Bajaj Chetak electric scooter launched at Rs 1 lakh

- Gets retro-inspired styling

- Offers a maximum range of 95kms

- Deliveries to begin by the end of February 

Bajaj has launched the Chetak, its first electric scooter in India priced at Rs 1 lakh for the Urbane edition with drum brakes and Rs 1.15 lakhs for the Premium model with disc brake (both prices are ex-showroom).

The Chetak, apart from its name, also borrows styling cues from the original Chetak. It gets a round headlamp and flowing side panels which are complemented by the chrome highlights that add to its retro look. However, Bajaj has tweaked the styling to make it look edgier. Furthermore, the scooter gets a full- LED headlamp and tail lamp and the turn signals gets sequential blinking similar to high-end cars that add to its modernity.

As for power, the Chetak’s motor draws power from a 3kWh IP67-certifed, lithium-ion battery which can be charged in five hours with a conventional charger. The electric scooter offers two modes- Eco and Sport which have a range of 95kms and 85kms respectively. The claimed battery life stands at 70,000km. Furthermore, the power rating of its motor is 4kW (peak) and 3.8kW (continuous) with 16Nm of peak torque.

Bajaj has also equipped the Chetak with regenerative braking and an Intelligent Braking Management System that controls the charge and discharge of the battery. Moreover, the Chetak also gets a circular LCD instrument console that is Bluetooth enabled. The unit not only displays essential information like speed, battery rang and service-due indicator but also offers call and text notifications. 

Bajaj has also made the rider experience easier by placing the underseat and storage compartment opening buttons of the switchgear itself. Speaking of which, the glovebox fitted on the front apron reminiscent of the original Chetak and houses a USB charging port, first-aid kit and portable charger. In terms of cycle parts, the Chetak electric scooter rides on 12-inch wheels wrapped in MRF Zapper-K tyres. Suspension duties are taken care of by a single-sided shock at the front and a monoshock the rear. Meanwhile, braking is done by a disc upfront and a drum brake for the rear wheel. 

The Chetak is available in a choice of six colour options- white, pink, black, yellow, red and blue. It comes with three years/50,000km warranty along with three free services. Bookings for the scooter will commence from 15 January in Pune and Bengaluru while it can also be booked online at Rs 2,000. Deliveries will begin by the end of February. Bajaj will begin test rides of the Chetak at select KTM showrooms in Pune and Bangalore by the end of January 2020. As for competition, the Bajaj Chetak goes against the likes of the Ather 450 and the Okinawa i-Praise in the country.