India’s electric scooter market is witnessing an exciting face-off in 2025, and this time, it’s all about family-friendly rides. With the Ather Rizta entering the game as Ather Energy’s most practical scooter yet, and Ola Electric’s S1 Air already creating buzz with its aggressive pricing and value-packed specs, the battle is heating up.
The Indian middle class, increasingly conscious of fuel savings and eco-friendly commuting, now has two strong contenders to consider.
Practicality Over Performance?
Unlike sporty EVs targeting the youth, the Ather Rizta and Ola S1 Air are both focused on one thing — becoming the family’s go-to ride. Think school drops, grocery hauls, and comfortable two-up commuting. Both scooters have dropped the aggressive styling of performance-focused EVs in favor of a more traditional, user-friendly design. But beneath this simplicity lies some serious competition.
Design & Comfort: Family-First Approach
The Ather Rizta offers a clean, rounded design with a wide and flat seat — arguably one of the longest in the segment. Its large floorboard and robust grab rail make it ideal for pillion comfort and daily utility. Ather has taken a no-nonsense approach here, focusing on space, comfort, and durability.
On the other hand, Ola S1 Air keeps the brand’s signature curves but adds practical touches like a flat footboard and underseat storage up to 34 liters. It looks slightly sportier than the Rizta, which might appeal to younger family members or those upgrading from traditional petrol scooters.
Range & Battery: Who Goes Further?
The Ather Rizta is available in two variants – Rizta S and Rizta Z – with battery options of 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh respectively. The real-world range is expected to hover between 105 to 125 km, depending on riding mode and battery configuration.
Meanwhile, Ola S1 Air also offers a 3 kWh battery, delivering a certified range of up to 125 km. However, the real-world range varies based on usage patterns, and many owners report around 90 to 100 km in mixed conditions.
So, in terms of range, it’s a close call — but Ather’s reliability in range estimation might give it a slight edge in real-world expectations.
Features & Tech: Smart or Smarter?
Both scooters come equipped with digital displays, riding modes, reverse assist, and connected features like navigation and vehicle diagnostics. The Rizta gets AtherStack 6.0 software, offering a new UI, FallSafe, and integrated WhatsApp alerts.
Ola’s S1 Air isn’t far behind with its own software suite, offering OTA updates, mood-based themes, and even proximity unlock in higher trims. In this department, Ola may feel more flashy, but Ather’s software is widely regarded for stability and clean UI.
Ride & Handling: Comfy Cruisers, Not Corner Carvers
The Ather Rizta comes with telescopic front forks and 12-inch wheels, tuned for comfort rather than speed. It’s designed for stability even at low speeds with a pillion on board. Its suspension setup is noticeably softer than Ather’s sportier 450X.
Ola S1 Air also adopts a family-friendly suspension setup but gets a twin-tube front fork. While it handles city roads well, some riders feel Ather’s ride quality is more planted, especially over rough patches.
Pricing & Value: Which Scooter Makes More Sense?
The Ather Rizta starts around ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant, while the top-end version goes up to ₹1.45 lakh depending on battery and features.
Ola S1 Air, meanwhile, remains aggressively priced starting at ₹1.05 lakh, undercutting its rivals while offering solid specs. With FAME-II subsidy gone, both scooters now rely on state subsidies (if applicable) to remain attractive.
The Final Verdict: Which One’s for You?
If you want a mature, tested product with excellent software, robust build quality, and a comfortable ride — the Ather Rizta seems like the safe bet. Ather’s service network is expanding, and their track record with the 450X inspires confidence.
However, if your priority is value-for-money, modern tech, and bold features, the Ola S1 Air makes a strong case. It offers many of the essentials at a lower cost and comes from a brand constantly pushing the envelope in the EV space.
Also Read:- Hero Xoom 125 Spotted Again – Is a Larger Xoom on the Way?
Conclusion
The Ather Rizta vs Ola S1 Air battle isn’t just about specs — it’s about how Indian families commute in 2025. With rising petrol prices and increasing focus on electric mobility, these two EVs could redefine family transport in the country. The choice ultimately depends on what your family values more: proven reliability or flashy innovation.
Whichever you pick, one thing is clear — the age of family-first electric scooters in India has officially arrived.
