Few names in India’s two-wheeler history evoke as much nostalgia as the Bajaj Chetak. Originally launched in the 1970s as a classic geared scooter, the Chetak became a household name, symbolizing reliability, affordability, and pride of ownership. Generations of Indians grew up riding or seeing their families ride this scooter, making it an icon of its time.
Fast forward to the modern era, Bajaj has revived the legendary Chetak—but with a futuristic electric identity. The Bajaj Chetak Electric represents not just a scooter, but also a bridge between tradition and innovation. By blending the timeless charm of the Chetak with the sustainability of electric mobility, Bajaj has given a new life to a cultural classic.
This article dives into the design, performance, comfort, technology, and significance of the modern Bajaj Chetak, explaining why it has become a compelling choice for urban commuters in 2025.
A Legacy Reborn
The original Bajaj Chetak was more than just a scooter—it was a status symbol for middle-class families across India. Known for its ruggedness and practicality, it remained one of the most beloved scooters for decades. By reviving this legendary name in the electric era, Bajaj has capitalized on the deep emotional connection that people still feel towards the Chetak.
But this isn’t just nostalgia at play—the new Chetak is a premium electric scooter designed to compete with modern EVs while offering Bajaj’s proven trust and legacy.
Design and Styling
One of the strongest aspects of the modern Chetak is its timeless design. Bajaj has ensured that while the scooter embraces futuristic electric mobility, it still carries a retro-inspired aesthetic.
The body has smooth curves, premium metallic paint finishes, and minimalistic styling, making it both classy and modern. The full-metal body gives it a sturdy and premium feel, distinguishing it from many plastic-bodied electric scooters.
Its LED headlamp, DRLs, and tail lamps bring in a modern touch, while the retro silhouette ensures it retains the elegance that made the original Chetak iconic. The scooter strikes a fine balance between vintage charm and futuristic sophistication.
Performance and Riding Experience
The Bajaj Chetak Electric is built for urban commuting. Its electric motor provides smooth acceleration, ensuring effortless rides in city traffic. While it isn’t designed for extreme performance, it offers enough power for everyday use, making it both beginner-friendly and reliable for seasoned riders.
With different riding modes (Eco and Sport), riders can choose between maximum range and enhanced performance. The Eco mode optimizes energy consumption, while the Sport mode delivers quicker acceleration for overtaking or zippy rides.
The scooter also offers quiet operation—a stark contrast to the loud hum of the old two-stroke engines—making it a modern and eco-friendly upgrade.
Battery and Range
At the heart of the Chetak lies its high-quality lithium-ion battery pack, designed for long life and reliable performance. A single charge provides a practical riding range suitable for daily city commutes. Depending on riding conditions and mode, riders can expect over 80 to 100 kilometers per charge.
The battery is designed with advanced safety features like thermal management and IP67 water resistance, making it resilient against dust and water exposure. Charging is straightforward, and while it may not be the fastest in its class, the Chetak emphasizes durability and consistent performance over aggressive speed charging.
Comfort and Practicality
Bajaj understands the needs of the Indian commuter, and the Chetak reflects that understanding. Its ergonomic seating design ensures comfort for both rider and pillion, even on longer rides. The wide seat and upright riding posture make it accessible for riders of all age groups.
The scooter also offers practical storage solutions, including under-seat storage for essentials and hooks for carrying shopping bags. The suspension system is tuned for Indian road conditions, handling potholes, bumps, and speed breakers smoothly.
Lightweight and agile, the Chetak is extremely easy to handle, making it perfect for weaving through congested traffic.
Technology and Smart Features
The modern Bajaj Chetak isn’t just about being electric—it’s also a smart scooter. Bajaj has packed it with advanced features that make commuting more convenient and futuristic.
Key highlights include:
- Digital console displaying speed, battery level, and range.
- Smartphone connectivity for navigation assistance and ride data.
- Geo-fencing and theft protection features for added security.
- Over-the-air updates to keep the scooter’s software up-to-date.
These features not only enhance the riding experience but also ensure that the Chetak stays relevant as technology evolves.
Eco-Friendly Urban Mobility
With increasing concerns about air pollution and rising fuel prices, the Bajaj Chetak Electric arrives as a much-needed eco-friendly alternative. Producing zero tailpipe emissions, it contributes to cleaner cities while helping owners save significantly on running costs.
Electric scooters like the Chetak also reduce dependency on fossil fuels, making them not just economical but also environmentally responsible. For urban riders who travel 20–40 kilometers daily, the Chetak offers the perfect balance of affordability, sustainability, and convenience.
Maintenance and Reliability
Unlike traditional petrol scooters, electric scooters have fewer moving parts, which means lower maintenance requirements. The Chetak benefits from this inherent simplicity, offering riders peace of mind with minimal servicing needs.
Bajaj backs the Chetak with its strong service network across India, making it easier for customers to access after-sales support—a critical advantage compared to newer EV startups. The brand’s reputation for durability ensures that the Chetak is built to last.
Price and Value for Money
While the Chetak sits in the premium electric scooter segment, its pricing is justified by its metal body, premium build, advanced technology, and brand trust. Compared to cheaper alternatives, it may seem costlier, but buyers get the assurance of Bajaj’s reliability, wide service network, and strong resale value.
For riders who want a scooter that blends heritage with innovation, the Chetak offers unmatched value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Iconic retro-modern design
- Strong build quality with metal body
- Smooth and quiet performance
- Eco-friendly with zero emissions
- Practical range for city commuting
- Advanced smart features
- Backed by Bajaj’s service network
Cons:
- Premium pricing compared to rivals
- Limited top speed for highway riding
- Charging network still developing
- Storage space less than some competitors
Conclusion
The Bajaj Chetak is more than just an electric scooter—it’s a symbol of evolution. From being the pride of Indian households in the 20th century to becoming a futuristic eco-friendly commuter in the 21st century, the Chetak has come full circle.
Bajaj has successfully combined nostalgia, innovation, and sustainability, creating a scooter that appeals to both the heart and the mind. For riders looking for a reliable, stylish, and eco-conscious way to commute, the Chetak stands tall as one of the best electric scooters in India today.
It isn’t just about traveling from point A to point B—it’s about embracing a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future while celebrating a legendary past.