India's electric two-wheeler market is steadily moving into its next phase. What began as a premium, early-adopter space is now turning its attention to affordability, reliability, and everyday usability. Bajaj Auto's latest offering, the Chetak C25, is a clear response to this shift. Priced at Rs 91,399, it is the most accessible Chetak yet, and one of the more competitively priced electric scooters from a mainstream manufacturer.
Rather than chasing novelty or aggressive performance figures, the Chetak C25 focuses on doing the basics right. A strategy that could appeal to a large section of urban commuters considering the switch to electric.
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Familiar Design, Solid Build
The Chetak C25 carries forward the design language that has become closely associated with the Chetak name. Its styling is classic and understated, with smooth lines and compact proportions that feel instantly familiar. This is not a scooter that tries to look futuristic or radical, and that works in its favour, especially in a market where familiarity often builds trust.
One of the Chetak's biggest strengths continues to be its all-metal body. In a segment dominated by plastic panels, this gives the scooter a reassuring sense of solidity. The IP67 rating further adds to its credibility, offering protection against dust and water - an important consideration for everyday Indian riding conditions.
The familiarity from the bigger Chetak variants is carried forward in lines and the horse-shoe-shaped LED DRLs. However, it breaks with the new placement of LED turn indicators, ice-cube LED tail lamps, and neat-looking 12-inch alloy wheels. I feel Bajaj should've used the mirrors from the larger Chetaks, as these feels cheap on a rather well put-together scooter.
Practical dimensions help too. A seat height of 763 mm makes it approachable for riders of varying heights, while the 170 mm ground clearance ensures it can handle speed breakers and rough patches without stress.
Features That Matter Daily
The Chetak C25 does not overload the rider with features, but what it offers feels relevant. The multi-colour instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, and Bluetooth connectivity allows for basic functions such as music control. While the LCD dash is a bit too overloaded, it is bright and legible in harsh sun.
The optional Tech Pack adds meaningful convenience. Hill hold assist proves useful on flyovers and slopes, while the Eco and Sport riding modes allow riders to prioritise efficiency or responsiveness depending on the situation.
Storage has also been addressed sensibly. The 25-litre under-seat space can accommodate a helmet or daily essentials, which adds to the scooter's everyday practicality.
City-Friendly Ride & Handling
On the road, the Chetak C25 feels well suited to urban environments. The 12-inch wheels and telescopic front suspension help it remain stable over broken roads, while the front disc and rear drum brake combination offers predictable stopping power. There are no regen modes, closing the throttle makes you feel like there's any of it.
The hub-mounted motor keeps the riding experience smooth and fuss-free. Handling is light, manoeuvrability is good, and the scooter feels easy to manage in traffic - qualities that matter far more than outright speed in daily city use.
Performance & Range
Powering the Chetak C25 is a 2.5 kWh NMC battery placed under the floor, which helps maintain balance and stability. Bajaj claims a range of up to 113 km on a full charge, a figure that should comfortably cover daily commuting needs for most urban users. Based on our rather short ride, we can confirm it will deliver a range of around 90-95 kms in city use.
Charging from 0 to 80 percent takes approximately 2.5 hours, making it convenient to top up during the day or overnight. The top speed of 55 kmph keeps the C25 firmly focused on city use, prioritising efficiency and ease over performance.
As for the ride quality, we felt the suspension is still on the stiffer side, and it feels lacking in terms of compression. The ride could be smoother with two onboard.
What Stands Out, What Doesn't
The Chetak C25's biggest strengths lie in its compact size, familiar styling, solid build quality, and aggressive pricing. Together, these make it an approachable entry point into electric mobility.
The primary limitation is the top speed, which may feel restrictive for riders who frequently use faster urban roads or short highway stretches.
Verdict
The Bajaj Chetak C25 is not trying to impress with numbers or novelty. Instead, it focuses on being a practical, reliable and affordable electric scooter for everyday Indian commuting. With its solid build, usable range and sensible feature set, it represents Bajaj's effort to make electric scooters more mainstream.
For buyers looking to transition from a petrol scooter to electric without changing their riding habits too drastically, the Chetak C25 makes a strong and sensible case.