Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
30.5 pts
Unweighted: 17 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Ola S1 Pro
5.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 500 | — |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | — |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 11 kW |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 58 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 | — |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 220 | 109 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 791 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Disc 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | Twin Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Disc 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 90/90 - R12 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 90/90 - R12 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery Capacity (kWh) | — | 2.8 |
| Battery Chemistry | — | Li-ion |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/s1proporcelainwhite-1.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/s1projetblack-1.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/s1prostellarblue-1.webp |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/s1promidnightblue-1.webp |
| Charging Time (Standard) | — | 6.5 hrs |
| Color Options | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black | Porcelain White Jet Black Silver Passion Red Stellar Blue Midnight Blue |
| Cons | Bulk and weight can make city riding or tight manoeuvres tricky: For its size and weight, it’s not the nimblest — U-turns, narrow lanes or heavy traffic require care and effort. Pillion comfort and practicality issues: The rear seat and pillion comfort setup don’t match the front’s promise very well; for two-up rides or long tours with a passenger, it might feel compromised. Ride can be a bit firm: Suspension may feel stiff on certain rough patches or very uneven roads — not the plushest cruiser ride in all conditions. Fuel efficiency and running cost may not be ideal: Given the displacement and weight, fuel consumption and maintenance may turn out costlier than lighter/smaller bikes — something to weigh if you ride daily. Feature-set and usability tradeoffs: While it offers the basics, it misses some modern amenities (e.g. advanced electronics or luggage accessories) that some rivals may provide — limiting its appeal for tourers or riders wanting more convenience. | Real-world range varies a lot depending on throttle use, speed, load, and terrain — aggressive riding or heavy load will significantly reduce how far one charge lasts. Ride comfort is decent but can feel firm on very uneven, potholed or rural roads — suspension setup prefers fairly good surfaces. Dependence on charging infrastructure — for convenience and peace of mind, access to reliable home charging or public/fast chargers is important; lack of it reduces practical usability. Storage space is useful but still limited compared with a motorcycle or larger scooter — for bulky luggage or long-haul travel, you may find it inadequate. For long rides or frequent high-speed travel, the scooter might feel less stable or range-efficient — it’s optimized more for urban/commute use than touring. |
| Detailed Overview | When you fire up the 502C, you wake a 500-cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that’s built around a DOHC, 8-valve layout. It uses electronic fuel injection and runs a fairly high compression ratio, so throttle response feels sharp and smooth — no lags or jerks when you twist the throttle. The engine makes about 35 kW (roughly 47–48 PS) around 8,500 rpm, and delivers its peak torque of around 46 Nm at 6,000 rpm. On Indian roads, that translates into a character that’s friendly in traffic yet competent and eager when you open it up — enough grunt for overtakes, decent roll-on from mid-range, and comfortable cruising at highway speeds without feeling stressed. Once you slot it into the 6-speed gearbox, shifts feel precise, and the chain drive delivers power without fuss. In daily commuting or in stop-go city traffic, the clutch and gearbox combine to give a relaxed ride. On open roads or highways, the 500-cc twin keeps things stable and alive, rather than peaky or nervous. What helps the 502C feel grounded is its chassis and suspension setup. It rides on a sturdy steel trellis frame, which provides a nice balance between rigidity and a bit of give — meaning that rough roads or small bumps don’t jolt you harshly. Up front, there’s an upside-down telescopic fork; at the rear, a mono-shock. The suspension soaking capabilities make city potholes, uneven surfaces or speed-breakers feel far less jarring than you might expect for a cruiser. If you ride alone or with a pillion, the rear suspension remains composed — and the preload-adjustability allows a little