New Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Spotted, Could Be The Cheapest One Yet

[UPDATE: The new Bajaj Chetak has been launched]

Quick News Highlights:

• Seen with a hub-mounted motor, could be part of a more affordable series

• Gets new suspension setup, LCD console, and revised tail light design

• Expected price range: Rs 80,000-90,000 (ex-showroom)

Bajaj appears to be preparing the next phase of its Chetak lineup, as a new version of the electric scooter has been spotted testing on Indian roads. The prototype seems to be a part of a new lineup designed to sit below the current Chetak 3001 in both pricing and spec and feature-wise. This could be similar to how Bajaj offers multiple bikes with the same engine capacity but at slightly varying prices. 

Design & Styling

This new retro electric scooter gets styling similar to the Chetak on sale right now, but with several changes. The overall dimensions and the seat seems smaller too. The seat shape, the rear grab handle, and the side panels are new as well. The front indicators have moved from the apron to the handlebar cowl, the front mudguard and fork cover appear similar to what was seen on an earlier prototype. At the rear, it gets a new tail light design that combines the brake lights and indicators, as opposed to the current split unit.

Whether Bajaj continues using the brand’s signature metal body panels, or switches to lighter plastic or fibre materials remains an open question. The company’s preference for metal has been a USP (Unique Selling Point), but being lighter should ensure it is not only competitively priced but also offer better range.

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Battery, Motor, Performance, & Range

The new Bajaj Chetak could share its battery with the existing Chetak 3001 (3kWh). That said, the 3001 has a mid-mounted motor while this new one has a hub-mounted one, which are generally more cost-effective. The 3001 has a top speed of 63kmph and up to 127km of claimed range. We expect the new version to maintain a similar top speed, but deliver around 145-150km through calmer throttle mapping. 

Underpinnings

From the spy shots, we can clearly see a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers. This is in stark contrast to the current Chetak’s leading link and swingarm setup – both single-sided to make it look similar to the original petrol-powered Chetak scooter. Wheel sizes are expected to be a 12-inch front and 10-inch rear; the test mule had a front disc brake. Boot space might be slightly reduced owing to what looks like a smaller seat section, but it still gets 2 open cubbyholes on the apron for extra storage.

Features

The scooter features a new, somewhat V-shaped LCD instrument console instead of the round one seen on higher trims. Also present is an all-in-one key slot and all-LED lighting. For cost-effectiveness’ sake, the switchgear looks basic as compared to the gloss black, flush-fitting buttons on the existing Chetaks. 

Expected Price, Launch Date, & Rivals

The Bajaj Chetak 3001 is priced at Rs 1,02,400 (ex-showroom) right now. This new model is likely to sit around the Rs 80,000-90,000 (ex-showroom) mark, making it one of the more affordable premium electric scooters on the market. Bajaj may launch the e-scooter some time next year, possibly around June. It could rival the lower variants of the TVS iQube, and the recently launched TVS Orbiter. If our guesstimate is right, this will be similar to what TVS did with its iQube and Orbiter - offering an affordable yet premium option for those with tighter budgets.