It costs less than 2,700 euros and reaches almost 200 km/h. And if that wasn’t enough, a range of 579 kilometers is claimed. The Ola Roadster could well be the breakthrough for electric motorcycles.
When you look at the numbers you would think that this is an established manufacturer, but nothing could be further from the truth. Ola Elektric only launched its very first model at the end of 2021, the S1 scooter that is available in three versions and of which more than 30,000 have been sold every month since its launch.
The manufacturer focuses on the development and production of EV technologies and components. The R&D department alone employs 959 people, who have developed a total of 304 patents in India and 74 registered designs. The R&D is spread across India, the UK and the US, while production takes place in a 170+ hectare factory complex in Krishanagiri, Tamil Nadu.
After the launch of the electric scooter, the Indians have now also announced their first electric motorcycle: the Roadster, which will be launched in three different versions: standard, X and Pro.
There are three batteries available for the standard: 3.5, 4.5 or 6 kWh. The X version, on the other hand, is offered with batteries of 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 kWh. The more powerful Pro goes up to 16 kWh. A lot of technology on board, such as collision warning, driving assistance, traction control, cornering ABS, anti-wheelie and anti-stoppie. There is no shortage of heated grips and saddle. In short, richly equipped models.
The standard version is expected to be the best-selling one according to Ola. The engine delivers up to 13 kW peak power and has a top speed of 126 km/h. There are four driving modes: Hyper, Sport, Normal and Eco. As for economy, we have it in Eco and with a 6 kWh battery pack over almost 250 km. There is of course ABS and that is adjustable in three modes: Race, Urban and Rain. There is also a 6.8 TFT touchscreen display with 5G/Wi-Fi connectivity.
The X version is the entry-level model. The monoshock is replaced by two shock absorbers at the rear. No ABS and a small 4.3 inch LED display. The peak power drops to 11 kW and the top speed to 124 km/h. With the 4.5 kWh battery in Eco mode it stops at around 200 km range.
The Roadster Pro is said to be the top version. The engine ‘delivers’ 52 kW and the top speed is estimated at 194 km/h. The battery is 16 kWh and in Eco mode the range is 579 km. It offers the same as the standard version, but the touchscreen becomes 10 inches, so that it is better visible.
Now we come to the prices, which are of course lower for the domestic (Indian) market than if they were imported into Europe. The standard Roadster starts at 104,999 rupees, which is just over 1,130 euros. The Roadster X costs 74,999 rupees, or 810 euros. Finally, the top model, the Roadster Pro, costs 250,000 rupees, or almost 2,700 euros.
The models can already be pre-ordered in India, with production scheduled to start in late 2025, followed by a local market launch in early 2026. But with the price tags mentioned, it won’t be long before they’ll be exported to the rest of the world.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.