At first, while hearing about the launch of 2023 Bajaj Chetak Premium Edition, I got flashbacks to the old Bajaj scooters from ’80s and ’90s. At that time if you didn’t know someone who rode a Chetak, did you actually live in India? While seeing the modern electric version of it hit the market for Rs 1.52 lakh I was overwhelmed with nostalgia more than excitement. The name synonymous with reliability is back, only brought back as a modern day electric machine. It’s sort of like when you see your old school favorite film get a reboot and it gets done right.
But what’s all the fuss about the 2023 Bajaj Chetak Premium Edition? Well, beyond the legacy, it’s Bajaj’s play for a share of India’s increasingly congested electric scooter market. And they’ve come out swinging, and let me tell you. In the Premium Edition you get that level of craftsmanship and attention to detail rarely seen in this segment. The scooters are metal body panelled like a proper scooter (electric or not), and have top notch finishes, seemingly reminding us that scooters can still be premium.
What I really like about the new Chetak is that, unlike so many other electrics, it doesn’t shout ELE-ELECTRIC!but stylish, with a retro–modern aesthetic. This isn’t some plastic bit rattle around, run of the mill e-scooter. No, this is Bajaj flexing their ability to still put out a sturdy, elegant ride.
What I really liked was the design. The Chetak seems to strike an ideal equation between old school appeal and present day usefulness. Those retro curves? Now they’re still there and If polished them up to today’s standards. LED headlamps sleek lines coupled with a premium paint finish is what I have to say, its without doubt one of the best looking scooter on the road today. It’s bold, but not overly so, which is exactly what you want from a scooter trying to merge old with new age technology.
And speaking of blending, the body panels in metal put a solid feeling on to the Chetak. No flimsy plastic here! And it’s a good build – it feels like Bajaj actually thought about Indian roads and how you might use its scooters in the real world. How is it that potholes, speed bumps, and everything in between know where I live?
But it’s not like the Chetak is just about looking good. It’s got a 3.8kW electric motor and 16 Nm of torque, which is pretty zippy for an electric scooter… Though I didn’t get to test out all of the electric scooters I had the pleasure of riding, I really can’t think of another one that feels as smooth and responsive as the Chetak. It’s linear acceleration and while not enough to earn you the quickest times in drag races it’s perfectly adequate for urban commutes.
I also like the range of this scooter too. One of the claims by Bajaj is that the Chetak Premium Edition can do up to 90 km on a single charge. Second of all, that’s nothing particularly crazy, but it is a good enough bike for daily trips to town. It also packs two riding modes—Eco and Sport. If you’re like me and would rather get as much as you can from your battery, Eco mode will extend that range a little further. Sport mode gets you the oomph you need, but when you don’t, it’s gone.
The big question with electric vehicles is always charging. But Bajaj claims a full 5 hours to charge and 25% — in just an hour. That is fine – 5 hours is a bit long for overday charging but, for overnight charging no big deal. If you’re using it as part of your daily commute and it’s plugged in when you get home, by morning, you’ll be ready to roll.
The other feature that came in handy is the intelligent reverse mode. Have you ever had to manually push your scooter out when you were parking in a tight spot. Not fun, right? With this feature, however, backing out is easy.
Speaking of elephant in the room, the price. But the Chetak Premium Edition isn’t cheap at Rs 1.52 lakh. In comparison, you could pick up a decent 150cc petrol scooter cheaper. And so, why anyone would plunk down this kind of money on an electric scooter.
Firstly, you’re investing in the future. As fuel prices rise, going electric isn’t just about being nice to the planet; you’re being nice to your wallet too. On top of that, with all the government subsidies on electric vehicles, you could end up getting some of that money back. Let’s not forget the low running costs either. Maintenance on electric scooters is minimal and petrol is needed as electric scooters don’t need petrol. The flip side of this is that you’re in the long term savings business, so the initial outlay is higher, but so are your savings later down the line.
The Chetak Premium Edition could then be a perfect scooter for someone like me looking at a scooter with a bit of style, the practicality and some nostalgia. While it’s not just for the eco-conscious rider, it’s someone who appreciates quality and is willing to pay for it. It’s an all round stunning looking bike with an engine strong enough to keep up with the worst of traffic yet light enough to make even the daily commute a pleasure and in nearly new condition, it’s a great option for daily commuters looking for something reliable, and easy to maintain, and let’s face it, something that looks damn good while doing it.
However, it’s not for everyone – at least, that’s what I’m telling myself. This might not be the scooter for you if you’re after something budget friendly. However, if you’re looking at a long term for both savings and environmental impact, the Chetak is a must consider.
With electric scooters galore on the road, the 2023 Bajaj Chetak Premium Edition comes as a breath of fresh air. The electric scooter combines classic design with a set of modern features that are able to provide a premium experience for its user in the electric scooter market. Yes, it is on the higher side but you’re paying for quality, craftsmanship and know that you are riding a Bajaj—a brand that has never let its riders down for decades.
Would I recommend it? I would say absolutely, especially if you want an electric scooter that doesn’t come at the cost of style or performance. Whatever, that’s my opinion though. What do you think? Which would make you choose between an electric scooter like the Chetak, or a petrol one? Leave a comment below if you have thoughts!
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