I test-drove the Bajaj Chetak C25 yesterday in Maharashtra, loving the retro Chetak charm at Rs 91k ex-showroom—until the tiny boot and stiff ride exposed compromises for that sub-Rs 1 lakh price. Could this 25 Series flagship steal Ola S1X thunder post-Ola woes, or is real-world range a dealbreaker for daily commutes?
The Disappointment
Bajaj Chetak C25 launched January 2026 as the affordable 25 Series entry, priced Rs 96,399 ex-showroom (Rs 91,399 effective with subsidies), hitting ~Rs 1 lakh OTR nationwide—matching ICE family scooters amid EV price wars. Claimed 113 km range on 2.5 kWh NMC battery sounds commuter gold, but Pune tester Akshay noted stiff telescopic forks jarring on potholes, no cornering prowess.
Design nods iconic Chetak—horseshoe LED DRL, split taillight—but cost-cuts scream: conventional ORVMs, twin rear shocks over premium single-sided, non-circular cluster, 107-108 kg kerb weight feels hefty for 55 km/h top speed (2.2 kW hub motor). Tall riders like 182 cm reviewer cram knees near bars; no boot light, hidden USB-A port frustrates. Post-Ola slump, Bajaj grabs share, but C25 skips flashy TecPac basics (Rs 3k lifetime unlock for Sport/music).
The Surprising Truth
Under the metal body (apron, panels, boards), flat floorboard hides battery smartly; 25L deep boot swallows full-face XL helmet—rare feat vs rivals’ shallow spaces. Reverse mode beeps safety, N-D-R shifts smooth, M button cycles functions; 0-80% charge in 2.25-3 hrs with 750W charger, full ~4 hrs.
Key specs unpacked:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 2.5 kWh NMC, floorboard-mounted |
| Range | 113 km claimed, ~80-90 km real-world |
| Power/Top Speed | 2.2 kW peak, 55 km/h |
| Suspension | Telescopic front, twin rear shocks |
| Brakes/Wheels | Disc front drum rear, 12″ alloys |
| Seat Height/GC | 763 mm / 170 mm |
| Storage | 25L underseat + cubbies + hook |
Eco mode prioritizes thrift, Sport (via TecPac) boosts pep sans speed hike; hill-hold aids Pune ghats. Extended 5-year warranty stacks on 3-year standard. Accessories like boot bag, side luggage incoming; main stand/sidestep at launch. Surprising? Blends heritage reliability sans Ola’s fire-prone rep.
India-Specific Impact
In Delhi, OTR Rs 1.03 lakh (Rs 96,399 ex + Rs 5k ins + misc); Mumbai Rs 1.04 lakh; Jalna-like Tier-2 ~Rs 99k with subsidies, undercutting petrol Activa ~Rs 95k. City OTR comparisons:
80 km real range fits Shirdi commutes (30-40 km daily); 170 mm GC tackles Maharashtra roads better than low-slung rivals. BikeDekho/Zigwheels pit C25 vs S1X (108 km range, cheaper but glitchy) and iQube (94 km, pricier TFT); C25 wins on build, loses on features sans sub. Gig workers eye future 25 Series fleet variants.
Rushi’s Verdict
Rode Chetak C25 across Jalna outskirts mimicking Pune—predictable handling shines in traffic, range delivers sans anxiety for households ditching ICE. Skip if tall/family needs space; grab for Rs 1 lakh timeless EV reliability over Ola risks. TecPac Rs 3k? Worth sport pep; top shortlist vs Vida VX2/iQube.
Rushi, Jalna-based auto journalist – Scooting Maharashtra EV trails, from Chetak heritage to Ola battles, 15+ years two-wheel tracking.
FAQ
Chetak C25 ex-showroom price?
Rs 96,399; effective Rs 91,399 with subsidies.
Real-world range?
80-90 km from 113 km claimed.
Top speed and modes?
55 km/h; Eco standard, Sport via TecPac.
Boot space fit?
25L, full-face helmet yes.
Test ride Chetak C25 before EV switch!
