In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian mobility, few names resonate with the same nostalgic familiarity as “Chetak.”
For generations, the Bajaj Chetak was not merely a vehicle but a cultural phenomenon—a trusty steed that carried families, facilitated businesses, and became an inseparable part of Indian household memories.
After a hiatus, Bajaj Auto resurrected this legendary nameplate, not as a relic of the past but as a herald of the future, transforming the beloved scooter into a cutting-edge electric vehicle.
This article explores the journey of the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter lineup, with special attention to its latest iterations and technological advancements.
Rekindling a Legacy: The Return of an Icon
The original Bajaj Chetak, inspired by the Italian Vespa, dominated Indian roads from the 1970s through the early 2000s.
Its reliable performance, sturdy build, and accessibility made it a household staple, often with waiting periods extending several years. When production finally ceased in 2005, it marked the end of an era.
However, recognizing both the power of nostalgia and the inevitable shift toward sustainable mobility, Bajaj Auto made a strategic decision to resurrect the Chetak name for its foray into the electric two-wheeler market.
Launched in 2020, the new electric Chetak maintained design cues that paid homage to its predecessor while embracing a thoroughly modern aesthetic and technology.
The Current Chetak Lineup: Understanding the Nomenclature
Bajaj’s electric Chetak lineup has evolved into a comprehensive range of models catering to different consumer segments and price points.
The current lineup is structured into series designated by battery capacity, with variants named according to their feature sets and positioning:
The 35 Series (2025)
The 35 Series represents Bajaj’s latest and most advanced Chetak models, introduced in 2024-2025. The number “35” denotes the battery capacity of 3.5 kWh. This series includes three primary variants:
Chetak 3501: The flagship model with premium features including a touchscreen TFT display with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and music control capabilities, and advanced rider assistance features. Priced around ₹1.34 lakh, it offers a range of 153 km on a single charge and a top speed of 73 km/h.
Chetak 3502: A mid-tier variant that retains many of the premium features but with some modifications to reach a more accessible price point of approximately ₹1.22 lakh. While it maintains the same core performance metrics, it may feature a color TFT display rather than a touchscreen.
Chetak 3503: The entry-level variant of the 35 Series, priced at around ₹1.10 lakh, making it approximately ₹20,000 more affordable than the 3501. It offers the essential Chetak experience while making strategic feature compromises to achieve a more accessible price point.
Previous Generation Models
Prior to the 35 Series, Bajaj offered various models including:
Chetak 3201 Special Edition: A feature-rich model powered by a 3.2 kWh battery, offering an ARAI-certified range of 136 km and a top speed of 73 km/h. This special edition came in a distinctive Brooklyn Black color scheme with unique decals and a luxurious two-tone quilted seat. It was notable for its 5-inch color TFT instrument console with navigation and connectivity features.
Chetak Blue 3202: Launched as a more affordable option, priced at approximately ₹1.15 lakh, this variant represented an updated version of the older Chetak Urbane with improved battery performance.
Chetak 2901: The base variant with a 2.88 kWh battery and approximately 123 km of range, offered in multiple color options including Ebony Black, Racing Red, Cyber White, Azure Blue, and Lime Yellow.
Design Philosophy: Modern Retro
What sets the Chetak apart in the increasingly crowded electric scooter market is its distinctive design philosophy. Rather than pursuing an aggressively futuristic aesthetic, Bajaj opted for a “modern retro” approach that honors the Chetak’s heritage while incorporating contemporary elements.
The electric Chetak features smooth flowing lines, a curvy silhouette, and a distinctive front fascia that subtly recalls its predecessor.
Unlike many competitors that utilize plastic body panels, the Chetak distinguishes itself with a full metal body construction, enhancing both durability and premium feel.
This design decision not only differentiates the Chetak but also maintains continuity with the original model’s reputation for robustness.
LED lighting throughout, including projector headlamps with distinctive circular DRLs, gives the scooter a modern signature while maintaining classic proportions.
Higher-end variants like the 3501 and the 3201 Special Edition feature premium touches like sequential turn indicators, reminiscent of high-end automobiles.
