The electric scooter market in India is buzzing, especially around the Rs 1 lakh price point. Bajaj Auto has joined the fray with the launch of their latest offering, the Chetak C25, the first model in their new 25 Series of electric scooters.
The Chetak C25 is priced at Rs 91,399 including subsidies, with an ex-showroom (Ex-sh) price of Rs 96,399. This makes it a compelling option, closely matching the cost of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) family scooter. The scooter comes in six vibrant colours: Ocean Teal, Racing Red, Active Black, Opalescent Silver, Classic White, and Misty Yellow. However, Classic White and Misty Yellow will not be immediately available.
Bajaj offers an extended warranty of 5 years in addition to the standard 3-year warranty. For Rs 3,000, customers can purchase the TecPac, a lifetime upgrade that unlocks features such as music control and a Sport Mode, which enhances acceleration while maintaining the standard top speed of 55 km/h.
Bajaj is also developing accessories specifically for the Chetak C25, including a dedicated bag shaped like the scooter's boot and various side luggage options. At launch, two accessories are available: a main stand and a side step. The variant name, 2501, indicates that this is the flagship model of the 25 Series, with more affordable variants, and potentially commercial-focused versions, expected in the future.
The Chetak C25 retains the iconic Chetak silhouette, modernised for today's market. At first glance, it resembles the Chetak 35 Series or Chetak 30 Series, which might explain why locals in Pune didn’t immediately recognise it as a new model. However, closer inspection reveals unique design elements such as a new horseshoe LED DRL with a split bottom design, LED turn indicators on the handlebar cowl, new side body panel graphics, a single-piece tail light with flanking LED turn indicators, and a non-circular instrument cluster.
To achieve the competitive price point, Bajaj has made some cost-saving adjustments. The Chetak C25 features conventional ORVM stalks, telescopic forks instead of a leading link front suspension, and a conventional twin-shock setup replacing the single-sided rear shock-absorber. Despite these changes, the switchgear maintains good quality. The scooter uses a hub motor, eliminating the need for drivetrain components.
The Chetak C25 is compact, with a smaller seat compared to the 30 Series and 35 Series. For taller riders, like myself (182 cm), the space feels limited, and I found it more comfortable to sit in the pillion position to avoid handlebar interference during turns.
The under-seat boot offers approximately 25 litres of storage, which may seem small compared to the 35-litre boots of the 30 and 35 Series. However, the Chetak C25’s boot is deep enough to accommodate a full-face XL-sized ADV-style helmet—a feature that, to my knowledge, is unique among scooters, both ICE and electric. Unfortunately, the boot lacks interior lighting.
The floorboard, where the battery pack is located, is flat and features a fixed hook behind the apron, flanked by two storage cubbies. The right-side cubby includes a hard-to-see USB Type-A port. Pillions may miss a backrest, but they benefit from a large grab rail. The foot peg positioning for pillions is well-thought-out. Only the apron, side body panels, and running boards are metallic; the rest are made of fibre.
The riding experience of the Chetak C25 around Pune city was generally positive, provided riders have realistic expectations. With a top speed of 55 km/h and a motor rated at 2.2 kW peak power, the scooter weighs 107 kg. The suspension is slightly stiff, which isn’t ideal for Pune’s rough roads.
While the Chetak C25 isn’t designed for aggressive cornering, it delivers on its promises when ridden sensibly. The 2.5 kWh battery pack promises a range of 113 km, though real-world conditions may yield closer to 80 km. Braking performance is adequate for the lower speeds typically encountered. Upon ignition, the scooter starts in Neutral (N) mode, requiring the rider to switch to Reverse (R) or Drive (D) mode.
In reverse mode, the scooter emits a beep to alert the rider to their current mode and reminds them to be aware of their surroundings. An M button on the right-side switchgear cycles through various cluster functions. The ORVMs are non-circular but provide a good rear view.