customization when carrying different loads or luggage. Physically, the 502C sits in a comforting sweet spot. Its seat is relatively low (so many riders find their feet touch the ground easily at stops) and yet the bike carries enough bulk and presence to feel like a proper cruiser. The wheelbase gives it stability at speed, and while it won’t dance through narrow alleys or squeeze through bumper-to-bumper traffic like a lighter commuter, once you’re rolling, it tracks straight and steady rather than nervous or twitchy. For longer rides — intercity or weekend rides — this relaxed stability becomes a big advantage: you don’t get tired quickly, and control remains confidence-inspiring. Stopping power on the 502C matches the confidence the engine gives. With dual discs up front and a disc at the rear — all backed by dual-channel ABS — braking feels strong and progressive. You’re unlikely to get unpleasant surprises under hard braking, whether you’re solo or riding with a pillion and load. The setup gives assurance even in tricky situations: a quick stop, a sudden swerve, or braking on slippery surfaces — the bike handles them calmly. Range-wise, the 21.5-litre fuel tank lets you cover decent distances without frequent fuel stops, which is a welcome bonus if you enjoy longer rides or city-to-city stretches. Add to that the comfortable ergonomics — upright posture, thoughtfully placed footpegs and a well-padded seat — and the 502C becomes a machine that invites you to ride for hours without undue fatigue. Of course, it’s not a light commuter or nimble sport-bike: the weight and geometry mean low-speed manoeuvres and tight traffic can be a little unwieldy, and quick lane-splits or U-turns require a bit of care. But that’s part of the deal when you choose a cruiser: in return for a laid-back, planted ride and a relaxed highway character, you trade a bit of agility. In real-world terms, the 502C feels like a “grown-up’s cruiser” — balanced, capable, and accessible. It gives you more than enough power to enjoy open roads, offers comfort and stability for longer rides, yet remains manageable enough for daily city commuting (with some care). For a mid-size cruiser, it strikes that rare balance where you don’t need to be a hardened rider to enjoy what it delivers, yet it doesn’t ride like a mere commuter. | From the moment you swing a leg over the S1 Pro Gen 3 you get a sense this isn’t a run-of-the-mill scooter swinging between trolley pace and occasional bursts — it’s built to deliver a confident, electric-age ride that can really stretch its legs when called upon. The mid-mounted IPM (Permanent Magnet) electric motor — in its standard trim rated at about 11 kW peak, and in top trim even hitting around 13 kW — moves the wheel with a sense of urgency that’s rare for a scooter. That translates into fast, sharp launches in city traffic — you’ll feel the torque and instant throttle response as you weave through intersections or overtake sluggish vehicles. In many everyday situations, the scooter surges ahead like a light, nimble ride rather than a heavy two-wheeler dragging its feet. Because the motor is electric and doesn’t rely on shifting gears or revving up, you get that power instantly — no clutch slip, no gear hunt. That means in traffic lights, tight city lanes, or slip-streams behind slow vehicles, the S1 Pro Gen 3 doesn’t hesitate; it just moves. For riders who commute daily in Indian city (or semi-urban) traffic, that immediacy becomes liberating rather than intimidating. Battery and range are where the S1 Pro Gen 3 tries to shine beyond city-only expectations. Depending on the variant you choose, you get battery packs sized around 4 kWh in the “standard Pro” trim, or higher capacity in top-end trims. That gives a certified range (on paper) that’s substantial — enough to cover multiple days of commuting, errands, or even a longer ride without stressing about charging. For someone who rides moderately — avoids aggressive throttle, uses city-postal-style short bursts, and takes advantage of regen braking — this scooter realistically becomes a “charge once, forget for days” kind of ride. On a full battery, you don’t have to hunt for a charger every evening if you’ve done light to moderate daily runs. Charging is also fairly manageable: you can plug it at home via a standard charger, and overnight charging works well for most users. That blending of decent range + manageable charging means the scooter doesn’t demand a “perfect” infrastructure to be useful. For many urban and semi-urban owners, this will feel like they finally got an EV they can live with daily — without constant anxiety about charging points or battery drain. But power and range alone don’t make a good ride if the chassis and handling don’t follow through — and the S1 Pro Gen 3 makes a thoughtful attempt there. The frame is a blend of tubular plus sheet-metal