Bajaj Chetak C25 First Ride Review: Losing the Numbers Game?

While the Chetak EV had a rough start, it has grown from strength to strength in the last six years, propelling Bajaj to the second spot in electric two-wheeler sales. The Chetak models are fairly no-nonsense scooters that don’t really chase spec-sheet numbers. Now, there is a new model in town, the Chetak C2501 or the C25, carrying forward the same philosophy but with a more affordable price tag. But maybe this time, Bajaj might have gone too far with their philosophy of not bothering about the numbers on the sheet.

Bajaj Chetak C25 Design: Familiar Styling with Subtle Changes

First of all, I need to mention that what I like best about the C25 is the way it looks. Bajaj has made minimal changes to the overall design, but the compact footprint with slightly different contours does work in favour of this scooter.

Compared to existing models, the C25 scooter features LED turn indicators integrated into the headlamp housing rather than on the front apron. Although I am not a big fan of this detail. You get 12-inch wheels at both ends, and the alloy design is different, which looks good. The side panel features a graphic element near the tail that looks like a last-minute addition.

Perhaps if the graphics extended across the side, it would have looked better. Finally, at the back is a new taillamp unit with integrated turn indicators, and here the design actually looks nice. Bajaj has still kept the metal body intact, along with no visible screws.

The instrument cluster on the C25 is a colour unit, but it is not a fancy TFT like the ones you see on competing scooters. While it is functional, I did find it a little hard to read some of the data under direct sunlight.

The switches on the handlebar, however, have improved. They are well-designed, placed within reach, and have a good feel.

Bajaj Chetak C25 Space, Comfort and Everyday Usability

The C25 has a shorter wheelbase compared to the existing models, 1,225mm to be precise. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the underseat storage area. You get 25 litres of space, which is good enough to accommodate some full-sized helmets.

Because the cavity is deep, you can keep a small bag here too. Additionally, there are two pockets in the front apron for storing smaller items and a baggage hook as well. There is no USB charger, which I feel is a big miss.

The seat cushion is long enough to accommodate two people with an average build. The cushion is a bit too soft, so longer hours on the saddle might not be too comfortable.

Seat height is a very accessible 763mm, and the 170mm ground clearance is adequate for everyday use. Surprisingly, despite the compact proportions, I had plenty of space in the floorboard to keep my feet in a neutral position.

Bajaj Chetak C25 Battery Range, Motor Output and Ride Modes

For the C25, Bajaj has opted to use a 3bhp, hub-mounted motor with a peak torque of 114Nm at the wheel.

The top speed is capped at 55km/h, which isn't much. Once again, there is a Chetak in the market with a lower top speed than the rest. Leaving the top speed figure aside, the scooter’s acceleration is also nothing to write home about. If you purchase the Tech Pack, you get two ride modes - Eco and Sport. The acceleration in Eco mode is too mild for use on roads. The Sport mode does make the scooter feel more alive in comparison.

This scooter moves with almost no urgency and is meant for very casual, laid-back rides. Thankfully, the scooter had no trouble with the inclines I encountered in Pune, whether in Sport or Eco mode.

The 2.5kWh battery powering the C25 has a range of 113km (IDC), but Bajaj told us that the real-world figure should be closer to 95km. While I did not have enough time to test that claim, I do feel the range is not stellar, given the limited speed and the decently sized battery pack.

Bajaj Chetak C25 Suspension, Comfort and Braking

The C25's overall ride quality is rather poor. This is mostly due to the new suspension setup that consists of conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin springs at the rear.

While the scooter rides well over smooth tarmac and can absorb minor road imperfections, on harsher city roads, it can be rather unforgiving. A short 30-minute ride through the city of Pune was enough to make me feel like my insides had been rearranged. The front forks can bottom out on most bumps, and there is very little absorption. It is rather surprising to see such poor suspension calibration, given that the existing Chetak scooters are known for their cushioned ride.

The braking setup includes a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. While braking was fairly progressive and had good bite when you used the full travel of the brake levers, I found braking performance was inconsistent across the units. Having ridden a few different units of the scooter, I observed a slightly different experience in each one. So, when the calibration is on point, the scooter brakes well, but it might feel lacking.

Bajaj Chetak C25 Price and Review Verdict

The C25 is the most affordable Chetak scooter, and it takes that position by making substantial compromises in the ride experience. Yes, it has a certain visual appeal and great build quality. But when you look at the kind of specs competing products provide at similar price points, you can’t help but think that Bajaj missed the mark with this one.

If it had been priced Rs 10,000-15,000 lower, the compromises would not have been such a big problem. Perhaps Bajaj realised this too and, as a result, has offered the first 10,000 customers a discount of Rs 4,299, bringing the cost down to Rs 87,100 (ex-showroom). While this figure is less than what I would have liked to see, it is a step in the right direction nonetheless.