Let’s be honest — when we hear the word Chetak, most of us immediately think of the old-school, steel-body scooters that had a weird charm of their own. That drrrr-drrrr sound, the classic metallic clunk of the center stand, and the slight lean you had to do while kick-starting it — all part of the nostalgia package. But now it’s 2025, and Bajaj has taken that legacy, sprinkled it with some tech sauce, and launched the Bajaj Chetak 3001, an upgraded electric scooter that screams modern, but with that sweet old-school flair.
This isn’t just another quiet e-scooter trying to look like a spaceship. This is Bajaj saying, “We’ve been doing this for decades. Let us show you how it’s done right.” With over 150 km of claimed range, a refreshed design, and more features than ever before, the Chetak 3001 seems ready to shake up the already buzzing EV market in India. So let’s get into the juicy details — from design to battery to pricing, and whether this scooter is worth all the hype or not.
Design – Old Soul, New Suit
First impressions? Slick. The Chetak 3001 retains that retro-scooter charm, but with sharper curves and a cleaner, more modern finish. Think classic Vespa vibes, but done the Indian way. The body is mostly metal, which is rare these days when most electric scooters look and feel like they’re made out of Tupperware. The paint quality is premium, with options like Indigo Metallic, Pearl White, and Brooklyn Black — all of which look like they belong on a luxury car.
Up front, you get a rounded LED headlamp with a signature DRL that instantly gives it character. The side profile flows smoothly, with flush body panels and a neatly integrated tail lamp that doesn’t look like a last-minute addition. Even the seat has been reworked to offer better comfort, while still maintaining the slim form factor that makes scooting through traffic a breeze. Honestly, the Chetak 3001 looks like it could be your first scooter or your dad’s 10th — it’s that versatile.
Performance & Motor – Smooth, Silent, Surprisingly Punchy
The Chetak 3001 is powered by a 4.2 kW electric motor that delivers instant torque and silent performance. If you’ve never ridden an electric two-wheeler before, be prepared for the smoothest take-off of your life. There’s no vibration, no gear lag, no noise — just twist the throttle and zoom. It’s perfect for city riding, and it handles potholes and speed breakers like a champ thanks to its well-balanced chassis and suspension setup.
While it won’t win drag races against performance scooters like the Ather 450X or Ola S1 Pro, it holds its own in regular daily commuting. 0 to 40 km/h comes up quickly enough, and the scooter doesn’t feel out of breath even when you’re cruising at 60–65 km/h. For most city folks, that’s more than enough. It’s got two riding modes – Eco and Sport, and both are pretty usable depending on whether you’re late to work or just going to grab pani puri.
Range – The Main Attraction
Let’s be honest — the first thing anyone asks about an electric scooter is: “Kitna chalti hai?” And Bajaj has an answer that might just shut the competition up for a while. The Chetak 3001 offers a claimed range of 150+ km on a single charge, which is a massive step up from the earlier model’s 95–105 km range. Even if you factor in real-world usage and occasional traffic chaos, you’re looking at a solid 120–130 km of practical range, which is more than enough for 3–4 days of city riding for the average user.
Charging time is about 4 hours for 100%, using a regular home charger. There’s also fast-charging capability promised in upcoming variants or accessory upgrades. And yes, the battery is IP67-rated, so monsoon riders can relax — a little water won’t kill this one.
Features – Loaded But Logical
Bajaj has packed in just the right amount of tech. The Chetak 3001 comes with a new 5-inch TFT color display, offering everything from battery status to riding mode to navigation prompts via smartphone connectivity. You can pair your phone using the My Chetak app, which lets you check battery health, trip history, geo-fencing, and even theft alerts.
There’s keyless entry, reverse assist, park assist, and even remote immobilization — a feature that’s slowly becoming standard in modern EVs. What we love is that Bajaj didn’t go overboard. No gimmicky speakers, no LED lights flashing to EDM beats — just practical, helpful features that improve your ride experience.
Ride & Comfort – Like Butter on Toast
This thing glides. The ride quality on the Chetak 3001 is genuinely one of its biggest plus points. Thanks to its 12-inch wheels, well-tuned suspension, and solid build, it feels planted even on bumpy roads. The seat is wide and well-cushioned, the floorboard is spacious enough for your dabba and a backpack, and pillion comfort is pretty decent too.
Maneuverability in traffic is excellent. It’s compact enough to cut through tight gaps, and the weight is balanced in a way that makes U-turns feel less like a wrestling match and more like a ballet spin.
Brakes and Safety – No Drama, Just Performance
You get a front disc and rear drum brake setup, with CBS (Combined Braking System). It works well — not too sharp to throw you off, but strong enough to stop you in a panic situation. The scooter also gets side-stand cut-off, regenerative braking, and a strong frame that doesn’t rattle or flex, even when loaded.
Price – This One’s Smart, Not Stupid
Now the moment of truth. The Bajaj Chetak 3001 is priced at ₹1.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Yes, it’s slightly more expensive than some entry-level electric scooters, but when you factor in metal body durability, brand value, range, and service reach, it starts to make a lot of sense. Plus, state EV subsidies can shave off ₹15,000–₹20,000 depending on where you live — which means on-road prices might be closer to ₹1.15 lakh in some cities.
If you’re planning to ditch petrol and go electric, but don’t want to take chances with shady new brands or scooters that feel like plastic toys, the Chetak 3001 is an extremely safe and smart choice.
Should You Buy It?
Let’s keep it simple. If you’re looking for a reliable electric scooter with great range, solid build, premium finish, and no-nonsense features, the Bajaj Chetak 3001 is easily one of the best buys right now. It’s not trying to be the flashiest EV in the market, and that’s exactly why it works. It knows its audience — urban riders, office commuters, small families, and even college students who want to go green without going broke.
This is not just a reboot of a classic. It’s a well-thought-out electric scooter that brings Bajaj’s legacy into the future — with just the right mix of nostalgia, performance, and modern flair. And with that kind of mileage and peace of mind, it’s safe to say this Chetak has galloped right back into relevance.