construction, chosen to balance rigidity and lightness. Suspension setup — with a telescopic front fork and a monoshock rear — gives the kind of stability that keeps things composed on smooth roads, and surprises you with confidence on moderate irregularities. It steers well, rides with composure through corners or U-turns, and doesn’t feel ponderous even when you’re navigating narrow or crowded lanes. For city riders especially, that nimbleness matters a lot: it means you don’t treat every pothole or traffic jam as a chore — the scooter simply flows through. Stopping power and control follow the performance: disc brakes at both ends ensure that whether you’re nipping between cars or riding somewhere faster, the response is strong and predictable. There’s also an electronic braking system (brake-by-wire with dual-channel safety logic) and regenerative braking to feed energy back into the system — those features do more than just improve safety: they add to the feeling of control, especially when traffic is unpredictable or you’re riding fast and want to scrub speed without abrupt jolts. One of the more practical touches for real-life use is the storage under the seat — the kind you need for day-to-day commuting or errands. It’s roomy enough for everyday items: helmet, small groceries, backpack or shopping bags — something many commuters wish their scooters had from day one. That means you don’t always have to carry a backpack to work or run errands; the scooter becomes a small-haul companion, not just a ride. Equally important: S1 Pro Gen 3 dresses up its practicality with modern electronics. A big digital touchscreen dash, ride-mode selection (from efficient Eco/Normal to more eager Sport/Hyper), and an intuitive, responsive throttle/regen + braking system make it feel contemporary — not clumsy or dated like some older scooters. For someone used to feature-rich phones or gadgets, the smoothness, responsiveness and user-friendly electronics help the scooter feel like a proper “smart vehicle,” rather than a basic mode of transport. Now, riding any electric scooter daily also involves trade-offs — and S1 Pro Gen 3 is no exception. Its suspension setup, while stable and civil on regular roads, can feel firm when the road turns rough — pot-holed rural lanes or badly maintained roads tend to transmit more shock than a softer commuter-scooter would. So if your daily terrain often involves rough patch-work of roads, you’ll notice that the ride leans toward a “sporty-firm” feel rather than cushy comfort. Also, if you habitually ride hard — frequent quick starts, constant high-speed bursts, use of top ride modes — the real-world range will drop noticeably. That means the promise of long rides per charge exists, but it depends heavily on how you ride. Heavy throttle, frequent rides on rough terrain, or pillion + load will shrink that window. For someone without stable access to charging (home or office), occasional long trips could demand careful planning. Lastly, while the scooter is light and nimble, carrying capacity is still limited — if you often ferry larger shopping loads or need to carry more than everyday items, the under-seat storage helps but won’t turn this into a cargo ride. And because it’s optimized for comfort + performance over long-haul touring, long highway rides, rough rural patches or constant heavy usage might still make you wish for a heavier, sturdier motorcycle or a cargo-oriented ride. In everyday life — commuting to work, weaving through city traffic, running errands, riding to college or market, maybe occasional weekend trips — the S1 Pro Gen 3 offers a refined, capable experience. It gives brisk performance when needed, handles with composure, charges without fuss, and mixes modern convenience with sensible practicality. For someone who values ease, modern EV-style riding, and doesn’t want to compromise much on performance or convenience — it’s hard to find another scooter in this price-performance bracket that strikes such a balanced chord. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 22–25 kmpl in real-world riding, while the official claim is roughly 26 kmpl. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 21.5 litres. Q: What is the kerb weight of the bike? A: The Benelli 502C weighs approximately 216 kg. Q: What kind of engine does it have? A: It uses a 500cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine producing about 47.5 PS and 46 Nm of torque. Q: What braking setup does it come with? A: It has dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. Q: How many gears does it have? A: The bike comes with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is around 760 mm, making it accessible for most riders. Q: Is the Benelli 502C good for long rides? A: Yes, its comfortable ergonomics, smooth twin-cylinder engine, and large fuel tank make it well-suited for long-distance riding. Q: Is it easy to handle in city traffic? A: It is manageable, but its 216 kg weight means low-speed manoeuvres require some care. Q: What type of suspension does it use? A: It has an upside-down front fork and a rear mono-shock with preload adjustability. Q: Does it have LED lighting? A: Yes, the 502C features LED headlights, tail lamps, and indicators. Q: Is the bike suitable for beginners? A: It can be used by newer riders who are confident, but the weight and size may feel challenging for complete beginners. