Chetak Electric Scooter 2025: Which Variant Wins?

Chetak at a Glance: Spec Snapshot 2025

Below is a quick comparison of the key currently listed Chetak variants based on the latest information available from Bajaj & leading Indian two-wheeler data portals. Figures are manufacturer‑claimed/portal‑reported; expect real‑world variance based on payload, riding mode, gradient, tyre pressure, ambient temperature, and riding style. Always cross‑check locally before purchase.

*Range: IDC/claimed; real‑world typically lower.
**Prices rounded; vary by state, incentives, color, and time; confirm dealer quote.

The Chetak Comeback: From Icon to Smart EV

If you grew up in India in the 80s or 90s, chances are the name Chetak means family rides, chrome mirrors, and bulletproof simplicity. Bajaj resurrected that emotional equity when it reintroduced Chetak as an electric scooter to serve India’s fast‑maturing EV commuter market—first launched in its modern EV form in late 2019 and since expanded with multiple trims to meet different budgets and feature expectations.

The revival wasn’t just nostalgia; Bajaj saw rising fuel costs, urban congestion, and supportive central/state EV policies creating a ripe moment for a durable, stylish, Indian‑engineered premium commuter EV with brand trust. Over 1 lakh Chetak users across 140+ Indian cities have since joined the fold, underscoring its acceptance beyond early adopters.

Autocar India’s early and updated ride reports repeatedly praised the scooter’s solid build, retro‑modern aesthetic, and improved performance in the updated Premium versions—evidence that Bajaj kept refining the platform based on rider feedback.

What’s New for 2025: Chetak 3001 Joins the Lineup

The big 2025 headline is the launch of the Chetak 3001, a sub‑₹1 lakh (intro) ex‑showroom electric scooter positioned to make the Chetak brand far more accessible without ditching core strengths like a metal body and practical range. It effectively replaces the outgoing 2903/2901 low‑cost trims while adding functional upgrades such as a 3.0 kWh floorboard‑mounted battery, claimed 127 km IDC range, and 0–80% charging in ~3h50m using a 750W charger.

Indian language launch coverage also highlighted a generous ~35L under‑seat storage—a commuter win that helps the 3001 compete better with flexible‑use family scooters.

Positioned below the more feature‑rich 35‑Series, the 3001 still offers TecPac expansion for functions like hill‑hold, reverse assist, and smart app connectivity if buyers want to upgrade later—helpful for budget buyers today who may want more tech tomorrow.

Variant Walkaround: 3001 vs 35‑Series (3501/3502/3503)

Bajaj’s current range can feel alphabet‑soup confusing, especially after running changes and portal naming differences. Use this section to decode what actually matters: battery size, range, speed, braking hardware, connectivity level, and TecPac unlockables.

Naming Note

Some portals still reference Chetak 2901 / 2903 from the earlier cost‑down phase; in most markets, these are being superseded by Chetak 3001 in the 30‑Series and Chetak 35‑Series (3501 / 3502 / 3503) for higher capacity trims. Always check what your dealer is physically delivering—VIN plate + variant code.

Chetak 3001 (Value Leader)

Who it’s for: Daily commuters wanting Chetak build quality, decent range, and Bajaj brand support under the psychological ₹1 lakh mark (intro pricing), with optional upgrades later.

Headline Specs: ~3.0 kWh battery; 127 km claimed range; 0–80% ~3h50m (750W charger); 63 km/h top speed; Bluetooth‑level connectivity out of the box; TecPac unlocks advanced features.

Storage: ~35L under‑seat (launch reports).

Body: Steel/metal construction across the platform (Chetak signature durability).

Chetak 3501 (Balanced Performance + Full App)

Steps up to the 3.5 kWh pack and ~153 km claimed range, 73 km/h top speed, shorter ~3h 0–80% charging (variant‑specific), and full app connectivity out of the box—ideal if you want connected features without add‑on confusion.

Chetak 3502 (Similar Pack, Slight Charge Difference)

Shares the 3.5 kWh battery and 153 km claimed range class, with ~3h25m 0–80% charge window reported and full connectivity; think of this as an equipment/finish shuffle relative to 3501, depending on region/availability.

Chetak 3503 (Configured Value / Fleet Friendly)

Portal data shows ~3.5 kWh battery, 151–155 km claimed range, ~3h25m 0–80%, and a 63 km/h top speed, marking it closer to the 3001 in velocity but with bigger battery endurance—worth a look if fleet range matters more than outright speed. Connectivity shown as Bluetooth‑level; check TecPac eligibility.

