Bajaj Chetak C2501 (C25): A Perfect Short-Term Commuter Or Just A Gen Z Hype?

Bajaj Chetak, a name synonymous with family scooters in India, registered a remarkable return in 2020, restarting its journey as an EV. The comeback marks a perfect blend of traditionally appraised design with an environmentally conscious initiative. However, where the subtlety of the 1972 iconic model is, modernity is reflected in the new-age lifestyle Italian scooter-inspired styling. In the past six years, the Chetak brand with the electric powertrain has become one of India’s best-selling electric two-wheelers, holding roughly a total sales figure of 2.8 lakh units so far. This highlights a surging market share of 21%, accounting for the title of best-seller constantly for several years. 

With time, the legacy ride evolved from a premium daily commuter to an affordable inter-township alternative offering a more practical daily ride. Now, the lineup is further categorised into three battery options across five different variants, namely, the entry-level 2.5 kWh C2501, the mid-spec 3 kWh 3001, and the 3.5 kWh family of 3501, which expands to 3502 and 3503. The individual classification allows for a choice depending on one’s requirements, favourable range figures, and budget. 

This trend today has elevated to the introduction of a new entrant, C25, abbreviated as C2501, sourcing the smallest battery pack, 2.5 kWh. The C25 portrays a very distinctive and compact design as compared to its successors. The OEM states that the debut of the C25 is focused on solving the short-distance travel issues of the bachelors, especially Gen Z. Although, would it actually live up to the promises of “Chetak Brand”, or simply fade away similar to just another budget-friendly low-range EV scooter in the market? This written piece explores the same.

Design & Styling:

The new Bajaj Chetak C25 is far more than just another budget variant. It underpins an entirely fresh platform, deliberately built to be compact, noticeably lighter, and much more approachable for first-time riders or people with a smaller build. Even though the chassis is all-new, Bajaj’s designers have done an impressive job of keeping the classic Chetak look intact. Almost every panel has been reshaped, with the most obvious differences showing up along the sides and at the rear. The lighting on both the ends now features neatly laid LEDs, giving the scooter a clean yet contemporary face.

The rider faces a simple reverse LCD display that lays out the essentials: battery level, estimated range, speed, ride mode, and so on. It remains clearly legible even under harsh sunlight, and the new switchgear feels logical and easy to access. In addition to this, taking care of practical spacing, two open cubbies in the front apron and a proper bag hook are on offer.

​Nevertheless, this does not compromise on the capacity, letting the boot swallow a full-face helmet with room to spare, something most of the scooters in this segment miss out on. In terms of the quality, the build overall feels solid, with the only niggle being some uneven panel gaps where the painted plastics meet the black sections near the handlebar. Having said that, no plastic touches anything cheaper or flimsy. 

Battery & Range:

This scooter is equipped with a 2.5 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of 113 km (IDC). Bajaj engineers explained that most owners should realistically see around 90 km in everyday use, and after any random short test ride in the city, the scooter’s display already projects figures that line up with an estimated number.

Moreover, a noticeable detail emerges as, once the battery percentage drops to nearly 15%, the riding mode automatically switches into Eco in order to last the remaining charge for a longer period of time. Coping with the prices, unlike the longer-ranged Chetaks, the C25 does not come with a built-in charger; instead, it utilises a 750-watt portable charger, which is said to charge the scooter from 0 to 100% in a duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Performance:

The new Bajaj Chetak C25 appears modest on specification sheets. Its hub-mounted motor delivers a peak output of 2.2 kW (1.8 kW continuous), and the manufacturer-claimed top speed is limited to 55 kmph. In everyday urban conditions, however, the calibration proves surprisingly effective; the scooter feels alert and responsive, easily matching the flow of city traffic.

Only two riding modes are offered: Eco and Sport. The distinction is subtle rather than dramatic. Eco mode softens throttle mapping and electronically limits speed to approximately 45 kmph, perfectly acceptable for gentle, range-focused riding. Sport mode noticeably sharpens response, delivering livelier acceleration and allowing the scooter to reach an indicated 50 kmph with ease. Sustained full throttle eventually pushes the display reading to 62–63 kmph. Gentle gradients and flyovers are handled without strain, though we will need to evaluate performance with a pillion before forming a final view.

Throttle calibration is smooth and progressive. The twist-grip action is light with short travel, eliminating any need for exaggerated wrist movements to access power. As expected from a hub-motor design, the C25 operates in near silence; only the most attentive ear will pick up a faint high-frequency whine. One small behavioural change emerges during testing: crossing potholes while on the throttle produces a brief interruption in drive that mimics traction-control intervention (despite the absence of such a system). 

There is also a momentary pause before acceleration resumes after a single brake application. Positively, unlike many entry-level EVs, the scooter does not disengage drive completely when the brakes are feathered during filtering or stop-start manoeuvres; that makes dense traffic far more manageable. 

Ride & Handling:

The smallest Chetak ever rides on a completely restructured platform, bringing a revised suspension layout: telescopic forks up front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. At just 108 kg, it sheds more than 20 kg compared with the existing Chetak models, yet Bajaj has kept the signature metal body panels for the main structure (only the front fender and headlamp shroud are plastic). Much of that weight saving naturally comes from the scooter’s more compact dimensions overall.

Seat height is a low 763 mm, allowing even the taller riders, about 6'1", to be easily accommodated comfortably. Additionally, there’s decent room ahead of the backside of the apron for knee positioning. For a reference, two larger adults can be seated, but there will hardly be any spacing between the rider and pillion, making it more convenient for shorter trips rather than longer journeys.

​Talking of the suspension, the rear dual shock absorbers soak up bumps and potholes effectively. Meanwhile, the front telescopic forks experience too soft on sharper impacts, resulting in a thud over rough patches. This frequently leads to body vibrations due to lighter plastics on the panels, leaving room for improvement. On the hardware side, a front disc setup with a larger diameter reassures all-round safety. The accurate braking byte enables confidently progressive slowdowns for the scooter. 

Conclusion:

Even with the optional Tec-Pac package included, the C2501 remains attractively priced at ₹94,399. This positions it very close to the Vida VX2 Go 2.2, which delivers noticeably more performance but comes with a shorter real-world range, and it is considerably more affordable than the TVS i-Qube 2.2. For anyone with longer daily commutes or who regularly needs to maintain higher speeds in dense city traffic, a scooter with stronger power and higher top-end capability will likely feel more suitable. That said, if your riding is mostly short urban errands and you value a simple, well-engineered electric scooter that’s reliable and easy on the pocket, the new C25 is genuinely compelling. It slots in perfectly as a practical, no-nonsense member of the Chetak family.

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