
Anti-Wheely: Preventing unwanted wheelies.
Stoppie Mode: For controlled stoppies (though not recommended for public roads).

These features position the Roadster Pro as a versatile motorcycle that can excel both on the street and on the racetrack.

Ola Electric Offers Industry-First 8-Year Battery Warranty

Ola Electric has made a bold statement by offering an industry-first 8-year battery warranty for its entire motorcycle portfolio. This move is designed to alleviate customer concerns about battery life and performance, a crucial factor in the adoption of electric vehicles.

By providing such a long warranty, Ola is demonstrating its confidence in the durability and longevity of its batteries. It’s a strategic move to build trust with consumers and potentially attract more buyers to its electric motorcycle lineup.