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is generally around 160 km/h. Q: Are the ergonomics comfortable? A: Yes, it offers a relaxed cruiser stance with a low seat and forward-set footpegs. | Q: What is the real-world range of the Ola S1 Pro Gen 3? A: In everyday riding, you can expect around 120–150 km depending on speed, mode, and traffic. With careful riding, it can go higher. Q: How long does it take to charge the battery fully? A: Using a home charger, it generally takes around 6–7 hours for a full charge from low battery. Q: What is the top speed of the S1 Pro Gen 3? A: The scooter can reach a top speed of about 120 km/h in its highest performance mode. Q: Does it support fast charging? A: Yes, Ola Hypercharger stations can add meaningful range quickly, though speed depends on availability and battery percentage. Q: What motor does the S1 Pro Gen 3 use? A: It uses a mid-mounted permanent magnet motor with peak output around 11–13 kW depending on variant. Q: What riding modes are available on the scooter? A: The scooter offers multiple modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport, and Hyper to balance performance and efficiency. Q: Is the scooter suitable for long daily commutes? A: Yes, its strong range, fast acceleration, and comfortable ergonomics make it reliable for long commutes. Q: How is the suspension quality? A: It is stable and sporty, though slightly firm on very rough roads. Q: Does it have storage space? A: Yes, it offers spacious under-seat storage that fits essentials like a helmet, backpack, or groceries. Q: Can it carry a pillion comfortably? A: The seat is long and supportive enough for comfortable pillion riding. Q: Is the S1 Pro Gen 3 good for hilly areas? A: Yes, the powerful motor handles inclines well, though range may drop due to extra load. Q: What safety features does it have? A: It comes with front and rear disc brakes, electronic braking, regenerative braking, and multiple sensors for stability and control. Q: Does it support OTA updates? A: Yes, the scooter’s software can be updated over the air, adding new features and improvements. Q: Is the touchscreen reliable? A: The large digital display responds smoothly and remains visible in bright daylight. Q: What is the warranty on the battery? A: Typically around 8 years or a fixed kilometer limit, depending on Ola’s policy at purchase. |
| Fuel System | — | Electric |
| Price Variants | | 580000 | Pro | 124999 Pro + | 154999 |
| Pros | Looks and road presence: The 502C has a bold, muscular cruiser-style appearance. Its design draws attention, giving you strong presence on the road. Balanced engine and rideability: The 500 cc twin offers smooth, linear power delivery that’s easy to manage in city traffic but still capable on highways — enough punch for overtakes or cruising without being overly aggressive. Comfortable ergonomics for many riders: With a low-ish seat height and relaxed riding posture (wide handlebars, forward footpegs), it’s reasonably comfortable for day-to-day rides or weekend trips. Good for highway and long rides: Large fuel tank and stable chassis make it well-suited for longer rides — less frequent refuelling and a planted feel at cruising speeds. Decent performance + braking hardware: The bike’s brakes (disc + ABS) and suspension are competent for its segment, offering reasonably confident stopping power and decent ride quality over typical road surfaces. | Strong, responsive acceleration — the instant torque and high-power electric motor make starts, overtakes and city traffic much easier and more confidence-inspiring. Good top-end speed and range (on a full battery) — it’s not just a short-hop scooter; you can cover daily commutes or longer rides without constant range anxiety if you moderate throttle and riding style. Flexible ride modes — Eco through Sport/Hyper give you control: you can save energy on regular commuting or unlock performance when needed. Modern features and convenience — digital instrument cluster, ride-modes, braking + regen systems, and under-seat storage add practicality and a “smart-vehicle” feel. Ease of ownership & maintenance simplicity — fewer moving parts compared with a petrol scooter/ bike, smoother rides without clutch/gears, and low day-to-day upkeep for city use. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | Automatic |
