In a market overflowing with flashy electric concepts and feature-overloaded e-scooters, the Bajaj Chetak Electric stands apart—quietly and confidently. It’s not trying to be the next big EV headline.
Instead, it focuses on what really matters: everyday usability, durability, and smooth electric commuting for India’s chaotic urban roads.
Design
The first time you see the Chetak, there’s something deeply familiar yet refreshingly modern about it. Its shape echoes classic scooters like the original Chetak and Vespa, but updated with sleek metallic body panels and a clean, minimalist look.
The use of metal instead of plastic gives it a premium finish and added durability—less likely to scratch, and more likely to age well in daily use.
The seating position feels natural, whether you’re heading to work in formal wear or stepping out in casuals on a weekend. The wide floorboard and plush, well-contoured seat offer plenty of comfort, while the mirror placement provides excellent visibility. Every element seems to have been measured and refined for practicality.
Powertrain
At its core, the Chetak packs a 4kW hub-mounted motor that delivers a steady 16Nm of torque. Sure, that’s not drag race material, but in city traffic, it’s a blessing. The power delivery is linear, smooth, and completely devoid of sudden jolts. This makes it beginner-friendly and helps keep range usage efficient.
There are two riding modes—Eco and Sport—that you can toggle based on traffic or urgency. Eco helps you stretch the range while Sport gives you that extra nudge in performance when needed.
The throttle response is progressive, allowing you to manage stop-and-go traffic without surprises. The beauty of this scooter is that it doesn’t try to be thrilling—it just works well.
Battery
The 3kWh lithium-ion battery is fixed into the body and offers a real-world range of 70–80km on a full charge, although Bajaj claims 95km under test conditions. More importantly, it’s IP67 rated—waterproof and weather-resistant—making it reliable during monsoons or waterlogged commutes. The integrated thermal management system keeps the battery cool and efficient even during extended use.
Charging is straightforward. Using a regular 5A household socket, it takes about 5 hours to go from 0 to 100%. An optional fast charger can reduce that to 3.5 hours, which is perfect for office-goers looking to charge during the workday.
Charging Type | Time to Full Charge |
---|---|
Standard (5A socket) | ~5 hours |
Fast Charger (optional) | ~3.5 hours |
Suspension
Where the Chetak really feels tailored to Indian cities is its suspension setup. It uses a front trailing link suspension and a rear monoshock, tuned for soft damping. This makes the ride incredibly forgiving over potholes and speed bumps.
It may not handle corners like a sportbike, but for everyday commutes, the ride is smooth and controlled—even with a pillion onboard.
Unlike some lightweight e-scooters that feel unstable over broken roads, the Chetak remains planted and confident. Whether you’re navigating congested urban lanes or a short highway stretch, the ride quality is solid.
Efficiency
If you’re someone tracking every rupee, the Chetak offers incredible value. At approximately ₹0.30 per km, its running costs are drastically lower than petrol scooters, which average ₹1.80–₹2.00 per km.
Over a year, riding just 40 km a day, you could save nearly ₹22,000 in fuel alone. That’s not even counting savings on oil changes, spark plugs, chain maintenance, or clutch repairs.
Bajaj’s widespread service network means you don’t need a special EV mechanic—any standard service center can handle it. That’s a big deal in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Features
The digital instrument cluster is crisp and purposeful. It tells you what matters—battery percentage, estimated range, and ride mode—without clutter. Regenerative braking is present, and while subtle, it adds a layer of efficiency and smoothness.
Under-seat storage is a practical 18 liters, enough for essentials or a small grocery run. And yes, it has a proper horn, which you’ll appreciate in noisy traffic.
Verdict
The Bajaj Chetak Electric proves that innovation doesn’t need to shout. While others chase bold shapes and gimmicks, the Chetak leans into timeless design and real-world needs. It’s built for riders who care about quality, reliability, and simplicity—those who want an electric ride that just makes sense.
This is more than just another electric scooter—it’s a vision of what EV mobility in India should be. Functional, beautiful in its simplicity, and ready to serve millions who just want to get from A to B without drama.
FAQs
What is the real range of Chetak Electric?
You can expect 70–80 km in real-world riding conditions.
Does it support fast charging?
Yes, it supports optional fast charging in 3.5 hours.
Is the battery removable?
No, the 3kWh battery is fixed and non-removable.
Can I ride it during the rainy season?
Yes, it’s IP67-rated and waterproof.
How much does it cost to run per km?
Roughly ₹0.30 per km based on electricity costs.