The Bajaj Chetak name carries enormous emotional weight in India — it was the scooter that defined two-wheel mobility for an entire generation. The electric Chetak revival leverages that nostalgia while delivering thoroughly modern electric technology in a premium, metal-bodied package. It’s positioned more as a lifestyle product than a performance-focused EV, targeting buyers who want quality, elegance, and the reassurance of Bajaj’s trusted brand. We put it through real-world testing to see if it justifies its premium positioning.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless DC Hub Motor |
| Peak Power | 4.08 kW (5.5 bhp) |
| Peak Torque | 16.2 Nm |
| Battery | 3.2 kWh Lithium-Ion IP67 |
| Range (IDC) | 126 km |
| Real-World Range | 90–105 km |
| Top Speed | 73 km/h |
| Kerb Weight | 134 kg |
| Ex-showroom Price | ₹1,18,000 – ₹1,35,000 (approx.) |
Design & Styling
The Bajaj Chetak Electric’s design is its most distinctive feature — and its strongest selling point. The all-metal body construction, retro-modern curves, and clean design lines make it look unlike any other scooter on Indian roads. Available in Indigo Metallic, Hazel Beige, and Matte Black, each colour accentuates the Chetak’s sculpted metal bodywork beautifully. This is a scooter that draws admiring glances wherever it goes.
At 134 kg, it is the heaviest scooter in our group test — the metal body adds substantial weight. Bajaj has fitted high-quality switchgear from Bosch, LED lighting all around, and a premium instrument cluster finish. The seat is wide and well-padded, with a European scooter-like aesthetic that feels genuinely premium. Chrome accents and matte finishes are applied tastefully. For buyers who prioritise aesthetics above all else, the Chetak Electric is in a class of its own.
Motor & Performance
The Chetak Electric is the least powerful scooter in our EV comparison, and that is a conscious design choice. The 4.08 kW motor prioritises smooth, linear city performance over excitement. Acceleration is sufficient for urban conditions — it keeps pace with city traffic without issue — but spirited riding is not on the agenda. The Sport mode offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness for situations requiring urgent acceleration.
The 73 km/h top speed is the most modest in the EV scooter segment, limiting its highway usability. The focus is clearly urban commuting, which the Chetak handles with refined smoothness. The hub motor is quiet and vibration-free, and the absence of drama in the power delivery actually suits the Chetak’s premium, unhurried character well.
Range & Charging
The 3.2 kWh battery delivers an IDC range of 126 km, and real-world city testing returned 90–105 km — slightly below competitors in the same price bracket. For a 30 km daily commute, this means charging every 3 days, which is practical. The standard charger takes approximately 5.5 hours for a full charge from a 5A socket. A faster Bajaj Zap charger reduces this to approximately 2.5 hours for a full charge.
Running costs are the Chetak’s shining advantage: full charge costs ₹25–35 at home tariffs, providing 90+ km of travel versus ₹130–150 for a petrol equivalent. Annual fuel savings of ₹25,000–35,000 significantly offset the premium price over 3–4 years.
Ride Comfort & Handling
The Chetak’s metal body adds weight but also contributes to its road presence and low-speed stability. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing city road imperfections well. Handling is predictable and reassuring rather than sharp or sporty. The heavier kerb weight makes low-speed manoeuvring slightly more effort-intensive than lighter plastic-bodied rivals, but once rolling, the Chetak feels extremely stable and planted.
Features & Technology
Bajaj’s connected features include Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster with call/SMS alerts, navigation support, and the Chetak app for trip data, location tracking, and diagnostics. The 7-inch TFT display is sharp and well-organised. Bajaj offers geo-fencing, speed alert configuration, and theft alerts through the app. OTA updates have addressed early software issues, and the current software version is stable and responsive.
Practicality & Storage
The Chetak Electric offers 26.5 litres of underseat storage — adequate but smaller than Ola S1 Pro and Ather Rizta. The front apron storage box is a unique inclusion, adding useful space for quick-access items. The metal body means no under-leg storage box as seen on plastic-body scooters, but the premium build quality more than compensates for the trade-off in the eyes of its target buyer.
Price & Variants
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Chetak Electric (Standard) | ₹1,18,000 |
| Chetak Electric (Premium) | ₹1,35,000 |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium all-metal body — unique in segment | Heaviest scooter at 134 kg |
| Stunning, iconic design | 73 km/h top speed limits highway use |
| Excellent build quality | Smaller battery / range vs price point |
| Bajaj’s trusted brand and service | Higher price for lower performance |
| Ultra-low running costs | Smaller underseat storage than rivals |
Verdict
The Bajaj Chetak Electric is a lifestyle statement as much as a scooter. If you want the most beautiful, most premium-feeling EV scooter in India — one that reflects your sense of style and appreciation for quality — the Chetak is the one. But if maximum range, maximum performance, or maximum storage drive your decision, the Ola S1 Pro Gen 3 or Ather Rizta offer better value. For urban professionals who value aesthetics, brand heritage, and refined daily commuting above all else, the Chetak Electric is a joy to own.
