Bajaj Chetak Electric – A Classic Reborn for the Future: If you grew up in India, chances are you’ve either ridden or at least seen the Bajaj Chetak scooter in action. Back in the day, it wasn’t just a two-wheeler, it was almost like a family member. Durable, practical, and iconic. Fast forward to today, Bajaj has revived that legendary name, but with a futuristic twist – the Bajaj Chetak Electric. And honestly, it’s one of the smartest ways to blend nostalgia with modern mobility.
The world is moving towards electric vehicles, and India is no exception. Rising fuel prices, increasing pollution concerns, and government pushes for EV adoption have made electric scooters the talk of the town. And in the middle of all this, Bajaj’s decision to bring back the Chetak – but this time as an electric scooter – feels both clever and emotional.
Design – Retro Meets Modern
The Chetak Electric is a head-turner, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s graceful. The design is heavily inspired by the original Chetak, with its curvy body, wide front apron, and elegant proportions. But at the same time, Bajaj has modernized it with touches like all-LED lighting, premium paint finishes, and sleek alloys.
The body panels are metal, not plastic, which gives it a sturdier feel compared to some rivals. The scooter comes in attractive colors, ranging from glossy pastels to metallic shades, adding to its charm.
To be fair, it doesn’t look as sporty as an Ather 450X or Ola S1 Pro. But on the flip side, that’s not what it’s trying to do. The Chetak Electric focuses on elegance and timelessness, making it ideal for people who want sophistication over loud styling.
Performance – Smooth and Silent
Underneath that classic shell is a modern electric motor. The Bajaj Chetak Electric comes with a 3.8 kW motor (peak power around 4.1 kW), delivering about 16 Nm of torque instantly. On paper, it may not sound like much, but when you ride it, the torque delivery feels smooth and strong, especially at city speeds.
The scooter can reach a top speed of around 60–70 km/h, which is more than enough for daily commuting. Acceleration is linear, not jerky, making it comfortable even for first-time EV riders.
There are two ride modes – Eco and Sport. Eco mode maximizes range, while Sport gives you that little extra punch for overtakes or quick sprints. Honestly, for most city riders, Eco mode feels adequate, but having the option to switch adds flexibility.
Range and Charging – Practical Enough
The Chetak Electric is powered by a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. On a full charge, it can offer around 90–100 km of real-world range in Eco mode, and slightly less in Sport. For most urban commuters, that’s more than enough for two to three days of riding before needing a recharge.
Charging is simple – plug it into a standard 5A home socket. It takes around 4–5 hours for a full charge. There’s no fast charging option yet, which some rivals offer, but to be fair, most owners will be charging it overnight anyway, so it doesn’t feel like a huge drawback.
On the flip side, if you’re someone who does long daily runs, you may find the range limiting. But for average city users, it’s practical and convenient.
Ride and Comfort – Built for Everyday Use
The Chetak Electric rides on 12-inch wheels, with a single-sided suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The suspension setup is tuned more for comfort than sportiness. Potholes, speed breakers, and uneven roads are handled reasonably well.
The seat is wide and cushioned, ensuring comfort for both rider and pillion. The riding position is upright, making it easy for riders of all heights to handle. Add to that the quiet motor and lack of vibrations, and the ride feels soothing.
Honestly, if you’ve been riding petrol scooters all your life, the silence of an EV might feel strange at first. But after a while, you start appreciating the calmness and ease.
Features – Simple but Smart
Bajaj has kept the features practical rather than gimmicky. You get:
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A digital instrument cluster that shows speed, battery level, range, and ride mode.
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LED headlamp and indicators for better visibility.
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Keyless start system for added convenience.
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Connected app support (in premium variants) to track the scooter, get alerts, and even check battery health.
It doesn’t bombard you with too much tech, but the essentials are covered. To be fair, rivals like Ather and Ola offer more advanced connectivity features. But on the flip side, the Chetak Electric feels simpler, and that’s something many buyers will actually appreciate.
Safety and Reliability – Bajaj’s Strength
With its metal body and solid build quality, the Chetak Electric feels durable. It comes with CBS (Combined Braking System) and regenerative braking for safety. The IP67-rated battery pack ensures protection against water and dust, making it reliable even in Indian conditions.
One of the biggest advantages Bajaj has is its service network. Unlike some newer EV startups, Bajaj has a widespread reach across India, which means maintenance and after-sales support won’t be a hassle.
Who Is It For?
The Bajaj Chetak Electric is perfect for:
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Daily commuters who want a stylish yet practical scooter.
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Eco-conscious buyers who want to reduce fuel costs and emissions.
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Families looking for a reliable, easy-to-ride, and elegant EV.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you might lean towards sportier EVs like Ather 450X. But if you value trust, refinement, and practicality, the Chetak is a strong contender.
Final Thoughts – A Classic Reimagined
The Bajaj Chetak Electric isn’t just another EV. It’s a revival of a legend, reimagined for a new era. It offers the perfect blend of retro design, modern tech, smooth performance, and Bajaj’s reliability.
Sure, it’s not the most powerful or feature-packed scooter out there. And to be fair, some buyers might wish for a longer range or fast charging. But on the flip side, what you get is a dependable, premium-feeling scooter that brings back nostalgia while being future-ready.
At the end of the day, the Chetak Electric proves that going green doesn’t have to mean losing character. It’s stylish, efficient, practical — and most importantly, it carries forward a name that once ruled Indian roads.