“Slow and steady wins the race.” But when your Ola S1 electric scooter unexpectedly slows down in the middle of a ride, it can feel less like a race and more like a red flag.
Whether you’re cruising through city traffic or enjoying a weekend ride, a sudden drop in speed is not just inconvenient—it could signal an underlying issue.
Don’t worry. In most cases, the problem is temporary or easily fixable. This guide will walk you through what to do if your Ola S1 or S1 Pro scooter loses speed unexpectedly, helping you troubleshoot the issue safely and effectively.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important step is simple: don’t panic.
If your scooter starts losing speed abruptly, reduce your throttle gently and pull over to a safe spot. Listen for unusual sounds—grinding, buzzing, or clicking noises.
Look for dashboard alerts or warning symbols on the digital display, like temperature warnings, battery alerts, or motor error codes. These are often your scooter’s way of telling you something needs attention.
2. Check the Throttle Response
Your throttle grip, located on the right handlebar, controls acceleration. Twist it slowly and observe the scooter’s response.
If the throttle feels stiff, unresponsive, or laggy, there may be an issue with the electronic throttle sensor, wiring, or controller.
In some cases, dirt or water ingress can affect throttle sensitivity. Avoid twisting forcefully—doing so could worsen the issue.
3. Inspect Battery Charge and Voltage Levels
Electric scooters like the Ola S1 rely entirely on battery power, so low voltage or battery drain can directly impact speed and performance.
Check the battery level indicator on the screen. If it’s under 20%, the Battery Management System (BMS) might limit performance to conserve power or prevent damage.
⚠️ Tip: High ambient temperatures or prolonged uphill riding can cause the battery to overheat, triggering thermal protection and reducing motor output.
Recharge the scooter fully and observe if the speed improves after cooling down.
4. Consider Terrain and Riding Conditions
Environmental factors play a bigger role than most riders expect.
If you’re climbing a steep hill, riding into a strong headwind, or moving across rough terrain (like gravel or potholes), your Ola S1 may slow down as the motor compensates for resistance.
This isn’t a defect—it’s simply how electric drivetrains adjust torque under strain. Switching to ‘Normal’ or ‘Hyper’ mode (if battery permits) might help overcome such conditions.
5. Check Tire Pressure and Tread Condition
Under-inflated tires can drastically affect speed, battery range, and ride quality.
Refer to your Ola S1 user manual for the recommended PSI (typically around 33–36 PSI depending on rider load). Use a digital gauge to check pressure in both front and rear tires.
Low pressure increases rolling resistance, causing your scooter to work harder—and move slower.
Bonus: Worn-out tire treads or uneven wear can also lead to reduced traction and sluggish performance.
6. Inspect Brake Functionality
Misaligned or partially engaged brakes can feel like the scooter is dragging even on flat roads.
Check both the front and rear brake levers. If you feel resistance or hear a squealing sound while riding, the brake calipers may be stuck, or the brake pads might be worn unevenly.
Manually release the brakes and spin the wheels (if safe). If they don’t rotate freely, it’s time for a brake inspection.
7. Examine for Mechanical or Motor Issues
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there might be a more serious mechanical or drivetrain problem.
Look out for:
- Damaged belt or chain drive
- Faulty hub motor
- Loose wiring or connectors
- Controller malfunction
Sometimes, internal motor sensors or power delivery components may fail silently without a visible error. If you’ve recently gone through waterlogged roads or heavy rain, moisture intrusion could be to blame.
8. Restart the Scooter
Modern electric scooters run on integrated electronic systems, which occasionally encounter glitches.
Try restarting:
- Turn off the scooter completely.
- Wait for 30–60 seconds.
- Turn it back on and check if the issue persists.
This simple reset can resolve minor software hiccups or temporary voltage mismatches.
9. Contact Ola Electric Support
If you’ve tried all the steps above and the loss of speed persists, it’s best to let the professionals handle it.
Reach out to Ola Customer Support via the official Ola Electric app or website. They can run a remote diagnostic check (if supported), guide you through advanced troubleshooting, or schedule a service center visit.
Ola also offers doorstep service and pickup, especially in metro cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Final Thoughts
A sudden dip in speed may seem minor, but it could be the first sign of a larger electrical or mechanical issue. Regular maintenance, software updates, and prompt attention to performance changes can extend your scooter’s lifespan and ensure safe, reliable rides.
Whether it’s low battery, brake drag, or terrain resistance, the key is knowing what to look for—and acting early.
Ride smart, stay safe, and keep your Ola S1 running like a breeze.
