Ola Electric, a trailblazer in India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution, has introduced the Ola Gig, a purpose-built electric scooter designed to cater to the burgeoning needs of gig workers, delivery personnel, and urban commuters seeking an affordable, eco-friendly mobility solution. Launched in November 2024, with deliveries slated to begin in April 2025, the Ola Gig represents a significant step in Ola Electric’s mission to make electric mobility accessible to the masses. Priced competitively and equipped with practical features, this scooter targets the B2B (business-to-business) segment while also appealing to individual buyers looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) scooters. With its minimalist design, swappable battery system, and impressive range, the Ola Gig promises to redefine last-mile connectivity in India’s bustling metro cities and beyond.
The Ola Gig comes at a time when India’s gig economy is booming, with millions of delivery executives and ride-sharing operators relying on two-wheelers for their livelihood. Ola Electric has positioned this scooter as a “workhorse” tailored for commercial use, emphasizing durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike its flashier siblings in the Ola S1 lineup, the Ola Gig strips away unnecessary frills to focus on functionality, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize utility over aesthetics. Available in two variants—Gig and Gig+—this scooter offers flexibility in terms of range, power, and pricing, ensuring it meets diverse user needs. As Ola Electric continues to expand its footprint with its massive FutureFactory in Tamil Nadu, the Ola Gig stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive mobility.
Technical Specifications
The Ola Gig is engineered to deliver reliable performance with a focus on efficiency and practicality. Below is a detailed breakdown of its technical specifications for both variants, compiled from sources like BikeDekho and BikeWale.
| Specification | Ola Gig (Standard) | Ola Gig+ |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 250W (0.25 kW) | 1.5 kW |
| Battery Capacity | 1.5 kWh (Single, Swappable) | 1.5 kWh (Single or Dual, Swappable) |
| Certified Range | 112 km (Single Battery) | 81 km (Single Battery), 157 km (Dual Battery) |
| Top Speed | 25 kmph | 45 kmph |
| Charging Time | Not specified (Battery Swap) | Not specified (Battery Swap) |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Drum / Drum | Drum / Drum |
| Suspension (Front) | Telescopic Fork | Telescopic Fork |
| Suspension (Rear) | Dual Springs | Dual Springs |
| Wheels | 12-inch Alloy | 12-inch Alloy |
| Tyres | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Weight | Not specified (Lightweight) | Not specified (Lightweight) |
| Lighting | Straight LED Headlight | Round LED Headlight |
| Display | None (QR Code for Unlock) | LCD Screen |
| Additional Features | Storage Rack, Cubby Holes | Storage Rack, Cubby Holes |
These specifications highlight the Ola Gig’s focus on simplicity and utility, with the Gig+ variant offering enhanced power and range for more demanding tasks.
Variants
The Ola Gig is available in two distinct variants, each tailored to different use cases. Here’s a concise overview:
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Ola Gig | Entry-level variant with a 250W motor, 112 km range, and 25 kmph top speed. Ideal for short commutes and low-speed urban deliveries. No license or registration required. |
| Ola Gig+ | Premium variant with a 1.5 kW motor, up to 157 km range (dual battery), and 45 kmph top speed. Suited for longer trips and heavier workloads; requires a license and RTO registration. |
Both variants share a rugged chassis and practical design elements, but the Gig+ adds a bit more versatility with its dual-battery option and improved performance.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Ola Gig varies slightly across metro cities due to differences in taxes, insurance, and RTO charges. The figures below are approximate on-road prices based on ex-showroom rates from BikeDekho and BikeWale, adjusted for metro-specific costs as of April 2025.
| City | Ola Gig (Ex-Showroom: ₹39,999) | Ola Gig+ (Ex-Showroom: ₹49,999) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹43,906 | ₹54,079 |
| Mumbai | ₹44,500 | ₹55,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹44,200 | ₹54,800 |
| Chennai | ₹44,000 | ₹54,600 |
| Kolkata | ₹43,800 | ₹54,400 |
These prices include insurance and RTO charges where applicable (notably for the Gig+ variant, which requires registration). The Ola Gig standard variant benefits from its low-speed classification, exempting it from registration costs in most regions.
