The Rs 1 lakh price point is proving to be quite an interesting one for electric scooter manufacturers in India. It is currently all the rage in the country and Bajaj Auto is at it too as they just launched their newest electric scooter at this price point. It is called Chetak C25 and it is the first of their new 25 Series of electric scooters.
Including subsidies, Chetak C25 has been priced at Rs 91,399 and the Ex-sh price is Rs 96,399. Bajaj says it is a new electric scooter built from the ground up. With the downfall of Ola Electric, Bajaj Auto has significantly improved its market share and can now take it higher with Chetak C25. We experienced this scooter around Pune and here’s what we think.
Bajaj Chetak C25 First Ride Review
We have to start with the prices as it is the main drawing force of Chetak C25. Effective Ex-sh price is Rs 91,399 and one can get it for around Rs 1 lakh OTR in almost all states and UTs. This makes it an attractive purchase and is close to what one would pay for a family ICE scooter OTR these days. There are six colours on offer – Ocean Teal, Racing Red, Active Black, Opalescent Silver, Classic White and Misty Yellow.
Only Classic White and Misty Yellow will not be available immediately, as per Bajaj. One can avail an extended warranty of 5 Years on top of the standard 3 year one. TecPac with Chetak C25 costs Rs 3,000 which is a lifetime purchase. It will unlock extra features like music control and a Sport Mode, which brings better acceleration even though the 55 km/h top speed of standard Eco Mode remains unchanged.
Bajaj is working on a few accessories specific to Chetak C25 like a dedicated bag in the shape of its boot, some side luggage options and more. At launch, there were two accessories on offer – main stand and side step. Variant name for this scooter is 2501, suggesting it is the flagship of 25 Series. More affordable variants of 25 Series might launch in the future and probably even dedicated variants for commercial operations and gig workers too.
New Design for C2501
Where design is concerned, the just launched Chetak C25 is unmistakably a Chetak. It is an extension of Chetak’s iconic silhouette which was recreated for the modern era. On a passing glance, Chetak C25 looks just like a Chetak 35 Series or Chetak 30 Series. That’s probably the reason why none of the Punekars identified it as a new Chetak and didn’t give a second glance.
Looking closely, trained eyes can spot the subtle differences and place Chetak C25 as the more affordable model. Unique design elements with Chetak C25 include a new horseshoe design LED DRL with a split on the bottom, LED turn indicators on handlebar cowl rather than on its apron, new graphics on side body panels, new single-piece tail light flanked by LED turn indicators and a new non-circular instrument cluster.
There are a few cost cuttings with Chetak C25 to bring its price down from Chetak 3001. ORVM stalks are of conventional type, the leading link front suspension is replaced with conventional telescopic forks, single-sided rear shock-absorber now makes way to a conventional twin-shock setup. The switchgear is of good quality, though. Propulsion is from a hub motor, which negates drivetrain components.
Ergonomics, Comfort and Space
One can also grasp that Chetak C25 is smaller in size with a smaller seat when compared to 30 Series and 35 Series. For a 182cm tall individual like myself, space is a luxury and I subconsciously sat in the pillion area when riding this scooter to get my optimum riding posture. Any further and I would run into issues of handlebars touching my knees when turning the Chetak C25.
Under-seat boot space is around 25L only, which sounds small when compared to 35L boot of 30 Series and 35 Series. However, I much prefer Chetak C25’s smaller boot as it is deep enough to fit my full-face XL-sized ADV-style helmet without any issues. From what my memory serves, Chetak C25 is the only scooter (ICE or Electric) that accommodated this helmet. There is no illumination inside this boot, though.
Floorboard is flat and this is where the battery pack is located. There is a fixed hook behind the apron flanked by two storage cubbies. Right side cubby has a USB Type-A port, which is difficult to even see, let alone access. Pillions don’t get a backrest, but they get a large grab rail to hold on to. Foot peg positioning for pillions is logical without complaints. Only the apron, side body panels and running boards are metallic, rest are fiber.
Riding Experience, Usability
Riding experience of Bajaj Chetak C25 in and around Pune city was quite positive if you don’t have unrealistic expectations. Chetak C25’s top speed is 55 km/h and the cluster will indicate speeds beyond 60 km/h if you find a straight stretch. Motor is rated at 2.2 kW peak power and weight is 107 kg. Suspension is slightly on the stiffer side which is not an ideal setup to tackle the bad roads of Pune city.
Chetak C25 is not a corner carver and if ridden sensibly, it will deliver all of its promises. There is a 2.5 kWh battery pack with a promised range of 113 km. One could expect a realistic range of about 80 km with Chetak C25. Because the speeds are generally lower, braking felt adequate as well. Turning ignition on, Chetak C25 starts in N mode (Neutral) and user has to switch to either R mode (Reverse) or D mode (Drive).
In reverse mode, Chetak C25 beeps to remind riders which mode the scooter is in and alerts riders to be mindful of their surroundings. There’s also an M button on right-side switchgear which cycles through various functions on the cluster. ORVMs are not circular and offer a good view of what’s behind.
Should You Buy One?
With Chetak C25, Bajaj has put together a fantastic overall product that a typical household might be looking for. The combination of a timeless design, iconic silhouette, Rs 1 lakh OTR price point, features and functionality works in its favour. If you’re in the market to buy an electric scooter at around Rs 1 lakh price point OTR, Bajaj Chetak C25 should be high up your shortlist.
