The Ola S1 electric scooter models have finally received the much-anticipated MoveOS3 software update, delivering on some of the key promises that Ola Electric has made for quite some time. While some of the new updates focus on the fun aspect of the electric scooter model, there are also some important convenience options, the biggest being the Hypercharger network now available for a quick power boost.
The Ola MoveOS 3 software update rolled out last weekend, just before Christmas, and is for the S1 and S1 Pro models. It is important to note here that the software update is not yet available on the most affordable Ola electric scooter model – the Ola S1 Air. However, the majority of models already on Indian roads are the S1 and S1 Pro and for owners of these models, there is much to look forward to.
The entire process of downloading and updating the software on our Ola S1 Pro test device to MoveOS 3 took about 35 minutes and with minimal user intervention.
Here is a quick review of the feature updates brought by MoveOS 3 on the Ola S1 and S1 Pro models:
Watch: Ola Move OS 3: Key Features Update
turbochargers
This is the highlight of MoveOS 3, and the claim of lightning fast charging is now available for testing. Although the Ola Turbocharger network is still limited – there are only three in Delhi at the time of this test run, should you go around looking for one?
Ola claims that just 15 minutes of charging can add about 50 km to the range of the S1 electric scooter. We took our test equipment to one such installation at a BPCL fuel station in Delhi’s Connaught Place.
For now, the acceleration is free and on a plug and charge basis. We plugged it in with a remaining range of 80 km and after 20 minutes, increased the number to 100 km. We observe that charging is faster when the remaining charge is lower than 70% and so it can be a great choice in emergency based requirements.
Proximity Lock and Unlock
Ola electric scooters do not have a physical key. This can be good or bad depending on the situation. You can’t lose a key that doesn’t exist, but as a result, you’ll have to physically punch in the code every time you want to start or interact with the electric scooter. No more.
Ola S1 Pro automatically unlocks every time you get close to it, locks itself when you step away. You can also do this by clicking a button on the Ola Electric app. For everyone who asked what happens if the trunk is locked with the charger and the scooter runs out of power – here is the answer for you.
Support slope hold
Ola MoveOS 3 offers Hill Keep Assist but still requires the driver to always pay attention to the warning beeps to avoid any unfortunate incidents.
The Ola Electric Scooter has a dedicated button for reverse mode but Hill Hold Assist has long been required as well. Enable this feature from the settings tab on the scooter’s display and follow the onscreen instructions to enable or disable the feature.
However, the feature is still in Beta, and on our review unit, although we were able to enable it on screen, it wasn’t available on the go.
regenerative brake
Regenerative braking is quite common on electric cars and is also offered in a variety of intensity levels. The idea is to slow down the EV when there is no throttle input and send kinetic energy to charge the battery.
Science aside, it works well on the S1 Pro model and also helps reduce finger fatigue on long travel. However, it is still recommended that one be attentive and ready to pull the brake lever if and when necessary.
Party mode
Now this is where we have different views. The extroverts in the group thought this was a fun touch, but the introverts almost begged to be different. The Ola scooter comes with built-in speakers but MoveOS 3 adds a feature that allows the scooter’s lights to flash to the beat of the music being played.
Does it work? Sure. Should it? Depends entirely on you.
There are some other great standout features like multiple moods that are basically themes for the screen, Sleep Mode that allows the electric scooter to be parked for up to 200 days without battery drain, call notifications on the screen and store digital documents on the scooter itself.
Date of first publication: December 27, 2022, 14:27 pm IST
