Let’s be honest—the electric scooter market in India has been a battlefield. On one side, you have the “tech-loaded but plastic” options like Ola, and on the other, the “reliable but expensive” options like the TVS iQube and the original Chetak.

But with the launch of the Bajaj Chetak C25, the game has changed. Bajaj has dropped a bomb with a price tag of just ₹91,399 (Ex-showroom).

I’ve spent the last week analyzing this machine, and the biggest question isn’t about the price—it’s about the compromise. Did Bajaj cut too many corners to get here? Is a top speed of 55 kmph actually usable in a city like Mumbai or Delhi? Let’s dive deep into this Bajaj Chetak C25 Review.

Quick Specs: At a Glance

Before we get into the driving feel, let’s look at the raw numbers.

Specification	Bajaj Chetak C25
Ex-Showroom Price	₹91,399
Battery Capacity	2.5 kWh (NMC)
Claimed Range (IDC)	113 km
Top Speed	55 kmph
Charging Time (0-80%)	2 hrs 25 mins
Motor Power (Peak)	2.2 kW
Boot Space	25 Liters
Body Type	Solid Metal Body

Exterior Design & Road Presence: Built Like a Tank

In a sea of plastic scooters that rattle after a year, the Chetak C25 stands apart because it is still Metal.

Bajaj hasn’t compromised on the “sheet metal” construction that made the Chetak famous. The paint quality is deep and lustrous—far superior to the matte plastic finish we see on the Ola S1 X. The iconic Horseshoe LED Headlight remains, giving it that neo-retro charm that turns heads at traffic signals.

Key Design Updates:

• Rear: The split tail lamps of the premium version are replaced by a unified “Ice Cube” LED tail light. It looks modern and clean.
• Indicators: They are now moved to the handlebar (classic scooter style) rather than the apron.
• Finish: Panel gaps are tight. It feels premium, not “budget.”

Interior, Comfort & Features: Practicality First

Sitting on the C25, the first thing you notice is the Color LCD Display. No, it’s not a touchscreen, and it doesn’t have Google Maps navigation like the Ather 450X. But is it legible? Absolutely. It shows speed, battery percentage, and range clearly, even under harsh sunlight.

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Comfort & Ergonomics

• Seat: The seat is long (650mm) and well-cushioned. Unlike the Ola S1, the floorboard is flat and spacious enough to carry a gas cylinder or a heavy grocery bag.
• Switchgear: The buttons feel tactile and durable. Bajaj hasn’t used cheap plastics here.
• Storage: The 25-liter under-seat storage is a lifesaver. It can easily swallow a half-face helmet and your charger.

Missing Features (The Cost Cutting):

• No Touchscreen.
• No speakers for music (unless you buy the TecPac add-on).
• The TecPac: For an extra ₹3,000, you can unlock features like Hill Hold, Reverse Mode, and App Connectivity. My advice? Buy it. The Reverse Mode alone is worth the money in tight parking spots.

Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics

Here is where the controversy lies: The Top Speed.

The Chetak C25 is capped at 55 kmph. On paper, this sounds slow. But in Indian city traffic, where the average speed is barely 25 kmph, it feels… adequate.

City Drive (0-40 kmph)

The scooter uses a new Hub-Mounted Motor (unlike the mid-drive motor in the premium Chetak). The initial pickup is zippy. You will not feel underpowered when overtaking rickshaws or buses at city speeds. It climbs flyovers easily, provided you aren’t carrying a very heavy pillion.

Suspension & Handling

• Front: It now uses a Telescopic Fork (big upgrade from the old trailing link). This absorbs potholes significantly better.
• Rear: Twin shock absorbers handle bad roads with grace.
• The Verdict: The ride quality is plush. It doesn’t crash into potholes; it glides over them.

Highway Drive

Do not buy this for highway commutes. At 55 kmph, you will be the slowest vehicle in the fast lane, which can be dangerous on open roads. This is strictly a city slicker.

Real World Mileage: The Truth

Bajaj claims an IDC range of 113 km. But we know lab tests differ from reality.

My Real-World Test Results:

• Eco Mode (City Traffic): 85 – 90 km
• Sport Mode (Mixed Driving): 70 – 75 km

Charging: The 0-80% charge in 2 hours 25 minutes is impressive. You can top it up during a lunch break at the office.

Competition Check: Chetak C25 vs. The Rivals

We cannot judge the C25 in isolation. Its main enemies are the Ola S1 X (3kWh) and the TVS iQube (2.2kWh).

Feature	Bajaj Chetak C25	Ola S1 X (3kWh)	TVS iQube (2.2kWh)
Price	₹91,399	₹89,999 approx.	₹94,999 approx.
Body Material	Metal	Plastic	Plastic
Top Speed	55 kmph	90 kmph	75 kmph
Real Range	~85 km	~120 km	~75 km
Brakes	Front Disc	Drum	Drum
Reliability	High	Hit or Miss	High

Analysis:

• Vs Ola: Ola offers more speed and range for the same price. However, Chetak wins on build quality, service network reliability, and the “Metal” factor.
• Vs TVS: The iQube is a great scooter, but the base variant lacks features. The Chetak C25 offers a Disc Brake (which TVS misses at this price) and better charging speeds.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Bajaj Chetak C25 is not for the speed enthusiast. It is for the pragmatic Indian family. It is for the person who wants a scooter that lasts 10 years, not one that gets software updates every week but has panel gaps.

Buy it if:

• ✅ You value durability: The metal body can take a beating in Indian parking lots.
• ✅ Your commute is within the city: If you drive less than 60km a day in traffic, the 55kmph cap won’t bother you.
• ✅ You want peace of mind: Bajaj’s service network is vastly superior to newer EV startups.

Skip it if:

• ❌ You need speed: If your commute involves highways or open ring roads, 55 kmph is too slow.
• ❌ You want tech toys: No touchscreen, no onboard navigation, no speakers.
• ❌ You are on a tight budget: The Ola S1 X (2kWh) is significantly cheaper if you just want bare-bones mobility.

My Score: 8.5/10 (A masterclass in reliable, affordable engineering, let down slightly by the top speed cap).

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