Bajaj Chetak EV isn’t just another electric scooter in India—it brings back memories and emotions tied to a name that once ruled Indian roads. By reintroducing the legendary Chetak as an electric scooter, Bajaj has cleverly blended the past with the future, giving us a ride that feels both familiar and fresh.
This new version of the Chetak shows how a classic name can evolve with time. It carries the charm of the original while adopting modern electric technology, sleek design, and thoughtful features. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Chetak EV special—its story, its design, performance, ride experience, and its role in India’s electric revolution.
The Chetak Legacy and Its Comeback
The original Bajaj Chetak, introduced in 1972 and sold until 2006, was more than just a scooter—it was a symbol of progress for Indian families. Inspired by the Italian Vespa Sprint, the Chetak became a part of everyday life in many homes. People waited for years to get one, and it became a treasured possession that often stayed in families for generations. Its nickname, “Hamara Bajaj” (Our Bajaj), wasn’t just a catchy slogan—it reflected how deeply people felt connected to it.
Bajaj eventually stopped producing scooters in 2006 to focus only on motorcycles. But in 2019, the company surprised everyone by bringing back the Chetak name—this time as a fully electric scooter. This was a smart move, blending nostalgia with modern needs. Rather than fighting for space in the already crowded petrol-scooter segment, Bajaj took a leap into the future with electricity.
The timing was just right. People were starting to care more about the environment, fuel prices were climbing, and the Indian government began pushing for cleaner vehicles with policies like FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles). Bajaj used this moment to make the Chetak EV a symbol of both the past and a greener future.
Timeless Design, Modern Feel
The design of the new Chetak EV is one of its strongest features. It brings together the classic curves of the old model with clean, smooth lines that make it look current and premium.
Its metal body stands out, especially in a market filled with plastic-bodied electric scooters. The build feels solid and classy. The signature horseshoe-shaped LED headlight gives the front a distinctive look, while the rounded mirrors and smooth panels bring back memories of the original.
What makes the Chetak EV truly special is its attention to detail. The scooter hides most of its mechanical parts, with no exposed wires or clunky battery casings in sight. Everything feels polished and thought-through. Even the turn indicators are sleek, with a feather-touch design and sequential lighting, adding to its elegant charm.
Available in colors like Brooklyn Black, Hazelnut, and Indigo Metallic, the paint quality is top-notch. These shades mix modern tastes with classic vibes, giving the scooter a unique personality.
Electric Motor and Real-World Performance
Underneath its good looks, the Chetak EV has a powerful heart. It runs on a 3.8kW electric motor that produces around 16Nm of torque. The lithium-ion battery, which is fixed under the seat and protected from dust and water (thanks to its IP67 rating), stores about 3kWh of energy.
You get two riding modes—Eco and Sport. In Eco mode, the scooter prioritizes distance over speed, reaching up to 60 km/h. In Sport mode, you can go a little faster—about 70 km/h—with better acceleration but slightly less range.
Electric scooters are known for instant power, and the Chetak is no different. It takes off quickly from a standstill, making it perfect for weaving through traffic in the city. There’s no gear shifting, so the ride feels smooth and silent.
Bajaj claims the scooter can go up to 95 km on a full charge, depending on how you ride. In real-world conditions, expect around 75 to 85 km, which is more than enough for most people’s daily needs.
Charging is simple—you just plug it into a regular household 5A socket. A full charge takes about 4 to 5 hours. However, there’s no fast charging or swappable battery option yet, which might be a drawback for those without charging access at home or work.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The Bajaj Chetak EV is built for city riding, and it delivers a smooth, comfortable experience. It handles potholes and bumps with ease, thanks to its well-tuned suspension setup. The scooter has a front single-sided fork and a rear monoshock, both designed more for comfort than performance.
The scooter rides on 12-inch wheels, which are bigger than what you find on many competitors. This improves stability and makes the ride feel more secure, even on uneven roads. With a weight of about 120 kg, it’s not the lightest scooter around, but the weight helps with balance and doesn’t feel too heavy while riding. Still, you might notice the bulk a bit when pushing it around manually or during tight parking maneuvers.
Braking is handled by a front disc and rear drum brake, supported by a combined braking system. This setup makes sure both wheels help with stopping, making the ride safer and more controlled. While a rear disc brake would have been ideal on a premium product like this, the current setup still performs well.
The upright seating posture, soft seat, and spacious footboard make the scooter suitable for all riders. It’s comfortable for short to medium rides, though taller riders might find longer trips a bit cramped.
Tech Features That Add Value
The Chetak EV may have a classic look, but it comes with plenty of smart features. The fully digital display shows speed, battery charge, range, and mode selection clearly. It works well in most lighting conditions, though some glare is possible under strong sunlight.
The scooter connects to a smartphone app that adds a smart layer to ownership. Through the app, you can:
- Check battery status and charging updates
- Get ride statistics and efficiency reports
- Book service and get reminders
- Track the scooter’s location
- Use navigation and parking help
Other smart touches include keyless entry with a proximity sensor, reverse assist for easy backing up, and automatic locking when you walk away.
Lighting is all-LED, from the headlamp to the turn signals and taillight, ensuring better visibility and lower power use.
Storage under the seat is a bit limited due to the battery placement. You’ll be able to fit a small helmet or a bag, but not much more. There’s also a small front glovebox for essentials.
Ownership, Cost, and Maintenance
Owning the Chetak EV is designed to be hassle-free. Since it’s electric, you won’t need oil changes or regular engine maintenance. The regenerative braking also helps reduce brake wear, lowering running costs further.
Bajaj offers a 3-year/50,000 km warranty for the scooter and a 3-year/40,000 km warranty for the battery. That gives buyers peace of mind, especially with new EV technology.
The running cost is where electric scooters shine. Compared to petrol scooters, the Chetak EV costs only about a fourth or fifth to run per kilometer. For someone riding around 1,000 km per month, this means big savings in the long run—enough to make up for the higher upfront cost.
The scooter is sold through special Chetak Experience Centers in select cities, which offer a more premium and personalized buying experience than traditional dealerships.
Market Presence and What Lies Ahead
The Chetak EV has made a strong impact since its launch. It wasn’t just another electric scooter—it brought trust and nostalgia to a space that needed both. Its success has encouraged more companies to enter the electric scooter market, speeding up the shift towards cleaner mobility.
That said, supply has been limited due to a phased rollout. Bajaj is slowly expanding availability across India, and wherever it goes, demand has outpaced supply—proof that people are ready to buy if the product feels right.
In the coming years, Bajaj is expected to add more variants of the Chetak, perhaps with longer range, faster charging, and more affordable options. The platform is already being used to develop other electric two-wheelers, showing that the Chetak is just the beginning of Bajaj’s electric journey.
Final Thoughts: Chetak EV Is More Than a Scooter
The Bajaj Chetak EV is not just about going electric—it’s about bringing emotions into modern mobility. It stands out in a crowd of cold, futuristic scooters by offering something warm and familiar, yet smart and advanced.
Its design, comfort, and performance make it ideal for city life. But more than that, it reconnects with people’s memories, reminding them of a time when scooters meant family, journeys, and pride.
In a fast-changing world where electric vehicles are becoming the norm, Bajaj shows that heritage can be a strength—not a weakness. By bringing the Chetak back to life in a new form, they’ve proved that the past can still ride into the future.