Ola Roadster X Reviewed: Comfortable For Everyday Riding [Video]
Ola Electric has finally started commencing deliveries and test rides of the much-awaited Roadster X electric motorcycle in India. Creators have been flooding platforms with Roadster X content. We have seen people do walkarounds and speed tests with the bike. In a video shared on the channel Gear Talks, we get to see a detailed review and ride impressions of the motorcycle.
The presenter starts by explaining the specifications of the motorcycle. He seems to be riding the 2.5 kWh version of the Roadster X. The front wheel is an 18-inch unit while the rear gets a 17-inch wheel. Most commuter bikes come with comparable wheels. The host also talks about the motorcycle's lighting setup. The Roadster features full-LED lighting and even comes with a sleek LED DRL. He further says that the e-bike has good road presence.
The Roadster, he says, attracts much attention when out on the road, and people wonder what bike it is. Most people still think of OLA Electric as a company that makes just electric scooters, and India is fairly new to the concept of electric motorcycles as well. This gives the Roadster an added air of freshness.
The presenter then talks about the chain drive system as well. Ola Electric has given the Roadster X chain drive, like most commuter motorcycles. Older Ola scooters used to feature belt drive. Starting with Gen 3, they have been making a complete transition to chain drive, which is more reliable, and less prone to wear. The motorcycle gets this from the start!
The Roadster X, in keeping with the rules here, comes equipped with saree guard and pillion footrest. In the video, we also get to see its switchgear and body panels. The paint finish seems impressive. The switches feel almost decent. OLA has equipped the Roadster X with Cruise Control. The controls for this can be found on the right side of the handlebar. The vehicle also gets selectable ride modes (Eco, Normal, Sport). At some point in the video, we see the host engaging the Sport mode and having fun with the motorcycle.
There seems to be ample room for improvement in the braking department. (OLA uses Brake by Wire technology on the higher spec Roadster X.) The vehicle used in the video being a 2.5 kWh model, gets drum brakes at both ends. This could be the reason of the dissatisfaction. The host says that he would rate it 4 out of 5, while most other things about the motorcycle are 5/5.
The video also shows the Roadster speeding on an empty stretch. We can see how fast it accelerates. The 2.5 kWh version is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 40 kph in just 3.2 seconds. The host seems to be impressed by the acceleration. The electric motor on the 2.5 kWh version, has an output of 7 kW (9.4 hp) and OLA claims the top speed to be 118 kph. The motorcycle comes equipped with front ABS as well.
Talking of the range, the 2.5 kWh version claims a range of 140 km per charge. In the second half of the video, the host mentions that he has 67% battery left, and the indicated range is around 80 km.
To get a proper real-world experience of the Roadster X, the host rides it through various road and traffic conditions. He can be seen riding it through busy roads, narrow streets and even broken patches and country roads. He says that the Roadster X offers good comfort and rideability in most scenarios. The presence of features like reverse mode, cruise control and riding modes further improve its real-world livability, practicality and comfort. The host also says that it is indeed easy and comfortable to cruise on highways.