Chetak 3501 vs Vida V2 Pro: Detailed Comparison

The Bajaj Chetak 3501 and Vida V2 Pro are among the strongest contenders in the premium electric scooter space. Priced quite similarly, both have strong feature lists and everyday usability, but their personalities are quite different. The C3501 focuses on a neo-retro appeal and practical packaging, while the V2 Pro emphasises performance, technology, and a sportier edge. So, which of these two makes the stronger case for buyers?

Prices & Variants

Chetak Variant	Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Vida V2 Variant	Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)
3501	Rs 1.34 lakh	Pro	Rs 1.20 lakh

• The Chetak 3501 commands a premium of Rs 19,305 over the Vida V2 Pro.

• The Chetak 3501’s standard warranty covers 3 years/50,000km on both the vehicle and battery, while the Vida V2 Pro offers a 5-year/50,000km warranty on the vehicle and 3 years/30,000km on the batteries.

• Both offer extended warranty options. Chetak’s extended warranty add-on covers the scooter and battery for 5 years/70,000km. Meanwhile, Vida’s extended battery protection plan covers the battery for 5 years/60,000km, and its comprehensive warranty plan also provides battery protection along with coverage on 11 critical components for 5 years/75,000km.

• While Chetak offers Roadside Assistance (RSA) as an annual add-on purchase, Vida gives it as a complimentary benefit for the first year of purchase.

Design & Dimensions

• While both scooters are heavier than petrol-powered scooters, the V2 Pro is still a bit lighter than the Chetak. This makes the Vida slightly more manageable in traffic and the Chetak more stable on open roads.

• Both scooters have almost similar seat heights, but the higher ground clearance gives the 3501 an advantage over speed breakers and rough urban roads.

• The two scooters look completely different. While the Chetak 3501 adapts a neo-retro approach, the Vida V2 appears sharper and more contemporary.

• The Chetak features a solid metal body, smoother surfacing and a more premium, elegant finish. The Vida, meanwhile, sports an edgy, layered styling that gives it an aggressive stance and a distinct modern identity.

Ride & Handling

• Both scooters are built on tubular steel frames, but the lower centre of gravity (CG), due to a floor-mounted battery pack, should make the Bajaj scooter feel slightly more planted than the Vida V2 Pro.

• While Chetak’s suspension setup goes pretty well with its neo-retro design concept, it also offers decent comfort and confidence. However, the more contemporary setup of the V2 Pro should make it feel  more composed and better handling.

• The larger front disc brake should provide the Chetak with slightly stronger braking performance.

• Both scooters roll on 12-inch alloy wheels; however, the Vida may offer slightly better grip, thanks to a wider rear tyre.

Features & Technology

• The Vida scooter V2 Pro features a 7-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the Chetak’s 5-inch unit.

• The map navigation feature on the C3501 is much more convenient than the turn-by-turn navigation on the V2 Pro.

• The V2 Pro clearly offers more advanced riding-assist features than the C3501, including more riding modes and cruise control.

• The Chetak offers a larger underseat storage space and even a  front glovebox.

• The C3501’s TecPac commands Rs 5,000 extra to enable some features that come standard with the V2 Pro.

Powertrain & Performance

• The Chetak produces  1.8kW less than the Vida.

• The V2 Pro also features a larger battery pack, claiming to return a slightly longer claimed range than the 3501.

• Alongside accelerating more quickly, the V2 Pro also has a higher top speed than the3501.

• The Chetak 3501 requires a shorter time to get recharged at home. However, the Vida V2 Pro offers a much greater charging flexibility. You can charge it through a portable charger, charge its removable batteries separately anywhere, and it even supports public fast charging. 

Verdict

If you have a thing for neo-retro or you want a scooter that feels special and premium, then the Chetak 3501 serves the purpose in style. It is less complicated and has reasonable stamina, along with a focus on practicality for everyday use.

The Vida V2 Pro, on the other hand, is more of an all-rounder. It has better tech, higher performance, and flexibility when it comes to charging. With that, it solves the biggest problem that people have with EVs in India.

Other Rivals:

• The Chetak 3001 claims a substantially higher range than the iQube 2.2kWh.

• Despite undercutting the Chetak 3501 in terms of pricing, the TVS iQube S offers a similar package on paper.

• Even the base Ather Rizta S offers a better top speed than the Chetak 3001. You may also take a look at the slightly better variant, the Rizta S 3.7kWh.

• When it comes to battery warranty, the Ather Rizta Z takes a significant leap over the Chetak 3501.

• The Ola S1 X 3kWh promises better features and performance than the Chetak 3001.

• The Chetak 3501 commands a significant premium on price over the Ola SI Pro 4kWh, which has a higher top speed and range.

• With removable battery packs, the Vida VX2 Plus offers more flexible charging options than the Chetak 3001.

• The River Indie is a more versatile electric scooter that also looks more special than the Chetak 3501.

• The Ampere Nexus ST has a clear performance edge over the Chetak 3501.