The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter has always appealed to us because of its chic, contemporary appearance, excellent fit and finish, and, of course, the nostalgic feeling the name evokes. However, when we evaluated it a few years ago, we discovered that it was deficient in a few key aspects, like performance and range, which are more vital than features. Some of those problems are now resolved in the upgraded Chetak Premium, which Bajaj has just released. Let’s investigate more closely.
Bajaj Chetak Premium ergonomics and design
Not much has changed in terms of aesthetics, but then again, it really didn’t have to. due to the fact that the Chetak is still among the most stylish electric scooters available. This premium version retains the same alloy wheels, metallic paint choices, and beautiful brown-and-black dual-tone seat coverings.
Bajaj, however, has altered the hue of the accent trimmings surrounding the taillight, indicators, and headlamp, among other parts. On the previous scooter, they had a brushed aluminium finish that was nearly chrome-like; today, you get a dark grey finish. All things considered, the ageless design of the Chetak keeps it radiating a sophisticated air. On our test scooter, we did discover a few small panel holes, though. Given that this was among the initial batches released, it could have been fixed in subsequent models.
The Bajaj Chetak’s ergonomics are also excellent. My US 10 shoes fit well on the footboard, which has enough of space for me to walk around, and the seat is nicely cushioned and moulded. The rider’s triangle is in alignment since the handlebar is also adjusted to the proper height.
Features of Bajaj Chetak Premium
The inclusion of a new 5-inch colour TFT screen to the Chetak Premium may be the largest update. It looks great and gives you a lot of information. It replaces the circular, monochrome LCD display of the departing scooter. But unlike its competitors, the Ola S1 Pro and the Ather 450X, this device lacks a touchscreen. According to Bajaj, this was done on purpose to control expenses and guarantee the longevity of the device. The bright and vivid new screen contributes to increasing the Chetak’s luxury quotient.
The redesigned screen, an inbuilt 800W charger, an Eco riding mode, and a reverse function are all standard on the Chetak Premium. However, Bajaj has also added a Tecpac to the Chetak Premium, which opens up a plethora of further functions. It adds a Sport mode with enhanced acceleration, sequential turn indicators, hill-hold assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, audio playing, notification alerts, phone management, and display themes for an additional Rs 9,000 over the asking price of the Chetak.
Customers may even retrofit the Tecpac within a year of purchase, and it is good for five years. Additionally, it still has linked technology through the Chetak app, allowing users to track the scooter’s position and charge level among other things.
Battery, charge, and range of the Bajaj Chetak Premium
When it comes to changes beneath the surface, there have been a few significant ones. The battery pack is the largest of these. 3.2 kWh is the new battery capacity, which is an increase over the previous model’s 2.9 kWh. The pack’s higher energy density cells are to blame for this.
Consequently, the stated range has increased as well. The Chetak Premium can now go 126 km on a single charge, as opposed to its prior range of 108 km, according to the IDC cycle. This should equate to a practical range of around 115 km. As a point of comparison, we completed 104 km in Eco mode on the way out of Chetak.
The longer charging periods are a result of the larger battery capacity. With its 800W inbuilt charger, the Chetak Premium can now reach 100% charge in 4 hours and 30 minutes, which is 30 minutes faster than before.
Bajaj Chetak Premium offers the fastest ride possible.
Bajaj has also tackled the problem of the maximum speed—or rather, its absence. One of the issues we encountered with it during our testing a few years back was that the peak speed of 63 kph was simply too low. Bajaj changed the gearing of the new Chetak Premium, allowing it to reach 73 kph. The greater top speed does assist to keep up with fast-moving traffic on wide roads in the city and on the interstate, even if it might not seem like a big improvement. It’s also great that Eco mode doesn’t have a top speed restriction, so you can still hit 73 mph, albeit more slowly than in Sport mode.
The same permanent magnet motor, with a peak output of 4.2kW and 20Nm and a constant output set at 4kW and 10Nm, continues to power the Chetak. We haven’t had much opportunity to use the scooter, but from what we’ve heard, it performs very much the same as the earlier model—we’ll have to do a thorough road test to be sure. The throttle feels natural, although a little too harsh, and the Chetak accelerates in a linear fashion. Though not as potent, the regen nevertheless functions nicely. In addition to feeling planted in curves, the ride is strong but absorbent and fairly composed over bumps.
Bajaj Chetak Superior Usability
Additionally, there have been advancements in terms of practicality. The underseat boot’s capacity has increased from 17 to 21 litres due to Bajaj’s reprofile and flatter floor. The front glove box, which still holds the charging wire, is 5.5 litres.
Still, a full-face helmet won’t fit it. But it won’t be a problem to fit a half-face helmet, and the Chetak still comes with a useful baggage rack.
Cost and conclusion of Bajaj Chetak Premium
The ex-showroom pricing of the 2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium is Rs 1.35 lakh. That is an increase of Rs 15,000 above the previous model. However, it feels well worth the extra money considering the significant changes it has received in terms of functionality, battery life, range, peak speed, and usefulness.
