Ola S1 Z vs TVS iQube: how the two electric scooters compare on brakes, tyres and rain safety
Buyers choosing an electric scooter for the monsoon should weigh braking, tyre grip and protection of electrical parts, not just range and price.
When riding an electric scooter in the rainy season, range and price alone are not enough to go by. Braking, tyre grip and the protection of electrical parts from water matter just as much. There are some key differences between the Ola S1 Z and the TVS iQube, so this comparison may help buyers unsure which scooter to pick.
On price, the Ola S1 Z starts at an ex-showroom Rs 79,999. The 2.2 kWh TVS iQube starts at around Rs 1.20 lakh. The gap between the two is considerable.
The Ola S1 Z has a 3.1 kWh battery and a 4 kW motor, with a top speed of 70 kmph. According to the company's claim, the scooter delivers a range of up to 179 km. The TVS iQube 2.2 kWh has a 4.4 kW motor, a top speed of 82 kmph and a claimed range of up to 114 km. The actual range depends on riding style, traffic and weather.
On brakes, the TVS iQube is ahead on paper, with a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. The Ola S1 Z has drum brakes on both wheels and a CBS system. However, it cannot be said with certainty that a scooter with a disc brake will stop in a shorter distance on a wet road.
Both scooters have tubeless tyres. Check the tyre tread, air pressure and brakes before the rains begin. Avoid braking suddenly on a turn and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Ground clearance is 160 mm on the Ola S1 Z and 157 mm on the TVS iQube. The difference is only 3 mm, so it cannot decide safety in water. There is no comparative information on how well protected the batteries and electrical parts of the two scooters are against water. No single model can therefore be called the clear winner.
Avoid riding through a waterlogged road if its depth or potholes are not visible. Keep the charging port and connectors dry. If you notice any fault in the electrical system after the rain, get the scooter checked.
For those who want a lower budget and a higher claimed range, the Ola S1 Z can be considered. Those who prefer a front disc brake can look at the TVS iQube. In the rain, however, the right tyres, brakes in good condition, low speed and careful riding matter most.