About the Ola Gig
The Ola Gig is more than just an electric scooter—it’s a strategic move by Ola Electric to tap into India’s rapidly growing gig economy and urban mobility market. With companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and Uber relying heavily on two-wheelers for their operations, the demand for affordable, efficient, and sustainable transport solutions has never been higher. Ola Electric, under the leadership of Bhavish Aggarwal, has capitalized on this trend by designing a scooter that prioritizes cost savings, ease of use, and environmental sustainability. The Ola Gig’s launch in November 2024, with deliveries commencing in April 2025, aligns perfectly with the company’s broader vision of electrifying India’s two-wheeler segment, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s vehicle population.
At its core, the Ola Gig is a no-nonsense machine built for durability and functionality. Its bare-bones design—featuring minimal body panels and a utilitarian chassis—reduces manufacturing costs and enhances repairability, making it an attractive option for fleet operators and individual gig workers alike. The scooter’s swappable battery system is a game-changer, allowing users to quickly exchange depleted batteries at Ola’s charging stations rather than waiting for a recharge. This feature is particularly beneficial for delivery personnel who need to maximize uptime and minimize downtime. The standard Gig variant, with its 1.5 kWh battery and 112 km range, is optimized for short, low-speed trips within city limits, while the Gig+, with its dual-battery setup and 157 km range, caters to those needing greater flexibility and range.
The Ola Gig’s performance is tailored to its intended audience. The standard variant’s 250W motor delivers a modest top speed of 25 kmph, which eliminates the need for a driving license or vehicle registration under India’s Motor Vehicles Act. This makes it an accessible option for students, small-scale vendors, and gig workers who may not possess formal driving credentials. In contrast, the Gig+ ups the ante with a 1.5 kW motor and a top speed of 45 kmph, offering a bit more grunt for navigating congested metro streets or covering longer distances. Both variants ride on 12-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires, ensuring decent stability and puncture resistance—crucial for the rough-and-tumble conditions of Indian roads.
One of the standout features of the Ola Gig is its emphasis on practicality. The scooter comes equipped with a storage rack at the rear and small cubby holes on the front apron, providing ample space for delivery packages, personal items, or tools. The Gig variant features a simple straight LED headlight and a QR code-based unlocking system, keeping costs low and operations straightforward. The Gig+, meanwhile, adds a round LED headlight and an LCD screen, offering a slightly more premium feel without compromising its utilitarian ethos. The suspension setup—telescopic forks upfront and dual springs at the rear—promises a balance of comfort and load-bearing capacity, while the drum brakes on both ends provide adequate stopping power for its intended speed range.
From a cost-of-ownership perspective, the Ola Gig shines brightly. Ola Electric claims that both variants are 93.4% more frugal than comparable ICE scooters in terms of daily running costs. With electricity prices significantly lower than petrol (especially in metro cities where charging infrastructure is expanding), and no engine oil or complex mechanical parts to maintain, the Ola Gig offers substantial savings over time. For a gig worker covering 100-120 km daily, this translates to hundreds of rupees saved monthly—money that can be reinvested into their livelihood. The scooter’s lightweight construction (exact weight not specified but described as low) further enhances efficiency, making it easy to maneuver through traffic and reducing wear on components.
The Ola Gig also benefits from Ola Electric’s growing ecosystem. The company has ambitious plans to roll out a network of hypercharger stations and battery-swapping hubs across India, ensuring that users can keep their scooters operational with minimal hassle. This infrastructure is particularly critical for the B2B market, where downtime directly impacts earnings. Ola’s FutureFactory in Tamil Nadu, touted as one of the world’s largest EV manufacturing plants, underpins the production of the Ola Gig, enabling economies of scale that keep prices competitive. By reserving the scooter for just ₹499 through Ola’s official website, customers can secure their unit ahead of the April 2025 delivery window—a smart move to gauge demand and streamline logistics.