The attention to detail extends to the color palette, which blends traditional choices like black and white with contemporary options such as Hazel Nut, Indigo Metallic, Pista Green, and Matte Scarlett Red.
The two-tone quilted seat on special editions adds another layer of sophistication to the visual package.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Powertrain
The Chetak 35 Series is powered by a 4 kW electric motor that generates a peak torque of 20 Nm, enabling quick acceleration from standstill—a crucial requirement for navigating congested urban traffic.
This performance is delivered through a single-speed transmission that eliminates the complexity of gear changes, allowing for smooth and continuous power delivery.
The motor is paired with a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, strategically placed under the floorboard in the newer models (unlike earlier versions where it was positioned near the motor).
This repositioning serves multiple purposes: it lowers the center of gravity for improved handling, creates a more balanced weight distribution, and most importantly, liberates underseat storage space.
Range and Charging
The Chetak 3501 offers an ARAI-certified range of 153 kilometers on a single charge, making it suitable for multiple days of urban commuting between charges for most users.
Actual range varies based on factors including riding mode, terrain, load, and ambient temperature—with the Eco mode optimizing range at the expense of top speed.
Charging is accomplished via a standard 650W charger that can replenish the battery from 0 to 100 percent in approximately 5 hours.
While this duration isn’t the fastest in the market, it aligns well with overnight charging patterns that most users adopt. Future iterations may offer faster charging capabilities or battery swapping options as the technology and infrastructure evolve.
Chassis and Suspension
The Chetak is built around a rigid chassis that prioritizes stability and predictable handling. The suspension setup consists of a single-sided leading link suspension at the front and an offset monoshock at the rear, tuned to balance comfort and control on typical Indian road conditions.
Braking duties are handled by a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, working in conjunction with a combined braking system for balanced deceleration.
Higher-end variants feature added safety tech like hill-hold control that prevents the scooter from rolling backward on inclines.
With a kerb weight of approximately 134 kg for models like the 3201 Special Edition, the Chetak isn’t the lightest electric scooter in its segment.
However, the weight distribution and low center of gravity make it manageable in urban traffic and parking situations.
Feature Set: Where Tradition Meets Technology
The feature set of the Chetak varies significantly across variants, allowing customers to choose a model that aligns with their requirements and budget. The premium variants like the 3501 and 3201 Special Edition showcase Bajaj’s technological capabilities with:
Instrumentation and Connectivity
The flagship 3501 variant features a 5-inch TFT touchscreen display that serves as the command center for the scooter’s various functions. This screen provides essential riding information and connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, enabling:
Turn-by-turn navigation
Call and SMS notifications
Music control
Vehicle status monitoring
Over-the-air updates for continuous improvement
The interface is supplemented with dedicated physical controls for essential functions, ensuring that the rider can make adjustments without excessive distraction.
Riding Modes and Assistance Systems
Modern Chetak models offer multiple riding modes to customize the experience according to conditions and preferences:
Eco Mode: Prioritizes battery efficiency, limiting top speed to extend range
Sport Mode: Unlocks the full performance potential of the motor
Reverse Mode: Assists with backing up the scooter in tight spaces
Additional assistance features include:
Hill Hold Control: Prevents backward rolling on inclines
Regenerative Braking: Recovers energy during deceleration to extend range
Self-Cancelling Turn Signals: Automatically turns off indicators after completing a turn
Practical Amenities
The Chetak combines technological sophistication with practical features that enhance everyday usability:
Underseat Storage: The 35 Series boasts up to 35 liters of storage space beneath the seat, sufficient for a full-face helmet, a laptop, and other essentials
Integrated Luggage Hook: Neatly concealed when not in use
USB Charging Port: Keeps devices powered during journeys
Keyless Operation: Enables convenient starting and security features
Environmental and Economic Impact
Beyond performance specifications and feature sets, the Chetak represents Bajaj’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Electric scooters like the Chetak offer significant environmental advantages over their internal combustion counterparts:
Zero Tailpipe Emissions: Eliminating direct air pollution, particularly beneficial in congested urban environments
Reduced Noise Pollution: Electric motors operate with minimal sound, contributing to quieter streets
Lower Carbon Footprint: Even considering electricity generation, electric scooters typically produce fewer lifecycle emissions than gasoline-powered alternatives
From an economic perspective, the Chetak offers compelling advantages:
Reduced Operating Costs: Electricity costs significantly less per kilometer than petrol
Simplified Maintenance: Fewer moving parts translates to lower service requirements and costs
Government Incentives: Electric vehicles often qualify for subsidies, tax benefits, and other incentives that reduce the effective purchase price
Some models of the Chetak include a “Green Score Card” feature that enables riders to quantify their positive environmental impact, reinforcing the sustainability benefits of their choice.
