The Bajaj Chetak name has long held nostalgia for Indian riders—but now, in its 2025 avatar as the Chetak 3001, it steps into the future of urban commuting. Priced under ₹1 lakh, this electric scooter doesn’t scream for attention but subtly earns it through design refinement, smart features, and practical range. But does it deliver enough to stand out in India’s crowded e-scooter market?

Let’s break it down.

Launch & Pricing

Launch Date: June 2025

Price: ₹99,990 (Ex-showroom, India)

Booking Status: Open

Deliveries: Rolling out in major Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities

At under ₹1 lakh, Bajaj has strategically positioned the Chetak 3001 below rivals like the Ather Rizta S and TVS iQube, making it accessible for price-sensitive yet style-conscious buyers.

Design & Build: Where Retro Meets Practical

The Chetak 3001 carries forward the iconic Chetak silhouette with its metal bodywork, offering a distinctive and premium visual edge over most plastic-bodied rivals. From a distance, the design looks retro; up close, it feels solid, polished, and thoughtfully minimal.

• Body: Steel monocoque frame (not plastic)
• Boot Space: Approx. 35 litres (accommodates a half-face helmet and essentials)
• Color Options: Subtle metallics with matte finishes

Its elegant and sturdy appeal will resonate with both older buyers seeking nostalgia and younger ones drawn to clean aesthetics.

Battery & Motor Performance

This setup provides smooth and linear power delivery — not hyperactive like some competitors, but perfectly tuned for city traffic. The belt-driven powertrain makes it whisper-quiet, though a few users have noted mild mechanical whine at lower speeds.

Range & Charging

• Claimed Range: 127 km
• Real-World Range: 90–105 km depending on mode and riding behavior
• Riding Modes: Eco and Sport
• Charging Time:
  • 0–80%: ~3 hours
  • 0–100%: ~5 hours (standard 5A socket)

Range Verdict: You won’t need to charge it daily if your commute is within 30–40 km/day. And for occasional longer city rides, it holds its own.

Ride Quality & Handling

Despite its classic looks, the Chetak 3001 is surprisingly nimble:

• Low center of gravity gives it excellent stability in traffic
• Suspension (front leading link + rear mono-shock) absorbs potholes well
• Braking via CBS (combined braking system) is predictable and smooth
• Turning radius is tight, which is a plus for U-turns and tight lanes

Riders up to 6 feet tall will feel comfortable, though the floorboard may feel a bit tight for longer rides or those with larger feet.

Smart Features & Connectivity

Here’s where the Chetak 3001 gets a little tricky.

While it comes with basic digital instrumentation and app support, most “smart” features like navigation, remote diagnostics, and reverse mode are locked behind a paid “TecPac” subscription.

Note: The scooter comes with a short-term free trial of these features. After ~1,000 km or 1–2 months, a paid subscription is required.

After-Sales Experience: A Mixed Bag

Some early adopters of the Chetak series report the following:

Positives:

• Quick registration and delivery in metros
• Easy app setup
• Generally consistent performance

Concerns:

• Service slots in some cities get delayed (up to 2–3 weeks)
• Spare part availability varies
• Minor issues like brake noise or software glitches sometimes unresolved on first visit

Bajaj is working to expand its Chetak exclusive dealerships, which may improve the ownership experience over time.

Competitor Comparison (2025)

Where Chetak Wins: Timeless design, sturdy build, and price
Where It Lags: Smart features hidden behind paywall; after-sales isn’t the best in tier-2 towns

Final Verdict: Who Is the Chetak 3001 For?

First-time EV buyers who want simplicity and brand trust
✅ Urban commuters with 20–40 km daily travel needs
✅ Riders preferring mature, retro design over flashy tech
✅ Budget-sensitive users looking for premium build below ₹1 lakh

Final Thoughts

The Bajaj Chetak 3001 proves that going electric doesn’t have to mean compromising on design, quality, or daily reliability. It’s not the most feature-packed scooter in the segment, but it might just be the most balanced. For under ₹1 lakh, it delivers just enough smart, more than enough practical, and plenty of style.