Bajaj Auto just dialed up the competitive pressure in India’s electric two-wheeler market for 2025, and it did so with the sort of headline-grabbing move that makes commuters pause mid-scroll: a flat ₹22,000 discount on the Chetak EV, plus zero road tax in states that support it. For buyers who’ve been flirting with the idea of going electric but hesitating over upfront costs, this deal lands at exactly the right moment.
There’s nostalgia baked into the Chetak name—your parents probably still remember the whirr of the old 2-stroke—but this 2025 push is all business. Bajaj clearly wants to expand its EV footprint, and lowering the entry barrier is the fastest way to do it.
A Legacy on Two Wheels
Say “Chetak” in any Indian household and someone will immediately recall how the old scooter carried families, groceries, and half the neighborhood during the 80s and 90s. Bajaj leaned hard into that nostalgia when it revived the Chetak as an EV in 2020. Only this time, the charm wasn’t just retro—it was electric, connected, and cleaner.
Four years later, the market is fierce, the options are plenty, and buyers are demanding. So Bajaj answered with something straightforward: cut the price, cut the tax, cut the excuses.
The ₹22,000 Discount + Zero Tax Combo
The discount is simple—₹22,000 off the ex-showroom price. Add to that the existing road tax exemptions many states offer under their EV policies (most modeled around guidelines highlighted by NITI Aayog on India’s broader electrification goals and EV mobility frameworks published by the Ministry of Heavy Industries), and buyers can pocket some substantial savings.
Here’s how the math usually plays out:
| Offer Component | Savings |
|---|---|
| Flat Discount | ₹22,000 |
| Road Tax Waiver | ~₹8,000–₹12,000 (state-dependent) |
| Total Benefit | Up to ₹34,000 |
In practical terms, a scooter that initially felt just a little out of reach now fits neatly into the budgets of students, office-goers, and families looking for a dependable second vehicle.
Performance and Everyday Usability
The Chetak EV isn’t pretending to be a performance monster—it’s aimed squarely at the daily city commuter. The brushless DC motor delivers quick low-end torque (pretty handy when the traffic light switches to green and you need to get ahead of autos), the top speed sits around 63 kmph, and the handling feels confidence-inspiring even on uneven roads.
Range is where most buyers pause, but the Chetak does well for urban use. With a certified 90–95 km on a full charge, a typical 30–40 km round-trip commute feels comfortable with buffer to spare.
Charging stays simple:
- Home charging: Plug into a regular socket overnight.
- Fast charging: 0–80% in about 3–3.5 hours at compatible points.
Plus, Bajaj’s warranty structure—already known for being robust—gives added assurance to anyone worried about battery degradation over the years.
Design That Turns Heads
One reason the Chetak stands out in a crowd of futuristic-looking electric scooters is simple: it doesn’t try too hard. The curves, the chrome touches, the classic silhouette—it’s retro without feeling old. Bajaj leaned into quality here, from the paint finishes to the metal body panels that give it a sturdier presence than many plastic-heavy EV rivals.
LED headlights and indicators, a digital instrument cluster, and smartphone connectivity round out the modern side of things. And thanks to a low center of gravity, the scooter feels planted even when weaving through tight, chaotic traffic.
Smart and Connected Features
The feature list isn’t flashy just for the sake of it. Most additions serve everyday riders:
- Digital instrument console with range, speed, and battery stats
- Bluetooth pairing for calls and navigation alerts
- Regenerative braking that helps stretch the range
- Full LED lighting for better night visibility
For city riders, these translate into fewer surprises, fewer range anxieties, and more convenience.
Savings Beyond the Sticker Price
This is where EVs quietly crush their petrol counterparts. Even if you ignore incentives, the running costs tilt heavily in favor of electric scooters.
- Chetak EV running cost: ~20–25 paise per km
- Typical petrol scooter: ₹2.5–₹3 per km
Over five years, the fuel and maintenance savings alone can hit ₹60,000–₹80,000—a significant offset against the purchase cost. Add the 2025 discount, and the financial case becomes hard to ignore.
Competition and Market Impact
The electric scooter battlefield is packed—Ola, Ather, and TVS dominate conversations with their long-range batteries, high-tech dashboards, and connected features. Yet Bajaj brings something unique to the table: brand trust, reliability, and build quality. With this price cut, the Chetak now undercuts many rivals while still offering the sturdy engineering Bajaj is known for.
Industry watchers tracking EV growth through policy papers like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan argue that affordability will be the single biggest catalyst in hitting India’s EV adoption goals. Offers like this push the needle in that direction.
Who Should Buy It
- Students & young professionals: Easy charging, low running cost, stylish design.
- Families: Ideal second scooter with minimal upkeep and massive fuel savings.
- Petrol scooter owners: A smooth, reliable, wallet-friendly jump into the EV world.
If your daily rides rarely exceed 40–50 km and you’re tired of rising petrol prices, the Chetak EV makes a compelling case this year.
- The ₹22,000 discount has been officially rolled out by Bajaj Auto for the 2025 model year.
- Road tax waivers depend on state EV policies, many of which align with central guidelines.
- Performance and range figures match the certified specifications listed for the Chetak EV lineup.
FAQs
What is the range of the Bajaj Chetak EV?
It offers up to 95 km on a full charge, suitable for daily urban commutes.
How long does the Chetak EV take to charge?
A standard home charge overnight is enough; fast chargers can take it to 80% in around 3 hours.
What is the effective price after discount and tax benefits?
Depending on your state’s tax policy, the savings can total ₹30,000–₹34,000.
Is the Chetak EV suitable for long rides?
It’s designed mainly for city use. Longer highway rides will require planned charging stops.
Which scooters compete with the Chetak EV?
Key rivals include the Ola S1 Air, Ather 450S, and TVS iQube.
