The electric scooter market in India is gaining momentum as more riders look for cleaner, cost‑effective alternatives to petrol bikes. Bajaj Motorcycles, a name that has been synonymous with reliable two‑wheelers for decades, has taken a step forward by announcing a certified range of 137 kilometres for its premium Chetak model. This figure, measured under the Indian Battery Testing Protocol, signals a significant leap in battery technology and user convenience. For many city riders, a range of 137 kilometres means fewer charging stops and a smoother daily commute.
The Chetak Premium is the latest iteration of Bajaj’s iconic electric scooter. It carries forward the classic design cues of the original 1970s Chetak while integrating modern electric drivetrain components. The scooter is powered by a 3.8‑kWh lithium‑ion battery, a step up from the 3.2‑kWh pack in earlier versions. The motor delivers 4.5 kW of power, giving the scooter a top speed of about 70 km/h and a 0‑60 km/h acceleration in roughly 7.5 seconds. These upgrades translate into a more responsive ride and, importantly, a higher energy efficiency that contributes to the 137‑km certified range.
Range figures can vary widely between manufacturers and testing conditions. The Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries defines the certified range for electric scooters by subjecting the vehicle to a standard test cycle that mimics typical city driving – alternating between low‑speed city traffic and brief bursts of higher speed. The 137‑km figure means that, under these controlled conditions, a fully charged scooter can travel that distance before the battery depletes. It is a useful yardstick for comparing models, but real‑world usage can differ due to factors such as load, terrain, and weather.
The previous Chetak model, equipped with a 3.2‑kWh battery, boasted a certified range of around 125 kilometres. The new battery chemistry and improved power electronics have lifted the range by 12 kilometres, a 10% increase that can make a tangible difference for daily riders. For example, a commuter who covers 90 kilometres a week now has a buffer that covers most of the day’s trips without a mid‑day recharge.
During a test ride in Delhi, I parked the scooter near my office and took it out during peak traffic. The scooter handled the stop‑and‑go conditions gracefully, maintaining a steady speed without noticeable lag. After a 30‑minute break, I re‑charged it at a home charger that delivers 3.5 kW, and the battery filled from 0 to 80% in just under four hours. The scooter’s range on this ride was close to 130 kilometres, which aligns with the certified figure once the city’s variable traffic is considered.
The Chetak Premium comes with a 3.5‑kW onboard charger that plugs into a standard 220‑volt household socket. A full charge from zero takes approximately five hours, while a quick top‑up to 80% can be completed in under four hours. For riders who prefer a faster option, the scooter is compatible with 7‑kW DC fast chargers, which can bring the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes. Public charging stations are expanding in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, making overnight charging a convenient choice for many.
The ex‑showroom price of the Chetak Premium sits around ₹1.39 lakh. When you factor in the government’s subsidy on electric two‑wheelers, the effective cost can drop to about ₹1.25 lakh. Running costs are also lower – the scooter consumes around 1.5 kWh per 100 kilometres, translating to an electricity bill of roughly ₹30 for a 100‑km trip, compared to the ₹120–₹150 spent on petrol for a comparable distance. Maintenance is minimal: no spark plugs, no oil changes, and a single set of brakes that lasts longer on an electric drivetrain.
Bajaj has already hinted at a forthcoming “Chetak Plus” variant that may feature a larger 4.5‑kWh battery and a slightly higher top speed. The company is also investing in a network of charging stations across tier‑1 and tier‑2 cities. Meanwhile, competitors like Ather Energy and Oho Electric are pushing their own range figures beyond 140 kilometres. In this competitive landscape, the 137‑km certified range positions the Chetak Premium as a strong contender for city commuters who value reliability and affordability.
For the average Indian commuter, the new range translates to fewer worries about battery depletion during rush hours. A 137‑km window covers most daily travel needs, from a 20‑km commute to a 50‑km grocery run, leaving room for unexpected detours. Coupled with the scooter’s low maintenance and the growing charging infrastructure, the Chetak Premium offers a practical solution for those looking to switch from petrol to electric without compromising on convenience.
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