The Bajaj Chetak’s name carries 40 years of Indian scooter heritage — the original Chetak was to 1980s India what the Activa is today. Bajaj’s electric Chetak revival brings this legacy into the EV era with a retro-modern design, a steel body (vs the plastic/fiberglass of most scooters), an IP67-rated waterproof battery, and Bajaj’s manufacturing scale. After 12 months and 11,000 km of ownership, here’s our comprehensive assessment of whether the Chetak Electric justifies its premium over conventional scooters.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 3.2 kWh (sealed) |
| Motor Power | 4.08 kW (rated) / 5.08 kW (peak) |
| ARAI Range | 126 km (IDC) |
| Real-World Range | 80–95 km (city mixed) |
| 0–40 km/h | 4.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 73 km/h |
| Home Charge (0–100%) | 5 hours |
| Starting Price | ₹1.15 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Design & Styling
The Chetak Electric’s retro-modern design is its defining characteristic — and the main reason buyers choose it over technically superior alternatives. The rounded body lines, the classic apron shape, the chrome accents, the integrated taillamp, and the overall proportions deliberately evoke the original Chetak while incorporating modern lighting and detail elements. The steel body gives it a premium solidity that plastic-bodied scooters can’t match in terms of feel and longevity. The Indigo Metallic Blue and Midnight Black are especially attractive on the Chetak’s vintage-inspired form.
Performance
The Chetak Electric’s performance is adequate rather than exciting. 0–40 km/h in 4.5 seconds is slower than the Ather 450X’s 3.3 seconds or the Ola S1 Pro’s 2.7 seconds. The 73 km/h top speed is limiting for mixed city-highway use. The Chetak’s Sport mode accelerates more eagerly, with the electric motor’s instant torque making city traffic navigation effortless if not exhilarating. The character is more about smooth, refined urban mobility than performance excitement.
Range & Charging
Over 11,000 km: Sport mode city: 78–85 km; Eco mode city: 90–100 km; overall average: 88 km per charge. No DC fast charging available — home AC charging only (5 hours for full charge). The lack of fast charging is a genuine limitation; for daily commuters covering under 70 km, overnight home charging is sufficient. The IP67 waterproof battery pack is a meaningful advantage during Mumbai and Bangalore monsoon seasons — genuine peace of mind in heavy rain.
Technology & Connected Features
Bluetooth connectivity via the Chetak app: trip history, battery status, navigation assistance, and service reminders. The instrument cluster shows range, mode, and trip data. OTA updates have addressed some early software issues. The technology package is functional but behind the Ather 450X’s 7-inch touchscreen and the Ola S1 Pro’s MoveOS in sophistication.
Ride Quality & Handling
The Chetak Electric’s ride quality is excellent — the steel body’s additional rigidity (vs plastic) contributes to a composed, solid feel. City potholes are absorbed well. At 119 kg, it’s heavier than most scooters but the low centre of gravity prevents this from feeling unwieldy. The drum brakes (front and rear with CBS) are adequate for the Chetak’s performance level but limit stopping confidence vs disc brake alternatives.
Safety
IP67 battery — waterproof rated. CBS (Combined Braking System). Anti-theft alert via app. Fall detection alert. No ABS — a limitation for an EV scooter above ₹1 lakh.
Price & Variants
- Chetak Premium: ₹1.15 lakh
- Chetak Premium+ : ₹1.25 lakh
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steel body — premium feel, better longevity | No DC fast charging — home charge only |
| IP67 waterproof battery — monsoon-proof | 73 km/h top speed limits highway sections |
| Retro-modern design — unique in segment | No ABS on any variant |
| Bajaj’s nationwide service network | Slower than Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro |
| 80–95 km real-world range — adequate for daily use | Technology (display, OTA) behind Ather and Ola |
Verdict
The Bajaj Chetak Electric is the choice for buyers who value design heritage, steel build quality, and Bajaj’s service network over performance and technology leadership. It serves daily city commuters under 70 km/day who want an electric scooter with a beautiful design without paying for features they don’t use. For performance and technology enthusiasts, the Ather 450X remains the superior choice. Rating: 8.2/10.
