Bajaj Chetak

The Bajaj Chetak has always had a place in the hearts of Indian riders and the iconic nameplate made a comeback with the electric version. I was curious to see if it still has the charm and practicality it once did, especially in the growing electric scooter market. I have spent some notable time with the new Chetak, and here is what I think:

When I see the Chetak on the road, there’s no mistaking it for anything else, it is instantly recognizable, and it stands out without being overly flashy. The Bajaj Chetak strikes a perfect balance between modern aesthetics and retro vibes. It’s sleek, stylish, and has a premium feel, yet it still holds onto that classic Chetak silhouette. The colour options in the 3501 variant: Pista Green, Hazelnut, Indigo Metallic, Brooklyn Black, and Matte Scarlet Red are vibrant and fresh.

Safety

The Chetak comes with CBS (Combi-Brake System), which helps with braking stability, especially when I need to apply both brakes together. While it is not the most advanced safety system out there, it works well for city riding.

Convenience

The 3501 variant is packed with tech. The TFT touchscreen instrument console offers Bluetooth connectivity and displays all the essential info. Features like reverse mode, self-cancelling blinkers, auto hazard lights, and the ability to accept calls from the console are all handy. The TecPac option unlocks additional features like music control, sequential rear blinkers, and even navigation. Plus, there is the Annual Data Pack, which provides remote immobilization, overspeed alerts, trip analytics, and more.

Rider Comfort:

The seat on the Bajaj Chetak 3501 is comfortable enough for short to medium rides. It has good cushioning, though I felt that it could be a little wider for taller riders like myself. Despite that, it is still great for city commutes, and I never felt uncomfortable during my daily rides.

Pillion Comfort

For pillions, the seat is decent, but taller pillions might find it a little cramped after long rides. I do not mind it for shorter trips, but I could see how it might not be the most comfortable on longer journeys.

Storage Options

The underseat storage is 35 litres, which is enough to store a helmet and a few small items. I like having the option to store things out of sight. It is practical enough for my daily use.

The scooter’s acceleration is smooth, and the electric motor delivers power almost immediately, making it feel responsive in city traffic. It does not feel as quick as some other electric scooters in terms of outright performance, but it is more than enough for daily commuting. I also tested the acceleration figures, and here they are:

Acceleration

City Performance

In the city, the Chetak is incredibly easy to handle. The electric motor is silent, and there is no delay in power delivery, which makes riding through traffic a breeze. While I did notice the scooter is not as snappy as some others, it is a comfortable ride overall. I rarely felt the need to push it too hard since it is ideal for everyday city riding. It does not offer thrilling acceleration, but it is perfectly sufficient for most riders.

Highway Performance

When I took the Chetak out on the highway, I found it could comfortably cruise at speeds of 60 to 70 kmph. Once I pushed it past 70 kmph, I noticed the performance dropped off massively, and since it has a top speed of 73kmph, going any faster was out of the question. It is not meant to be used on the highway, but for short trips it does just fine.

Range

The Bajaj Chetak gets a 3.5kWh battery pack capacity with a claimed range of 153km on a single full charge according to Bajaj. That is pretty impressive for an electric scooter, especially if you are using it primarily for city commuting. In real world conditions, I typically got around 120 to 140km depending on my riding style and traffic conditions. That is enough for my daily commute, and I rarely had to worry about running out of charge.

Charging Time

One of the things I appreciate about the Bajaj Chetak is the charging time. The 3501 variant has a 950W charger that charges the scooter from 0 to 80% in about 3 hours. That is pretty quick compared to some other electric scooters I have tested.

The Chetak’s suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes. On smooth roads, it is comfortable, but when I hit bigger bumps or uneven surfaces, it is not as smooth as some other electric scooters. Still, for the most part, the ride quality is good, and I did not feel the scooter’s suspension bottoming out even when I was carrying a bit of luggage.

Handling

Handling the Chetak is a breeze. It is light and nimble, making it very easy to maneuver through traffic. Whether I was changing lanes or filtering through busy streets, it was effortless.

Braking

As for braking, the 3501 variant comes with front disc and rear drum brakes, which offer decent stopping power. The braking is not  as sharp as I would like, especially compared to some of the more premium electric scooters, but it is sufficient for everyday city riding. The 3503 variant, which has drum brakes on both ends, may feel a bit less responsive in comparison.

If you are looking for an electric scooter with a retro style, a comfortable ride, and decent performance for everyday commutes, the 2024 Bajaj Chetak is definitely worth considering. While it may not be the fastest or most powerful scooter in its segment, it is a reliable and practical choice for those who want something stylish and efficient for city riding.

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