With the electric scooter market getting choked by electric buggies and futuristic concepts the Bajaj Chetak Electric is a breath of fresh air to see — an incredibly simple EV that seems to lean on functionality over cool extraneous features. This is not some other electric scooter SMACKING itself as an innovative weapon, but carefully manufactured vehicle showcasing that electric mobility ought to fit everyday life of urban India commuters from various climes.
First Impressions: Timeless yet modern design
The Chetak Electric practically begs you to stop and see all how well it evolved from its petrol-loving predecessor as soon as you approach. The Vespa-like shape is there, but with fairly hint with an electric right out of the gate. The metal body panels have metallic panels that will withstand heavy use and be less apparent to scratching, as well as a better looking throw on feel with the plastic alternatives.
The riding position is almost instinctive, floorboards are for all occasions from a suit to weekend best. Not only that the plush seat on this beast is supremely comfortable but the way it is designed you get proper back support that makes many hours in the saddle much less agonising. The mirror location is almost measured as well, for outstanding rear view and not at all-than considerable.
EV Powertrain for The City
Deep down, an urban commuter wants what that 4kW hubmounted motor delivers â steady power rather than turbo-charged rocket fuel delivery for city dwellers. While the 16Nm torque output may not sound as impressive to a performance EV these are tuned for stop and go city traffic as opposed to drag racing delivery.
Finally, the praise goes to the power curve. Power comes rolling, you’re never caught out at traffic lights and the clever throttle map has no jolt on takeoff. This pointless tuning provides great safety and moreover, a lot of the scooter’s range efficiency which comes from thoughtful design. Finding the balance of Eco and Sport modes gives riders options when riding in differing states without over burdening them.
Battery Tech that Makes Sense
That doesn’t mean battery isn’t sophisticated though, the fixed 3kWh lithium-ion pack isn’t much more than a unit of capacity-claimed range (70-80km real-world vs 95km under a Bajaj claim) reflects the automaker’s awareness of how people really do things in urban environments. This IP67 rating waterproofs also nullify rains taking ride, the electric smart thermal management system guarantees the consistent performance.
The charging variety is what is most impressive in itself. The battery can easily be charged from 0-100% in 5 hours using the ordinary 5A socket, an optional fast charger reducing that to 3.5 hours [source]. It comes in handy for the one who loves to charge his portable charger at office (apartment dweller).
Respect The Urban Road Suspension
Bajaj showed its deep understanding of Indian urban environs in the suspension setup of Pulsar On. The front end and rear monoshock single-sided up front — which will be soft damping by design, not for keen handling — are pretty much commuter oriented. The configuration does an impressive little dance of supporting potholes and then again having some manners on the highway stretch.
It is unaffected by broken urban roads in Chetak even with pillion rider, a situation most competitors get into chaos. This nature will be highly valuable if you travel in congested city roads or back on and forth the highway from time to time.
The Ownership economics which counts
Well the 45km/kWh, for that Chetak provides some insane affordable running costs — something under ₹0.30 / kWh to run instead of ₹180 k/kw for its 125cc petrol rivals. This translates to an annual fuel cost savings of almost ₹22,000 if you ride only 40 km a day. Add to that, no oil changes, chain maintenance etc = long term savings.
Bajaj has the largest EV service network in most of the key cities and the known quality ideals mean most repairs will not necessitate an expert EV technician – nice touch for early adopters.
Thoughtful Features That Matter
The next level of digital instrument cluster offered here provides highly pertinent data but no extra fluff (state of charge, range estimate and riding mode). Regen braking, while not the primary reason that ICE components will love EVs (after all, it s a very mild input to any pureracing rider), feels completely intuitive to adopt.
Under-seat storage (18 Litre) continues to be useful even with central battery, some wanted a fast charger can charge battery while at workplace. Even the fact that it has a real horn is an act of urban auditory ecology as much as some kind of tribute to the throaty soundtrack of an engine.
Verdict:A Beating Heart of Practical Electrification
What led to the success of Bajaj Chetak Electric is that it did not try too hard to change the scooter. With many EV startups in the subsegment chasing ever more radical designs and features, Chetak has kept its objective simple clear as ever what it does best : inexpensive, reliable, urban transportation — now electric.
The Chetak if the rare achievement for a single bike classifies the rider who stands for electric motorcycling without having to learns, facts-driven tailgate quality over grungy hype and appreciates thoughtful engineering in an asinine economy.. It’s not just great electric scooter — it’s design writ large with no apology or pretense about excelling at what it does.
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Electric two-wheelers of today are mostly conceived for cool factor than usability, the Chetak by Bajaj health reminder that sometimes the best innovation is one that is somewhat new and works which is good. And it is this clarity of intent that not only makes it the best possible model for EVs-first time adopters, but pretty much the most well thought out electric scooters in India as well.
