The Indian two-wheeler market is undergoing a transformative shift, with electric mobility becoming the cornerstone of the country’s future transportation. In this evolving landscape, one name that resonates with nostalgia and innovation alike is the Bajaj Chetak. Once a household name synonymous with reliability and utility, the Chetak has made a strong comeback – but this time, in an all-new electric avatar. The Bajaj Chetak represents not just a revival of a legendary brand, but also Bajaj Auto’s entry into the electric vehicle (EV) segment.
In this blog post, we dive deep into the Bajaj Chetak, exploring every aspect of this electric scooter including its design, performance, battery, range, features, technology, price, variants, and overall value proposition. We’ll also examine its market positioning, how it compares with competitors, and whether it is truly the right choice for modern urban commuter
Design and Styling: A Blend of Retro Charm and Modern Elegance
The design of the Bajaj Chetak is where it wins hearts almost instantly. Inspired by its petrol-powered predecessor, the scooter maintains a curvy, full-metal body that feels premium and timeless. The oval LED headlamp, flowing lines, and graceful silhouette give it a distinctive retro-modern appeal.
Some key design highlights include:
- Full-metal body for durability and sturdiness
- LED DRLs and sleek tail-lamps
- Chrome embellishments for a touch of luxury
- Flush-fitted panels and minimalistic branding
Offered in vibrant colors such as Indigo Metallic, Velutto Rosso, Brooklyn Black, and Cyber White, the Bajaj Chetak stands out in a sea of plasticky e-scooters. Its styling makes a statement that electric vehicles can look classy while being efficient.
Table of Contents
Performance and Motor Specifications
At the heart of the Bajaj Chetak lies a robust 3.8kW electric motor that delivers smooth, silent, and torquey performance suited for city commutes. The scooter has two ride modes: Eco and Sport.
- Eco Mode: Prioritizes range, delivers a top speed of around 45-50 km/h
- Sport Mode: Offers higher performance, top speed up to 63 km/h
With an instant torque response, the Bajaj Chetak can accelerate effortlessly, especially useful for overtaking in urban traffic. The ride is composed and balanced, thanks to a well-tuned suspension setup.
Battery, Range, and Charging
The Bajaj Chetak comes with a 3.04 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (non-removable) that is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance.
- Claimed Range: 90 km in Eco Mode and around 70 km in Sport Mode
- Charging Time: Approximately 4 hours for a full charge (standard 5A socket)
While the battery isn’t removable, the fixed installation provides better safety, heat management, and structural rigidity. For daily city usage, the range is adequate and reliable.
Features and Technology
The Bajaj Chetak is equipped with a host of smart features and connectivity options:
- All-digital LCD instrument cluster with ride statistics
- Bluetooth connectivity via Chetak mobile app
- Geo-fencing, theft alert, and vehicle location tracking
- OTA (Over-the-Air) updates
- Regenerative braking to improve range
- Reverse assist mode
- Keyless start
The scooter feels future-ready, offering convenience and safety through intelligent software and hardware integration. The Chetak app allows users to monitor battery status, locate the scooter, and check ride analytics in real-time.
Ride Comfort and Handling
One of the standout attributes of the Bajaj Chetak is its ride quality. Built on a strong tubular frame with leading-link suspension up front and a single-sided monoshock at the rear, the scooter offers a plush and composed ride over city roads.
The low center of gravity and wide seat provide excellent stability, while the upright riding posture ensures long-distance comfort. Whether you’re riding solo or with a pillion, the Chetak handles city traffic with finesse.
Braking and Safety
The Bajaj Chetak comes with a front disc and rear drum brake setup with a combined braking system (CBS) for balanced stopping power. The brakes are progressive and confidence-inspiring for daily commuting scenarios.
In terms of safety:
- Steel body provides strong crash resistance
- LED lighting ensures better night-time visibility
- Side-stand sensor prevents accidental riding
- IP67 rating ensures safe operation in rains
Variants and Pricing
The Bajaj Chetak is available in two main variants:
- Urbane: Slightly affordable, basic variant
- Premium: Top-spec version with additional color options, metallic finish, and advanced features
Ex-showroom Price (as of 2025):
- Urbane: Approx. Rs. 1.23 lakh
- Premium: Approx. Rs. 1.44 lakh
The pricing puts the Bajaj Chetak in the premium e-scooter bracket, competing with models like Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro, and TVS iQube ST. However, it justifies its cost with superior build quality, brand value, and design aesthetics.
Bajaj Chetak vs Competitors
Here’s a quick comparison of the Bajaj Chetak with other electric scooters in the same category:
| Model | Range (Claimed) | Top Speed | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Chetak | 90 km | 63 km/h | Rs. 1.23 – 1.44 Lakh |
| Ola S1 Pro | 181 km | 116 km/h | Rs. 1.30 Lakh |
| Ather 450X | 111 km | 90 km/h | Rs. 1.40 Lakh |
| TVS iQube ST | 145 km | 82 km/h | Rs. 1.25 Lakh |
While rivals offer better range or speed, the Bajaj Chetak holds its ground with unmatched styling, simplicity, and long-term reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Elegant, retro-inspired design
- Strong build quality with metal body
- Refined and silent motor performance
- Practical and comfortable for daily use
- Good connectivity features
Cons:
- Non-removable battery
- Limited top speed compared to rivals
- Slightly higher pricing for the feature set
Customer Feedback and After-Sales Service
Customers have generally praised the Bajaj Chetak for its premium feel, quiet performance, and urban usability. Bajaj’s expansive dealership and service network provides peace of mind when it comes to maintenance.
The company also offers:
- 3-year/50,000 km warranty on the battery
- Roadside assistance
- Dedicated EV service technicians
Conclusion: Is the Bajaj Chetak Worth It?
The Bajaj Chetak marks a successful return of an iconic Indian brand, now repurposed for a greener future. While it may not be the most powerful or longest-range scooter on the market, it scores high on design, practicality, and heritage.
For those who prioritize style, build quality, and brand trust, and are looking for a reliable electric scooter for urban use, the Bajaj Chetak emerges as a strong contender. It proves that going electric doesn’t mean compromising on legacy – in fact, it can be a stylish step forward.