Retro neo

For 2024, Bajaj has given the Chetak electric scooter an update with a bigger battery, more range and tech. We took it for a ride to find out what it's like

Where every other electric scooter in the mainstream has aspired to carve a niche for itself in the market as a futuristic next-generation mobility solution, Bajaj has attempted to authentically replicate an experience in electric with the Chetak - the all-metal body, the rounded design and the minimal technological intervention. All of which meant that up until now the Chetak was left to an ever-diminishing demographic of people familiar with the original Chetak. For 2024, without really making too many big changes, Bajaj has upped the ante and expanded the reach of the updated scooter to new demographics with a slight rejig of the equipment list.

But before we jump into what's new, let us talk about the design and build of the new Chetak for a second. The design hasn't changed from the first generation of the Chetak. The rounded fascia with the round headlamp and the svelte body section set in an all-metal body makes for a very premium feeling scooter. It also gets all LED lighting as standard. However, while the build on the paint and the bodywork do feel premium, the plastics and the body mouldings do seem a little off-brand for a premium electric scooter. Switchgear though is a premium touch and feels solid, although we did notice a few times when buttons on the instruments would not respond momentarily.