Design, Build & Colors: Retro Metal Done Modern

One reason buyers pick a Chetak over lightweight plastic competitors is its metal body panels, which deliver better perceived quality, robustness against everyday knocks, and that classic retro curve line that nods to the original petrol Chetak. All current variants continue this metal-body DNA, called out in Bajaj’s own materials and in multiple launch reports.

Color depth is another draw. Aggregated portal data shows a broad color palette (double‑digit options across trims), including Scarlet/Racing Red, Indigo Metallic/Blue, Hazelnut, Brooklyn Black, Cyber White, Lime Yellow, Azure Blue, Pista/Green, and more, depending on series and stock. Availability rotates by city & production batch—confirm at booking.

Bajaj’s Premium/35‑Series upgrade cycle also brought a vivid 5″ TFT display on higher trims, updated switchgear plastics, and enhanced fit‑finish levels versus early production models—improvements noted by Bajaj and rider reviews.

Performance, Range & Ride Experience

Raw numbers don’t always tell the whole story—ride quality, throttle mapping, regen feel, and structural solidity matter in traffic. Autocar India’s updated ride impressions of the Chetak Premium highlighted how Bajaj’s refinements improved performance, responsiveness and practicality over earlier iterations while retaining the scooter’s likeable retro stance.

Upgraded Premium/35‑Series trims with the larger ~3.5 kWh battery push claimed range to the ~151–153 km band and increase top speed to ~73 km/h, depending on variant, addressing earlier criticism that the Chetak lagged feature‑rich rivals on outright numbers.

Meanwhile, the 3001 holds its own in the real‑world commuter sweet spot: ~127 km claimed range and city‑appropriate 63 km/h top speed—enough for intra‑city use, delivery fleets, and college commutes without overspending.

Battery, Charging Hardware & Real-World Times

EV convenience lives or dies on charging friction. While wall‑socket AC charging still dominates Indian homes, buyers increasingly compare charge curves.

Chetak 3001: 0–80% in ~3h50m using a supplied ~750W charger; floorboard battery packaging improves stability and frees storage.

Higher Chetak Trims: Premium/35‑Series models list faster or similar charge windows (~3h to ~3h25m to 80%) despite the larger 3.5 kWh pack, depending on charger spec and onboard vs offboard charging hardware; Bajaj’s 2024 Premium announcement referenced an onboard 800W charger capable of adding meaningful km in just 30 minutes (partial top‑up). Real‑world times vary by supply quality.

Older Charging Differences & Context: Earlier 2901/Urbane trims used offboard chargers with longer full-charge durations (up to ~6h base; ~4h30–4h50m for mid trims) per Autocar’s variant explainer—helpful historical context if you’re shopping unsold stock or used.

Smart Features, App & TecPac Upgrades

Bajaj’s modular TecPac strategy lets the company price variants aggressively, then sell software/feature unlocks to riders who want more tech. Depending on the variant, TecPac can enable Turn‑by‑Turn (TBT) navigation, music & call control via the Chetak app, ride modes (Eco/Sport), reverse assist, hill‑hold, guide‑me‑home lighting, and enriched notification alerts. Pricing for TecPac varies by trim and has historically been lower on entry variants and higher on Premium.

Higher trims (Premium / some 35‑Series codes) ship with a 5″ TFT display that showcases connected data more richly than the color LCD cluster carried over on budget variants.

If you’re cross‑shopping, note that many budget rivals reserve connected dashboards for pricier models—Chetak’s scalable path means you can start simple and upgrade later without switching scooters.

Warranty, Service Network & Battery Care Tips

Peace of mind matters, especially for first‑time EV buyers.

Standard Chetak Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 km (whichever is earlier) as listed in the current Chetak FAQ materials.

Battery Capacity Retention Guidance: Bajaj’s battery warranty guidance indicates coverage around minimum capacity thresholds (e.g., ~70% retention over 3 yrs / 50,000 km) against manufacturing defects when used and charged as recommended—illustrative of how EV OEMs benchmark pack health. Read your variant’s actual warranty booklet for binding terms.

Battery Care Best Practices: Avoid extreme heat/cold storage, don’t leave the pack fully discharged, use the approved charger, and charge periodically even during low-use periods—core practices Bajaj promotes to maximise lifespan and preserve warranty eligibility.

Price Guide, On-Road Cost & Incentives Checklist

EV pricing headlines often cite ex‑showroom numbers; your on-road price can be significantly higher (insurance, registration, handling, add-on TecPac, extended warranty, accessories, charger install). Use this section to structure your buyer spreadsheet.

