Bajaj Chetak

The Bajaj Chetak marks the electric reincarnation of the iconic petrol-powered Chetak scooter, a vehicle that held immense significance in providing mobility to numerous individuals throughout India's history.

The electric Chetak is a modernized take on the classic Italian design, evident in features like the flowing front apron, robust metal side panels, and the exposed alloy wheels with single-sided suspension. It also boasts modern elements like a round LED headlight, sleek indicators, and triangular mirrors, enhancing its neo-retro style. Notably, the gracefully curved tail extends beyond the seat, creating a visually striking effect.

Before we rode the Chetak, we were concerned about its top speed being restricted to just 63kmph. This seemed low considering the 4.0kW electric motor's potential (though it typically operates at 3.8kW) which can reach around 120kmph without restrictions. Bajaj's reason for this limitation is to maintain the battery's health and longevity, a 3.0kWh Li-ion battery pack. However, after riding the scooter, most of our concerns were alleviated. The electric motor's 16Nm of torque allows the Chetak to accelerate as quickly as a typical 110cc scooter, making it suitable for city riding. You can confidently navigate traffic by simply twisting the throttle.

One of our favorite features is the auto kick-down. The Chetak offers two riding modes - Sport and Eco. Sport feels lively and responsive, while Eco is more relaxed. However, you can effectively ride in Eco mode most of the time. When you open the throttle beyond a certain point, the Chetak automatically switches to Sport mode for a burst of acceleration. Ease off the throttle, and it returns to Eco mode. This seamless mode-switching delivers a hassle-free riding experience, eliminating the need to worry about which mode you're in. It's a feature we wish more electric scooters had. Additionally, there's a Reverse mode limited to 3kmph, which can be handy for parking or maneuvering the Chetak on inclines.

Riding the Chetak electric scooter doesn't feel much different from a regular scooter, which is a good thing. It's well-balanced at 118kg, making it agile in traffic. With 12-inch wheels at both ends, it maintains stability, ideal for city commuting.

Regarding ride quality, it's decent. The rear suspension handles most surfaces well. At slow speeds, the front suspension is comfortable. However, at higher speeds, you'll feel bumps on the road. So, slowing down for speed bumps and potholes is advisable.

Notably, the brakes perform impressively. They bring the Chetak to a halt confidently. The combined brake system is effective, automatically engaging the front brake when you use the rear brake lever forcefully.

Jump on the Chetak, and it feels familiar right away. Unlike some electric scooters, the floorboard isn't too high because the battery is at the back. However, the handlebar is a bit lower, so if you're tall or big, it might touch your thighs during tight U-turns. The floorboard has enough space for big riding boots but not for more than a large-sized backpack. The seat is great; it narrows in the front and curves down the sides. Short riders can easily touch the ground, and straddling the scooter feels natural at a stop. The seat is mostly rider-focused, with less room for a pillion, but there's a substantial grab rail that's easy to hold onto, especially the top part with a soft-touch coating.

The Chetak doesn't introduce groundbreaking features. Unlike its competitors like the Ather 450 and TVS iQube Electric, it lacks a color TFT instrument display. Instead, it sports a circular negative LCD screen that provides adequate information and has a stylish appearance. However, it can be challenging to read in bright sunlight due to its reflective cover.

There's Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone integration, allowing you to locate your scooter, receive accident or theft alerts, and control music playback with a button on the left switchgear. While navigation assistance would have been a nice addition, it may not be missed by most buyers, especially in smaller cities like Pune where this scooter is primarily intended for urban use.

One noteworthy feature is the small luggage hook at the front of the seat. What sets it apart is that it seamlessly integrates into the seat behind a Chetak logo when not in use and can be easily accessed by pressing it.

The Chetak's keyless start feature is truly convenient. With the key in close proximity, you can lock or unlock the handlebar, start or stop the scooter using a single button located under the handlebar. Even the front apron storage and the seat can be opened with a button on the handlebar.

The Bajaj Chetak impresses with its solid performance and top-notch construction, making it a compelling choice for urban electric scooter enthusiasts. Nevertheless, it doesn't offer an extensive list of features, especially considering its price. In summary, the Bajaj Chetak is an excellent pick for those seeking a straightforward, high-quality e-scooter.