Bgauss RUV 350 EX vs Ola S1 Air vs - Spec Comparison

With the launch of the new RUV 350, Bgauss has ushered in a new style to the electric scooter segment in India with its step-through design. It is available in three variants, and although this stylisation is very popular in southeast Asian markets, the Bgauss RUV 350’s unique style statement will find itself in competition with conventional-looking, but massively popular electric scooters in India. One of which is the Ola S1 Air. So, how does the Bgauss RUV 350’s mid-spec variant, the RUV 350 EX, compare against Ola’s mid-spec S1 Air on paper?

Bgauss RUV 350 EX vs Ola S1 Air: Battery And Charger

Both might be available with the same sized battery, but on the Ola S1 Air the same seems better engineered for it can do more range. However, while Ola is offering its customers with just one portable charger option, Bgauss is offering the RUV 350 with a 500W charger as standard, and two more fast charger options – 840 W and 1350 W – both of which take far less time to charge the battery from 0-80 per cent. 

Bgauss RUV 350 EX vs Ola S1 Air: Performance

Performance-wise, it’s the Ola S1 Air that will take the pole if you drag race it with the Bgauss RUV350. This is quite a surprise, for the Bgauss RUV 350 features a PMSM inwheel drive, which negates the requirement of a belt/ chain drive system, which in turn helps curb the loss of unnecessary power/ torque to the wheel. However, we understand that Bgauss has tuned the RUV 350 entirely for urban usage. This is the case too with the Ola S1 Air, but with a higher top speed at 90 kmph, and 0-40 kmph coming up in just 3.3 seconds, the Ola electric scooter has a comparatively more exciting riding behaviour, despite the motorcycle-looking RUV 350. 

Bgauss RUV 350 EX vs Ola S1 Air: Dimension

Dimensionally and stylistically, both the Ola S1 Air and Bgauss RUV 350 look poles apart. The former is more conventional in its design with a proper boot space and curved footboard design. The Bgauss RUV 350’s step-through design should help its case in being a unique looker, however, that eats into its functionality. 

For example, there’s only 16 litres of under seat storage space that can at best accommodate a half-face helmet. And while there is clever storage space hidden inside the footboard, it is reserved for the charger unit only. 

In comparison, the Ola S1 Air weighs less, has more functionalities with proper storage space and is also dimensionally smaller than the Bgauss RUV 350, which should make it a nimble handler in comparison. This should make the former not only a hoot to ride in the city (given its performance advantage) but also effortless at times.

Bgauss RUV 350 EX vs Ola S1 Air: Features

Being a mid-spec model the Bgauss RUV 350 EX comes packed with all essential features that would uplift the daily ownership experience. For starters, it gets a 5-inch TFT touchscreen display that reads out the charge level, speed, odometer, and trips, along with a built-in turn-by-turn navigation; and its lighting system are also all-LED units. For safety purposes, the Bgauss RUV350 is available with hill-hold control, roll-over detection, reverse assist with dedicated reverse button, and auto-motor cut off functionalities in case of accidents or if the main stand is put down. 

But when compared with the Ola S1 Air, the Bgauss RUV350 reads a bit basic. This primarily boils down to Ola’s versatile MoveOS4 software. The latest update has opened a plethora of features, starting with Ola Maps which has an interface similar to Google Maps. The S1 Air also gets four levels of regen braking which further helps customers with range extension and more importantly it features disc brakes as opposed to the drum units as seen on the RUV 350. Along with that, you also get cruise control, hill-hold assist, proximity unlock, and the ‘Find Your Scooter’ feature as well.  

Bgauss RUV 350 EX vs Ola S1 Air: Verdict

At ₹1.25 lakh (ex-showroom), the newly launched Bgauss RUV 350 might look unique in a sea of conventional-looking scooters. However, that’s the only advantage it has going for it now. For performance-wise and feature-wise, it still feels a bit old-school, especially in 2024. 

The Ola S1 Air, not only ticks off all basics, but it also gives customers the benefit of added convenient functionalities which genuinely amp up the daily ownership experience. And the best part, all of these are available at just ₹1.04 lakh, ex-showroom. 

So, from a value-for-money point of view, the Ola S1 Air has a clear advantage. As for the Bgauss RUV 350 – even if we’re sold off on the design, the lack of features and convenience will prevent us from committing to it right now. However, in the future with more updates, we can confidently say that the Bgauss RUV 350 will be a contender.