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Bajaj Chetak C25 First Ride Review: Classic Design, Smarter Electric Commuting?

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image credits :bikewale.com

The Bajaj Chetak C25 represents Bajaj Auto’s continued effort to refine its electric scooter strategy for Indian cities. After riding the Chetak across crowded urban streets, broken patches, and short open stretches, it’s clear that this scooter isn’t trying to chase speed records or flashy features. Instead, Bajaj is focusing on build quality, ride comfort, and everyday usability—areas where many electric scooters still fall short.

But does the Chetak C25 deliver a convincing real-world experience? Here’s a detailed first ride review.

First Impressions: Familiar Yet Purposeful

The moment you see the Chetak C25, the lineage is unmistakable. Bajaj has retained the retro-modern design language that has become the Chetak’s identity.

Design Highlights

  • All-metal body panels

  • Rounded LED headlamp

  • Clean, uncluttered side profile

  • Subtle badging specific to the C25 variant

In traffic, the scooter feels premium and solid—something I noticed immediately when navigating tight gaps where lighter plastic-bodied EVs often feel flimsy.

Build Quality: A Clear Strength

One of the biggest differentiators of the Bajaj Chetak range has always been build quality, and the C25 continues that tradition.

  • No panel flex or rattles

  • Solid switchgear feedback

  • Well-finished paint quality

Real-World Example #1

While riding over uneven city roads, the scooter remained quiet and composed—an area where many budget electric scooters develop squeaks within months of use.

image credits :bikewale.com


Motor & Performance: Tuned for Calm, Not Chaos

Electric Powertrain Overview

The Bajaj Chetak C25 uses a hub-mounted electric motor tuned for urban riding.

What this translates to on the road:

  • Smooth, linear acceleration

  • No sudden jerks from standstill

  • Predictable throttle response

This is not a scooter for aggressive launches—but that’s intentional.

City Riding Experience

In stop-and-go traffic:

  • Easy throttle modulation

  • Confident low-speed control

  • Effortless overtakes at city speeds

Real-World Example #2

In dense traffic, the calm acceleration made the scooter feel stress-free, especially compared to quicker EVs that demand constant throttle restraint.

Ride Quality & Handling: Comfort Comes First

Suspension Setup

  • Single-sided front suspension

  • Rear monoshock (tuned for comfort)

Bajaj has clearly prioritised ride comfort over sporty stiffness.

On Indian Roads

  • Speed breakers are absorbed smoothly

  • Broken patches don’t unsettle the scooter

  • Stable feel even with a pillion

The low centre of gravity from the battery placement contributes to a planted, confidence-inspiring ride.

Real-World Example #3

With a pillion onboard during a 20+ km urban ride, the scooter maintained balance and comfort without excessive suspension bounce.

image credits :bikewale.com


Battery, Range & Charging

Battery Pack

The “C25” badge indicates a 2.5 kWh battery, positioned under the floorboard for better weight distribution.

Real-World Range (First Ride Estimate)

  • Eco riding: ~95–100 km

  • Mixed city use: ~80–85 km

These numbers align well with daily city usage.

Charging Experience

  • Home charging supported

  • Full charge time suitable for overnight charging

For apartment dwellers with fixed parking, the Chetak’s charging routine is easy to integrate into daily life.

Features & Technology: Practical, Not Overloaded

The Chetak C25 avoids unnecessary gimmicks and focuses on useful features.

Key Features

  • Digital instrument cluster

  • Ride modes

  • Regenerative braking

  • Smartphone connectivity (select features)

The display is easy to read in bright sunlight, and the interface feels intuitive.

Ergonomics & Comfort

Rider Comfort

  • Upright riding posture

  • Wide, comfortable seat

  • Natural handlebar position

Even taller riders won’t feel cramped.

Pillion Comfort

  • Flat, supportive rear seat

  • Strong grab rails

  • Easy ingress and egress

This makes the Chetak C25 well-suited for family use.

Braking & Safety

  • Front disc brake

  • Rear drum brake

  • Combined braking system

Braking performance is progressive and confidence-inspiring, especially at city speeds.

Comparison: Bajaj Chetak C25 vs Rivals

Electric ScooterBuild QualityRide ComfortCity Focus
Bajaj Chetak C25ExcellentExcellentVery High
TVS iQubeGoodGoodHigh
Ola S1 AirAverageAverageHigh
Ather RiztaGoodVery GoodVery High

The Chetak stands out for metal build quality and ride refinement.

Who Should Buy the Bajaj Chetak C25?

The Chetak C25 is ideal if you:

✔ Commute daily in the city
✔ Value build quality and comfort
✔ Prefer smooth, predictable performance
✔ Want a reliable, no-nonsense EV

It may not suit you if:

✖ You want sporty acceleration
✖ You regularly ride long highway stretches

Ownership Expectations & Running Costs

Based on Bajaj’s EV track record:

  • Low servicing requirements

  • Good parts availability

  • Strong brand trust and resale potential

Electric running costs remain significantly lower than petrol scooters.

Final Verdict: A Mature Electric Scooter Done Right

The Bajaj Chetak C25 doesn’t try to impress with flashy specs or aggressive performance. Instead, it focuses on what truly matters for Indian city riders: comfort, refinement, build quality, and predictable real-world range.

As a first ride impression, the Chetak C25 feels like a mature, thoughtfully engineered electric scooter—ideal for buyers who want peace of mind over performance drama.

Your Thoughts 👇

Would you choose a comfort-focused electric scooter like the Chetak C25 over feature-packed alternatives?

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