However, the Ola Gig isn’t without its potential drawbacks. Its minimalist design, while cost-effective, may not appeal to riders seeking a more stylish or feature-rich ride. The lack of a traditional display on the standard Gig variant could be a limitation for tech-savvy users who prefer real-time ride data. Additionally, while the swappable battery system is innovative, its success hinges on the widespread availability of swapping stations—something Ola is still scaling up. Early adopters in smaller cities or rural areas may face challenges until the infrastructure catches up. Furthermore, the drum brakes, while sufficient for low-speed use, might not inspire confidence in emergency situations compared to disc brakes found on higher-end models.
User feedback from test rides and initial reviews paints a positive picture. College students appreciate the standard Gig variant’s ease of use and futuristic design, noting that its 25 kmph top speed is perfect for short campus commutes. Delivery workers, on the other hand, laud the Gig+ for its range and storage options, calling it a “best-in-class” solution for their needs. The scooter’s low maintenance and cost-effectiveness have also been highlighted as major selling points, though some users have expressed a desire for more color options beyond the current white (standard) and white-black-red (Gig+) schemes.
Close Competitors
The Ola Gig enters a competitive segment of the Indian EV market, where affordability and utility are key. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rivals:
Avon E Scoot 504 STD
- Price: ₹49,696 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Specs: 250W motor, 24 kmph top speed, 65 km range
- Pros: Affordable, no license required, decent build quality
- Cons: Lower range, basic features, less brand recognition
- Comparison: The Avon E Scoot matches the Ola Gig in power and licensing ease but falls short with its 65 km range compared to the Gig’s 112 km. Ola’s superior infrastructure and brand trust give it an edge.
Komaki X One Graphene
- Price: ₹39,049 – ₹63,438 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Specs: 250W motor, 25 kmph top speed, 80-100 km range
- Pros: Competitive pricing, good range for the price
- Cons: Inconsistent quality, limited after-sales support
- Comparison: The Komaki X One is a strong contender in the low-speed segment, but its range and support network lag behind the Ola Gig. Ola’s swappable battery system also offers a practical advantage.
Motovolt Urbn e-Bike STD
- Price: ₹49,524 – ₹55,511 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Specs: 250W motor, 25 kmph top speed, 120 km range
- Pros: Slightly better range, stylish design
- Cons: Higher price, less focus on commercial use
- Comparison: The Motovolt Urbn comes close to the Ola Gig in range and matches its speed, but its higher cost and lack of a B2B-specific design make it less suited for gig workers.
In the slightly higher performance bracket, the Ola Gig+ competes with:
Hero Electric Optima CX 2.0
- Price: ₹87,117 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Specs: 550W motor, 45 kmph top speed, 89 km range
- Pros: Trusted brand, decent performance
- Cons: Much pricier, shorter range than Gig+
- Comparison: The Optima CX offers similar speed but can’t match the Gig+’s 157 km range with dual batteries, making the Ola a better value proposition.
The Ola Gig stands out for its tailored design, competitive pricing, and Ola Electric’s robust ecosystem, giving it a clear advantage over most rivals in the B2B and budget EV space.
Final Thoughts!
The Ola Gig is a thoughtfully designed electric scooter that bridges the gap between affordability and functionality, making it a compelling choice for India’s gig workers and budget-conscious commuters. With its swappable batteries, low running costs, and practical features, it addresses the real-world needs of its target audience while advancing Ola Electric’s vision of a cleaner, greener future. While it may lack the flair of premium models like the Ola S1 Pro, its simplicity is its strength, offering a reliable and efficient mobility solution at an unbeatable price point. As deliveries begin in April 2025, the Ola Gig is poised to make a significant impact on India’s urban landscape, one delivery at a time.
