Back to Basics. Done Right. Bajaj Chetak C25 First Ride Review
The original Chetak was never about excess. It was about getting the job done, doing it reliably, and looking good while doing so. Decades later, that philosophy seems to have made a quiet but confident comeback in electric form, and the latest expression of it is the new Bajaj Chetak C25 - the most affordable, most straightforward Chetak you can buy today.
At Rs 91,400 (ex-showroom), the C25 undercuts the earlier entry-level C30 and immediately tells you what it's about. This is not the tech-fest, feature-heavy electric scooter arms race. This is the 'do you really need all that?' Chetak. And honestly, that's refreshing.
Despite the lower price, this is an all-new scooter from the ground up. It shares nothing with the C30 or C35, which is interesting because Bajaj could've easily cut corners here. Instead, what you get is a simpler, cleaner, more pared-back Chetak - and one that still feels very much on brand.
Design-wise, the silhouette is unmistakably Chetak. Clean lines, tasteful curves and thankfully, restraint. There's less visual clutter this time around, and it works. Importantly, Bajaj has retained the metal body panels for the side panels and front apron - something that continues to set the Chetak apart in a sea of fibre-fantastic scooters. Yes, some parts are fibre, but the overall feel remains reassuringly solid.
The horseshoe-shaped LED headlamp makes a return, the indicators now sit higher up on the apron, and the rear gets some distinctive lighting elements of its own. The C25 rolls on 12-inch wheels at both ends, uses a telescopic fork up front, twin rear shocks, and gets a front disc brake. The big mechanical talking point, though, is at the rear - this is the first Chetak to use a hub-mounted motor. Simple, compact, and very much in line with the scooter's brief.
Swing a leg over and you'll notice how uncomplicated things are. The seat is flat, single-piece and comfortable enough for city duty. Behind the apron, there are two cubby holes and a USB-A charging port. Under the seat, you get 25 litres of storage, and Bajaj claims it can take a full-face helmet, which is in fact true, so space utilisation is sensible.
The LCD display is basic but functional. You get Bluetooth connectivity with call and message alerts, state of charge, range readouts and a few colour accents to keep things from looking too 2005. Switchgear is all-new and feels intuitive. There's also a brake lock as standard, and if you opt for the Tec Pack (Rs 3,000 one-time), you get additional features like hill-hold assist and ride mode access. No variants, no confusion - just one scooter, your way.
Now to the heart of the matter: the battery and motor. The C25 gets a 2.5kWh battery - the smallest in the Chetak line-up. A 750W charger comes standard, taking about 2.5 hours for a 0–80% charge and roughly 3.5 hours for a full top-up. Claimed IDC range is 110km, which should realistically translate to around 90–95km in the real world.
Power comes from a 2.2kW motor (1.8kW nominal), and top speed is around 55kmph indicated. No, it's not quick. No, it's not pretending to be. Eco mode is extremely conservative - borderline overprotective - making it ideal for new riders or cautious users. Sport mode is where you'll spend most of your time, offering decent throttle response without ever feeling urgent. Think calm, not caffeinated.
At 107kg, the C25 is about 22kg lighter than the C30, and that shows in how easy it is to handle. The suspension setup is genuinely impressive for the speeds involved. It handles Pune's enthusiastic potholes and surprise rumble strips with composure, taking the sharp edges off without feeling floaty. Brakes are confidence-inspiring and do their job without drama.
So, does it make sense? In a word: yes.
The Chetak C25 isn't trying to impress your neighbour or win spec-sheet battles. It's trying to be a dependable, well-built, city-friendly electric scooter - and it succeeds. Add to that Bajaj's massive service network (4,200+ touchpoints across 500+ cities), a standard 3-year/50,000km warranty (extendable to 5 years/80,000km for Rs 7,000), and suddenly, ownership anxiety reduces dramatically.
Sure, there are minor fit-and-finish issues and panel gaps that could be tighter. And yes, some buyers will want more power or more features. For them, the C30 and C35 exist.
But if what you want is a simple, solid, sensibly priced electric scooter from a brand that knows how to build two-wheelers, the Chetak C25 makes a very strong case for itself. No drama. No nonsense. Just a proper electric scooter that does exactly what it says on the label.
Watch the Review Here:Â https://youtu.be/JshY05nDuVo?si=hydK31G19HEce5H-