Market Positioning and Competition
The electric two-wheeler market in India has evolved from a niche segment to a fiercely competitive arena with numerous players.
The Chetak positions itself as a premium offering that emphasizes quality construction, refined design, and reliable performance rather than engaging in specification wars focused solely on range or top speed.
Primary competitors include the Ola S1 series, which emphasizes technology and performance; the TVS iQube, which balances practicality with modern features; and the Ather 450 series, which targets tech-savvy urban consumers.
Each brings distinct strengths, with the Chetak differentiating itself through its metallic construction, heritage-inspired design, and Bajaj’s extensive service network.
Pricing strategy varies across the Chetak lineup, from the more accessible 3503 at approximately ₹1.10 lakh to the feature-rich 3501 at around ₹1.35 lakh (ex-showroom), allowing Bajaj to target multiple market segments while maintaining a consistent brand identity.
Ownership Experience
Bajaj has developed a comprehensive ownership ecosystem to support Chetak customers:
Warranty and Service
The Chetak comes with manufacturer warranties that reflect Bajaj’s confidence in the technology:
Battery warranty typically extends to 3 years or 50,000 kilometers
The battery is engineered for durability, with Bajaj claiming a potential lifespan of up to 70,000 kilometers or 7 years
Service requirements are significantly reduced compared to internal combustion vehicles, with fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, air filter replacements, or carburetor adjustments.
Dealership and Support Network
Leveraging Bajaj’s extensive dealer network developed over decades in the Indian market, the company ensures that Chetak owners have access to service and support across the country.
This established infrastructure represents a significant advantage over newer entrants to the electric vehicle market.
Digital Integration
The Chetak ownership experience extends into the digital realm through a dedicated mobile application that provides:
Battery status monitoring
Service reminders and scheduling
Ride statistics and history
Security features including geo-fencing and remote immobilization
Future Trajectory
The electric Chetak represents not just a product but a strategic direction for Bajaj Auto. As the market for electric two-wheelers continues to grow, we can anticipate several developments:
Expanded Model Range: Further diversification of the lineup to address specific use cases and price points
Technological Enhancements: Continual improvements in battery efficiency, motor performance, and smart features
Infrastructure Development: Potential partnerships to address charging infrastructure limitations
Manufacturing Scale: Increased production volume to achieve economies of scale and potentially reduce prices
With the Indian government’s push toward electrification and growing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles, the Chetak is well-positioned to build on its early momentum and establish itself as a leader in this transformative segment.
Bajaj Chetak 3201 new model is launched
The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter represents a remarkable synthesis of heritage and innovation.
By reviving an iconic nameplate for its electric offering, Bajaj has created a product that resonates emotionally with consumers while delivering the practical and environmental benefits of electric mobility.
The comprehensive lineup, ranging from the accessible 3503 to the feature-rich 3501, ensures that various consumer segments can find a Chetak variant that meets their needs and budget.
As India accelerates its transition toward sustainable transportation, the Chetak stands as a testament to how traditional manufacturers can successfully embrace new technologies while honoring their legacy.
The scooter’s combination of metallic construction, thoughtful design, and modern features positions it as a compelling option in an increasingly crowded market.
Beyond its specifications and features, the electric Chetak embodies a larger narrative about the evolution of mobility in India—from the aspirational family vehicle of the 1970s to the environmentally conscious urban transport solution of today.
In both incarnations, separated by decades and technologies, the Chetak fulfills the same fundamental promise: reliable, accessible mobility that improves quality of life.
This continuity of purpose, even as the means of achieving it transform radically, is perhaps the most fitting tribute to the Chetak legacy.