The Alert Consumer: 2026

Bought the Ola Roadster X 3.5kwh. Against all advice. Against all logic. Against all caution. Against previous experiences.

For those that want details: Here's the full booking experience.

- Booked at launch by paying a token amount.
- Paid full amount in Feb '25.
- Kept getting shifting timelines, so cancelled the order for a full refund in Apr '25.

..Interval..

Finally came to know that Ola Roadster X has arrived in Rajkot, Gujarat.

- Went to the showroom and took a test ride. Found the vehicle to be impressive in every way.
- Went to Ola service in Mavdi, and took a look around - an estimated 40-50 bikes lying around gathering dust. A closer look reveals mostly Gen1 & some Gen2, but couldn't spot any Gen3
- Mechanics and showroom staff kept saying that there is no delays and problems with Gen3. Assurances taken with a grain of salt.
- Visited 2-3 more showrooms. Response from staff rather disinterested, as though they couldn't care less whether or not they make a sale.
- Received a more positive response from Bhaktinagar showroom, including assurances for post sales help in case of service problems. They were very clear that service is not in their hands, the service center is independent of showrooms, but will try to intervene on my behalf if possible. Again, I don't believe it to be true, but it's better than a flat out denial of post sales contact.
- Now here's the surprising part. I was initially targeting the 2.5kwh, but the 3.5 kwh model carried a festive discount that actually made it cheaper than the 2.5kwh model!
- Confirmed the stock availability and delivery date. Then went with them to physically inspect the bike. Checked the bike, confirmed that delivery will be affected ASAP (within 1 week) and noted the VIN number to prevent any last minute shenanigans. The showroom staff offered me a choice of colors, but I told them that I don't care about the color, I want whatever was physically available. I'd had enough of delays and false commitments.
- Landed up with Pine Green.

- The showroom staff told me that I had to wait until the invoice and registration was processed to take the delivery. I insisted on delivery (in restricted mode) immediately after payment. Finally we settled on delivery the next day.

- Note about restricted mode: Until the registration and other paperwork is completed, the bike is in restricted mode. This means that the mode is limited to "Eco", the top speed to 42 kmph, and the maximum distance to apx 30+ KM.

- Made the full payment, and staff processed the transaction smoothly. Took (unofficial) delivery of the bike 2 days later - delay on my part, the showroom staff were very accommodating, but I was busy. Received the payment receipt and insurance details on email the next day after payment.

- In the meantime, I received multiple calls from Ola's call centers, but weirdly, they would call and disconnect after 1 ring. I guess they wanted their logs to show that they had made attempts to reach me ...?

- Finally, I received a proper call from an Ola rep - confirmed the bike details (model, color, VIN#) and then shared a vahan OTP for "new registration".

2 days later (today), received an email from Ola stating that registration was successful. Sent a message to showroom staff who checked their backend and gave me the license plate number.

Now waiting for the message from RTO for HSRP plates. Ola showroom staff have told me that they will do fitment after I/they receive the plates... I need to take the bike to the showroom.

Current status: Waiting for the HSRP plates, apx 15+ km run, and apx 15+ km remaining in restricted mode. Took the vehicle with a full charge, and, after running 15+ km, battery is down to 85%. Thus I assume a usable range of apx 70-80 km, as against the 155+ advertised.

More details on my experiences as the road unfolds...

Timeline of responses from Ola Electric...

The Alert Consumer

Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Images for Ola Roadster X 3.5 kwh

Ola Roadster X 3.5 KWh