Bajaj Chetak Urbane: Setting a New Standard for Affordable E-Scooters

With the electric vehicle revolution gaining momentum in India, automakers are coming up with innovative product offerings to attract customers. Bajaj Auto, one of India's prominent automakers, is reportedly working on a new variant of its popular e-scooter, Chetak. The new version, dubbed as Chetak Urbane, is touted to be a more affordable choice for EV enthusiasts but will retain the appealing aesthetics of the existing Chetak Premium model.

What's New with the Chetak Urbane?

What sets the Chetak Urbane apart from its premium sibling is its slightly reduced battery capacity. The Urbane model features a 2.48kWh battery pack, a slight downgrade from the Chetak Premium's 2.88kWh unit. The reduced battery capacity results in a slightly diminished IDC range. The Urbane's range is claimed to be around 113km, which is a bit less than the Premium's 126km mark.

In terms of dimensions, the Chetak Urbane mirrors its premium variant, implying that there won't be any significant visual differences between the two models. A noteworthy point is that the Urbane model is 3kg lighter than the Premium model, with a potential kerb weight of around 130kg. Although this might seem a bit high for an e-scooter, it does not significantly impact the overall riding experience.

Is the Chetak Urbane the Mystery Scooter?

Earlier, there were reports of a Chetak EV with a hub-mounted motor being tested. Speculations are rife that this could be the upcoming Urbane model. Bajaj recently announced a major discount for the Chetak, bringing its ex-showroom price down to Rs 1.30 lakh. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly, high-quality e-scooters made in India.

However, with the dynamic nature of EV subsidies in India, the final selling price of the forthcoming Chetak Urbane is yet to be determined. It would be interesting to see how Bajaj positions this more affordable variant in the market once it is officially launched.

Chetak Urbane Vs the Rest

While we eagerly await the Chetak Urbane, do check out our comprehensive comparison of the current market favourites - Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro, TVS iQube S, and Bajaj Chetak EV. Whether you're a first-time EV buyer or planning to upgrade your old scooter, our head-to-head comparison will help you make an informed choice.

In conclusion, the forthcoming Chetak Urbane, with its simpler underpinnings and a more affordable price tag, is likely to appeal to a broader segment of customers. It promises to deliver the same quality and reliability as its premium version, thereby strengthening Bajaj's position in the growing Indian e-scooter market.