Bajaj Auto has taken a decisive step towards mass electric mobility with the launch of the Bajaj Chetak C2501 in India. Priced at ₹91,399 (ex-showroom), this new variant becomes the most affordable electric scooter in the Chetak family, opening up the brand to a far wider set of urban commuters.
For buyers who associate the Chetak name with reliability and long-term ownership, the C2501 represents a practical entry point into electric two-wheeler ownership—without chasing unnecessary tech or performance figures.
Key Highlights
- Price: ₹91,399 (ex-showroom), lowest-priced Chetak EV
- Battery: 2.5 kWh lithium-ion pack
- Claimed Range: Up to 113 km per charge
- Top Speed: 55 km/h
- Charging: 0–80% in about 2 hours 25 minutes
- Usability: 25-litre under-seat storage, hill-hold, reverse mode
- Focus: Urban commuting and cost-efficient EV ownership
Where the C2501 Fits in the Chetak Line-up
The Chetak brand has already established itself as a premium, metal-bodied electric scooter in India. Until now, however, pricing kept it slightly out of reach for many first-time EV buyers.
The C2501 changes that positioning. It is clearly designed as the gateway model—retaining the Chetak’s core strengths while trimming back on high-end features that are not essential for daily city use.
This move signals Bajaj’s intent to compete not just on brand value, but on price accessibility, a critical factor in India’s EV adoption curve.
Design: Familiar, Premium, and Purposeful
Visually, the Bajaj Chetak C2501 stays true to the scooter’s neo-retro identity. The rounded body panels, clean surfacing, and restrained use of chrome give it a premium look that stands apart from sharper, more aggressive rivals.
Unlike many budget electric scooters that rely heavily on plastic, the metal body construction continues here as well—one of the Chetak’s strongest differentiators. This lends the scooter a solid feel and reassures buyers who value durability over flashy styling.
LED lighting is standard, and multiple colour options allow buyers to choose between subtle and slightly more youthful shades without the design feeling loud or experimental.
Performance Tuned for Indian Cities
The C2501 is not built to chase top-speed bragging rights, and that is deliberate.
With a top speed of 55 km/h, the scooter is optimised for urban traffic conditions—where average speeds are far lower, and smooth throttle response matters more than outright pace. The electric motor offers predictable acceleration, making it easy to ride in stop-go traffic and narrow city lanes.
The 2.5 kWh battery delivers a claimed range of up to 113 km, which comfortably covers daily office commutes, school runs, and routine errands for most urban households.
For many buyers, this balance of range and speed aligns more closely with real-world needs than higher-performance EVs that cost significantly more.
Charging and Daily Practicality
Charging convenience is one of the key considerations for electric scooter buyers, especially those living in apartments.
The C2501 supports 0–80% charging in around 2 hours 25 minutes, allowing users to top up during the day or overnight without extended downtime. For riders with predictable daily usage, this charging speed keeps ownership stress-free.
Adding to everyday usability is the 25-litre under-seat storage, which can accommodate a half-face helmet or daily essentials—an area where some electric scooters compromise due to battery placement.
Features That Matter, Not Just Impress
Rather than packing in complex connected tech, Bajaj has focused on features that genuinely improve day-to-day riding:
- Eco and Sport ride modes for adjusting response
- Hill-hold assist, useful on flyovers and inclined parking ramps
- Reverse mode to make tight parking easier
- USB charging port for phones or accessories
- Digital instrument cluster with essential ride information
The absence of advanced app-based connectivity may disappoint tech-focused buyers, but for many commuters, simplicity translates to fewer distractions and long-term reliability.
Real-World Ownership Insight
For Indian city riders, especially those upgrading from petrol scooters, the C2501’s approach makes practical sense.
A 55 km/h top speed is sufficient for most city roads, where traffic density, signals, and road conditions limit average speeds anyway. The emphasis on smooth delivery, predictable range, and easy charging aligns well with daily commuting realities.
For apartment dwellers, the manageable charging time and predictable range reduce range anxiety, while Bajaj’s expanding EV service network adds an extra layer of confidence for long-term ownership.
Competition and Market Position
The electric scooter space under ₹1 lakh is increasingly competitive, with multiple options vying for attention. Where the Chetak C2501 stands out is not on feature overload, but on brand trust, build quality, and a conservative, ownership-first approach.
This positioning will appeal strongly to buyers who prioritise:
- Proven manufacturer backing
- Long-term service support
- A refined, mature design
Rather than chasing first-time EV buyers with gimmicks, Bajaj appears focused on converting traditional scooter users to electric mobility.
What the C2501 Means for Bajaj’s EV Strategy
The launch of the C2501 signals a clear shift. Bajaj is no longer treating electric scooters as a premium side offering—it is preparing for scale.
By lowering the entry price while keeping the Chetak’s core identity intact, the company is positioning itself to compete more aggressively in India’s fastest-growing two-wheeler segment.
This approach also future-proofs the brand as EV adoption accelerates across metros and tier-2 cities.
Buyer Takeaway
The Bajaj Chetak C2501 is not designed to excite on spec sheets—and that is precisely its strength.
It focuses on:
- Practical urban performance
- Predictable range
- Strong build quality
- A trusted brand ecosystem
For buyers seeking a no-nonsense electric scooter from an established manufacturer, the C2501 makes a strong case as one of the most sensible EV choices currently available under ₹1 lakh.
Bajaj Chetak C2501: Quick Specs Snapshot
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹91,399 |
| Battery Capacity | 2.5 kWh |
| Claimed Range | Up to 113 km |
| Top Speed | 55 km/h |
| Charging (0–80%) | ~2 hr 25 min |
| Storage | 25 litres |
| Ride Modes | Eco, Sport |
Chetan is passionate about cars and keeps a close eye on every new launch in the Indian automotive market. At AutoNewsWala, he writes detailed car reviews, covering design, performance, features, and value for money to help readers make smarter buying decisions. His expertise lies in simplifying complex automotive details into easy-to-understand insights for car lovers.
