Bajaj Auto has officially unveiled a new variant of its popular electric scooter – the Bajaj Chetak Urban. Priced lower than the Premium model, the Urban variant brings the same iconic design with a focus on affordability. But does it compromise on range or features? Let’s find out.
What Is the Bajaj Chetak Urban Variant?
The Bajaj Chetak Urban is a new, cost-effective variant in the Chetak EV lineup. It comes with the same steel body design and classic retro look that made the Chetak EV a favorite among urban riders. With this model, Bajaj is clearly aiming to make electric mobility more accessible, especially for city commuters.
Price Tag That Catches Attention
The Chetak Urban is expected to be priced around ₹1.15 lakh (ex-showroom), making it significantly cheaper than the Premium variant, which is priced closer to ₹1.43 lakh. This drop in price makes it a direct competitor to other budget EV scooters like the TVS iQube and Ola S1 Air.
Range Remains the Same
Here’s the surprise: Bajaj has confirmed that the Urban variant will offer the same IDC-certified range of 113 km on a single charge as its Premium sibling. This comes as a relief to many potential buyers who feared that the lower price might mean a smaller battery or compromised performance.
Feature Adjustments to Cut Cost
While the core hardware remains the same, some minor feature downgrades have been introduced in the Urban variant to keep the pricing low. Notable changes include:
- Slightly different instrumentation (digital display but more basic)
- Fewer color options
- No smartphone connectivity or app-based features in the base trim
- Use of drum brakes instead of disc in front
Despite these cutbacks, the Urban variant retains IP67 water and dust resistance, LED lighting, and a solid steel monocoque chassis.
Targeting City Riders and First-Time EV Users
The Urban variant is designed primarily for short-distance, city-focused travel. It suits office commuters, students, and daily users who want an electric scooter without paying for premium bells and whistles. By maintaining the same battery and motor setup, Bajaj is ensuring that performance doesn’t take a hit.
Booking and Launch Details
Bajaj has already opened online bookings for the Urban variant on its official website. Deliveries are expected to begin in major metro cities first, followed by a phased rollout to Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. Customers can book the scooter by paying a token amount of ₹2,000.
Competition Heats Up in the Budget EV Segment
With this launch, Bajaj is clearly stepping up its game in the competitive electric scooter market. The Chetak Urban will now battle head-to-head with models like:
- TVS iQube 3.4kWh
- Ola S1 Air
- Ather 450S
- Hero Vida V1 Plus
Each of these scooters offers unique advantages, but Bajaj’s brand legacy and solid after-sales network could be its biggest strength.
Also Read:- TVS Raider 125 vs Hero Glamour XTEC – Youth Commuter Showdown Begins
Final Thoughts: Affordable, Yet Reliable?
The Bajaj Chetak Urban is a well-timed move aimed at the growing demand for affordable electric scooters. With no compromise on core battery specs and a focus on real-world usability, this variant could become a go-to option for Indian riders entering the EV space.
