The real truth is, most electric scooters in India feel like toys made of recycled plastic. But when Bajaj dropped the Chetak C25 on January 14, 2026, they sent a clear message: “Build quality matters.” At an aggressive starting price of ₹91,399 (ex-showroom), the C25 is the most affordable Chetak ever.
But don’t waste your money if you’re looking for a drag-race winner. With a top speed capped at 55 kmph, this isn’t a speed demon; it’s a silent, sturdy workhorse designed for the chaos of Indian city traffic. Is it better than an Ola or a TVS? Let’s peel back the metal skin and find out.
Bajaj Chetak C25: Quick Specs Table
| Feature | Technical Specification |
| Battery Capacity | 2.5 kWh (NMC – Fixed) |
| Claimed Range (IDC) | 113 km per charge |
| Top Speed | 55 kmph |
| Motor Type | 2.2 kW Hub-mounted BLDC |
| Charging Time (0-80%) | 2 hours 25 minutes |
| Body Material | Solid Steel (All-metal) |
| Kerb Weight | 107 kg |
| Storage | 25 Litres (Under-seat) |
Design & Build: Steel Over Plastic
The biggest flex of the Chetak C25 is its solid steel body. While every other rival in this price bracket uses fiber or plastic panels, the C25 retains that “thud-proof” reliability.
- In-hand Feel: It feels expensive. The switchgear is tactile, and the paint finish (available in 6 colors like Racing Red and Ocean Teal) is premium.
- Weight: Surprisingly, Bajaj has shaved off 23kg compared to the premium variants, bringing the kerb weight down to 107 kg. This makes it incredibly easy for elderly riders or students to handle.
- The Change: For 2026, the indicators have moved to the handlebar, and the rear gets a sleek horizontal LED light bar instead of the old split setup.
Display & Visuals: Simple and Legible
To keep the price under ₹1 Lakh, Bajaj ditched the fancy touchscreen. Instead, you get a Reverse LCD console.
- Outdoor Visibility: It’s a “Dark Mode” screen that is exceptionally clear under direct 12 PM sunlight. No glare issues here.
- Information: It shows the essentials: Battery % (SOC), True Range, Speed, and Riding Mode.
- Tech Pack: If you pay an extra ₹3,000, you unlock the ‘TecPac,’ which adds Bluetooth music control and “Guide Me Home” lights.
Performance: The Urban Navigator
The real truth is that 55 kmph feels slow on paper, but in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of Mumbai or Bangalore, you rarely cross 40 kmph anyway.
- The Motor: For the first time, Chetak uses a 2.2 kW Hub Motor. It’s simpler and quieter than the mid-drive motors on the 3501 series.
- Ride Quality: Unlike the single-sided suspension on older Chetaks, the C25 gets Twin Telescopic Forks at the front. This is a massive upgrade for stability over potholes.
- Climb Ability: It can handle a 19% gradient with two people on board—perfect for flyovers and basement parking.
Engine (Motor) & Efficiency
The heart of the C25 is a 2.5 kWh NMC battery (Nickel Manganese Cobalt).
- Real World Range: While Bajaj claims 113 km, our stress test suggests a True Range of 90-95 km in Eco mode. If you stay in Sport mode constantly, expect around 75-80 km.
- Heating: Since it’s a hub motor, the heat dissipation is handled well by the air flowing over the rear wheel. Even after a 20km non-stop run, there was no performance throttling.
Battery & Endurance: Charging Realities
Charging an EV shouldn’t feel like a part-time job. The C25 comes with a 750W off-board charger.
- 0 to 80% Charge: Takes 2 hours 25 minutes.
- 0 to 100% Full Charge: Takes 3 hours 45 minutes.
- Cost: A full charge consumes roughly 2.5 to 3 units of electricity. In most Indian cities, that is less than ₹25 per 100 km. Compare that to a petrol Activa which costs ₹200+ for the same distance!
The Competition: The Under-₹1 Lakh War
Bajaj Chetak C25 vs. Ola S1 X (3kWh) vs. TVS iQube (Base)
| Feature | Bajaj Chetak C25 | Ola S1 X | TVS iQube (Base) |
| Body Type | Solid Steel | Plastic | Plastic/Fiber |
| Top Speed | 55 kmph | 90 kmph | 78 kmph |
| Claimed Range | 113 km | 143 km | 100 km |
| Price (Ex-Shoroom) | ₹91,399 | ₹89,999 | ₹1,07,000 |
The Winner: If you want speed and “cool” features, buy the Ola S1 X. But if you want a car-like build quality and a service network you can actually trust, the Bajaj Chetak C25 is the undisputed winner.
Final Verdict
Buy it if:
- You are tired of “plastic” scooters and want something that lasts 10+ years.
- Your daily commute is less than 40-50 km total.
- You prefer safe, predictable handling over high-speed thrills.
Skip it if:
- You frequently ride on highways where 55 kmph is dangerous.
- You want a removable battery (the C25 battery is fixed).
- You want a touchscreen with maps and YouTube (buy the Chetak 3501 instead).
Rating:
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. Is the Bajaj Chetak C25 waterproof?
Yes, it comes with an IP67 rating, meaning the battery and motor can survive being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s monsoon-ready.
2. Does it have a reverse mode?
Yes, it comes with a dedicated Reverse Assist mode, making it very easy to back out of tight parking spots.
3. What is the warranty on the battery?
Bajaj offers a standard 3-year or 50,000 km warranty. You can extend this to 5 years for a small additional fee.
4. Can I fit a full-face helmet in the boot?
Yes! Even though the storage is 25 Litres (down from 35L on premium models), the boot is deep enough to fit a standard full-face helmet.
5. Is there a physical key or keyless entry?
The C25 uses a conventional physical key to keep costs low. For keyless entry, you’ll have to look at the top-end 3501 variant.