Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube: Picking The Best Electric Family Scooter
We compare two of the best selling electric family scooters in detail
The Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube are amongst the best selling electric scooters in the Indian market. Both come with a good overall range, performance and a long list of features. Here is a detailed comparison between the Chetak 3501 and the iQube ST 3.5kWh variants.
Design
The Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube take very different approaches in terms of design. The Chetak is more of a neo-retro style scooter, with smooth curves, a round LED headlamp, and premium all-metal body panels. The chrome accents and alloy wheels enhance its classic appeal.
On the other hand, the TVS iQube ST adopts a more modern yet minimalistic look, also with smooth curves but a horizontal LED strip, and slightly boxy panels. Its design feels more conventional and urban-focused, whereas the Chetak balances elegance and heritage, making both scooters visually appealing but catering to distinct tastes.
Battery Pack And Motor
The top-spec Bajaj Chetak 3501 comes with a 4kW motor which is rated at 4.2kW peak power and it uses a 3.5kWh battery pack. It has a claimed range of 153km and a claimed top speed of 73kmph. The Chetak comes with a 750W charger that can charge it from 0 to 80% in 3 hours (claimed).
The TVS iQube ST also gets a 3.5kWh battery pack that powers a 3kW motor with a peak power rating of 4.4kW. It comes with a claimed range of 145km, goes from 0 to 40kmph in 4.2-seconds and the claimed top speed is 78kmph. The claimed 0 to 80% charging time for both of these scooters is exactly identical for these scooters, even with the iQube’s more powerful 950W charger.
Underpinnings
The Bajaj Chetak uses a steel tube frame with a single-sided trailing arm and a rear monoshock. There is a front disc and a rear drum brake setup with CBS (combined braking system). The scooter runs on 12-inch alloy wheels at both ends with 90-section tyres. The Chetak weighs 134kg (kerb) and gets a ground clearance of 163mm which is decent for Indian roads.
The TVS iQube also uses a steel tube frame with a conventional telescopic fork and twin rear shock absorbers. It also gets a front disc and rear drum brake setup with CBS and uses 12-inch alloy wheels at both ends with 90-section tyres. At 129.7kg (kerb), it is slightly lighter than the Chetak, but gets 6mm lower ground clearance 157mm.
Features
The Bajaj Chetak 3501 comes with a 5-inch TFT console and is simple and organised in terms of the orientation. It supports smartphone connectivity with SMS/call alerts, and with the TecPac (costs Rs 5,000 extra) it gets Google maps based navigation, music control, remote immobilizer, high speed alert, document storage and ride modes: Eco and Sport. Other features include keyless ignition, reverse mode and self-cancelling indicators. It comes with a big 35-litre underseat storage, a big 5-litre front cubby hole and a USB charger.
The TVS iQube ST, meanwhile, goes further with a larger 7-inch TFT console that supports touch and joystick control. It gets features like turn-by-turn navigation, SMS/call alerts, music control, voice assist, customizable themes, vehicle location tracking, live vehicle health monitoring. It also gets the last parked location, anti-theft alarm, park assist, reverse mode and 2 ride modes: Eco and Power. When compared to the Chetak, the iQube gets a slightly smaller 32-litre and underseat storage and a USB charger.
Price & Verdict
|
Bajaj Chetak 3501 |
TVS iQube ST 3.5kWh |
|
Rs 1,22,500 |
Rs 1,39,642 |
All prices ex-showroom Delhi.
The Bajaj Chetak 3501 offers a bit more range that makes it an ideal daily commuter, while also being cheaper even with the Rs 5,000 TecPac. That makes the Chetak Rs 12,000 more affordable than the TVS iQube ST 3.5 kWh. This price advantage should make the Chetak 3501 a lot more appealing to riders who want a refined experience without stretching their budget. The Bajaj is also a lot more practical with a bigger boot and a 5-litre cubby hole.
On the other hand, the iQube ST justifies its higher cost by delivering a more versatile and feature-rich package without any extra cost, aimed at those who value modern conveniences and a tech-friendly riding experience. In essence, the Chetak 3501 stands out for its balance of quality, practicality and affordability, while the iQube ST caters to riders who are willing to pay extra for added functionality and everyday practicality.
User Reviews
- Hamara bajaj is now hamara chetakevI had purchased it when ev was new in market, I am very much satisfied. I had drove it for more than 50000 kms with no expense. I had to change only tyres and regular service only one auxiliary battery of Rs. 800 had been changed. I am quiet impressed me and my son both have purchased but there is very less front space between handle and seat to carry extra luggage vegetables or ration need to improve in this area good service staff in patni and Nagpur. I will recommend everyone to go for this ev only. Positive, Very good for local commute, I had recovered all the money spend for purchase, me and my son had not spend a single penny for petrol, very pleasant ride for city and highway also but with limitation of distance. mid age person college boys with huge space in seat box for helmet and laptop girls working women also it's value for money, I had already 2 chetak with me and both vehicle had been run for 50000 and 23000 kms planning to purchase one more for my wife.Read More
- This is an amazing bike launched in ev categoryBecause of the range this bike is too good because I was getting irritate because there is too many bikes in the market with low price but they are not giving a great range that this bike giving to us. Riding this bike is so comfortable and it can take you to a long ride because the range that it is providing is so nice in this low price category because range is an serious issue in ev bikes because of that people fear from purchasing ev bikes. Yes, in ev category I will highly recommend this bike. Not because of its range but also because of its running speed and fast charging and once you bought this bike anyone can use it so easily and you can put your heavy stuff on it without any worries.Read More
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