Recent portal snapshots (Delhi reference; varies by city) put the Chetak 3001 around ₹99,900 ex‑showroom, while upper trims range roughly ₹1.22L–₹1.45L depending on series, color & availability windows. Market fluctuations, dealer cashback, and incentive swings can move these figures—check live quotes.

Earlier, Bajaj announced pricing for Urbane vs Premium (Jan 2024) landed at ₹1,15,001 and ₹1,35,463 ex‑Delhi respectively, illustrating how equipment level affects MSRP; use that spread as a mental model when comparing trims.

Some Indian states periodically offer additional e‑scooter subsidies, while others have sunset or revised EV policies; always confirm with your RTO/dealer because aggregator portal pricing may not reflect current state support. Evidence of rapid pricing and incentive adjustments appears across recent media comparisons where price competitiveness is a focal metric in the sub‑₹1.25L EV class.

Chetak vs Rivals: TVS iQube, Ather, Ola & More

India’s electric scooter field is now crowded below ₹1.5L, and buyers compare range, charge speed, connectivity, service reach, and brand trust.

Chetak 3001 vs TVS iQube vs Ather Rizta S: In recent mainstream coverage, Chetak 3001’s 3 kWh battery & 127 km claimed range position it above TVS iQube’s low‑spec 2.2 kWh / 94 km variant but in line with Ather’s 2.9 kWh / 123 km claim—while beating the Ather on 0–80% charge time (3h50m vs ~6h30m portable). Pricing slots Chetak close to rivals in the entry EV band.

Competition Landscape Expands: Media launch reports stress that Bajaj targeted the fast‑growing budget EV segment, where buyers cross‑shop TVS iQube, Ather Rizta, and upcoming Suzuki e‑Access—segments where fast charging & usable storage help differentiate.

Portal comparison panes also list Ola S1 family, Ather, Vida, and even ICE‑scooter crossovers in buyer funnels—useful if you’re converting petrol commuters.

Which Chetak Variant Is Right for You? Use-Case Scenarios

Choosing a variant is mostly about budget vs feature unlocks vs daily ride distance. Use these personas.

1. City Student / Short-Hop Commuter (<40 km/day round trip)

Go Chetak 3001; lowest upfront cost, more than enough range, upgrade later to TecPac if you crave app nav.

2. Office Commuter + Weekend Errands (40–70 km/day mixed)

Stretch to Chetak 3501/3502 for higher claimed range & faster top speed, plus full app integration to plan mixed routing.

3. Shared Family / Fleet Utility (variable riders, range priority)

Watch dealer inventory for Chetak 3503 configurations: bigger battery endurance but calmer top speed—useful for controlled fleet environments; confirm TecPac options.

4. Connected-Tech Enthusiast / Premium Fit & Finish Lover

Choose a 35‑Series trim with a TFT display + TecPac for TBT navigation, music/call control, and richer ride data.

Ownership Cost Calculator Template

Use these plug‑and‑play variables in Excel/Sheets. Adjust rates for your city electricity slabs.

Reference range & battery values from official and portal data to seed your sheet.

Maintenance & Battery Longevity Best Practices

Electric scooters are low‑maintenance compared to ICE, but batteries need care for long life.

Top Tips from Bajaj Battery Guidance & EV Good Practice:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or freezing cold; thermal abuse accelerates cell degradation.
• Don’t repeatedly deep‑drain to 0%; partial charging is healthier for lithium‑ion longevity.
• Use the approved Bajaj charger (or OEM‑approved alternative) to protect pack electronics & warranty coverage.
• If storing, top up monthly; long idle periods at low SOC can damage cells.
• Monitor firmware/app alerts—periodic updates can improve BMS calibration and charging behaviour.

Should You Buy the Bajaj Chetak in 2025?

If you want a solidly built, metal‑bodied, Indian‑engineered electric scooter with national brand support, expandable smart features, and credible real‑world range for daily commuting, the Chetak remains one of the most balanced picks in the sub‑₹1.5L band. The new Chetak 3001 dramatically lowers the entry barrier while preserving the platform’s durability, and the 35-Series trims cater to buyers who want more range, speed & connectivity without resorting to ultra-premium imports.

Cross‑shop with TVS iQube and Ather Rizta in your price band—but if metal build, upgradeable tech, and Bajaj after‑sales reach matter, put the Chetak on your short list and book a test ride.

Featured External Resources Links

These are the three high‑authority external resources you requested—ideal for outbound linking (opens trust signals + helps readers validate specs):

• Official Bajaj Chetak Site (Current Models, Booking, Warranty FAQ).

FAQ