Ola Electric Roadster X Electric Motorcycle Deliveries Delayed: Here's Why
Ola Electric’s much-hyped Roadster X, India’s first electric motorcycle from the Bengaluru-based startup, has hit another roadblock. The company confirmed on 30 April 2025 that deliveries, initially promised for April, will now begin in May. This marks the fourth delay since the motorcycle’s reveal in August 2024, leaving customers and investors questioning Ola’s ability to meet deadlines.
From Factory to Showrooms – But Not to Customers
The Roadster X’s journey has been rocky. After missing its original January 2025 delivery target, Ola Electric rolled out the first unit from its Tamil Nadu Future Factory in mid-April, sparking hopes of an imminent release. However, a regulatory filing revealed the latest postponement without specifying reasons.
Industry insiders speculate unresolved homologation issues-a mandatory certification process for roadworthiness-could be to blame. Earlier reports suggested concerns over battery thermal management, particularly for the top-tier 9.1 kWh variant using Ola’s in-house battery technology.
A Pattern of Delays and Data Discrepancies
This isn’t Ola’s first stumble. The Roadster X was originally slated for a late-2024 launch. By February 2025, full payments were already being collected despite zero deliveries-a move that drew criticism for prioritising cash flow over transparency. The company’s credibility took another hit when it reported selling 25,000 vehicles in February, while government registrations showed just 8,600 units. Ola blamed “vendor transitions” for the mismatch, but regulators are now investigating potential disclosure violations.
Why the Roadster X Matters
Priced between ₹84,999 and ₹1.85 lakh, the Roadster X targets India’s mass-market commuter segment. Its claimed 501 km range on the top model and sporty design generated significant buzz. However, repeated delays have allowed rivals to solidify their positions. For Ola, already grappling with a stock price plunge since August 2024, the motorcycle is critical to diversifying beyond scooters and reviving investor confidence.
Customer Trust Erodes Amid Uncertainty
Prospective buyers are caught in the crossfire. Bengaluru residents were told deliveries would start in late April, followed by other metros in May and Tier-2 cities by June. With the latest delay, even these timelines seem optimistic. Online forums echo frustrations, with users noting Ola’s history of overpromising-from scooters plagued by service issues to the Roadster’s ever-shifting launch calendar.
What’s Next for Ola?
Founder Bhavish Aggarwal remains bullish, calling the Roadster X a “new era for Indian mobility” during April’s factory rollout. Yet, actions speak louder: the company is simultaneously battling showroom closures for operating without trade certificates and significant financial losses. As Ola races to begin May deliveries, the Roadster X isn’t just a product test-it’s a litmus test for whether India’s EV poster child can transition from ambitious startup to reliable automaker.
For now, customers wait. And the electric revolution, at least on two wheels, remains stuck in neutral.