Quick Analysis
Bajaj Chetak EV
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 25 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
JAWA 42
32.0 pts
Unweighted: 19 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | — | 294.7 cc |
| Engine Type | Electric motor, 3-phase permanent magnet synchronous | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC |
| Power | — | 27.3 PS |
| Torque | 20 Nm @ 1,950 rpm | 26.8 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 13.2 L |
| Mileage | — | 33 kmpl |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 72 | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | — | 184 |
| Seat Height | 775 | 788 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | 130 mm Disc | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Single Sided Leading Link | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Twin Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with Adjustable Preload |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90-12 | Alloy/Spokes wheel - 90/90-18, 51P |
| Rear Tyre | 90/100-12 | Alloy/Spokes Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy/Spokes |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED with DRLs (as per official visuals) | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| 0–40 km/h (s) | 2.8 | — |
| Anti-Theft / IoT Tracking | Yes | — |
| App Connectivity | Yes | — |
| Battery | 3.0 kWh (Series 30) / 3.5 kWh (Series 35) | MF Battery |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 3.5 | — |
| Battery Chemistry | Li-ion | — |
| Battery Warranty (Years) | 3 | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Brooklyn-Black.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp |
| Bike Image 10 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/racing-red.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42cosmicrockdt.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Coarse-grey.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42asteroidgrey.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cyber-white.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42odysseyblack.webp |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ebony-black.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42nebulablue.webp |
| Bike Image 5 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hazel-nut.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermatte.webp |
| Bike Image 6 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Indigo-blue.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42allstarblackmatte.webp |
| Bike Image 7 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Lime-yellow.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermattedt.webp |
| Bike Image 8 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matt-grey.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42starshipbluedt.webp |
| Bike Image 9 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pista-green.jpeg | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42infinityblackmattedt.webp |
| Built-in GPS Navigation | Yes | — |
| Charger Output Power (kW) | 0.95 | — |
| Charging Port Type | Proprietary | — |
| Charging Time (Standard) | 3 h 25 mins | — |
| Cluster | Fully digital colored LCD, Bluetooth‑linked, with navigation capability (Series 35) | — |
| Color Options | Brooklyn Black | #1A1A1A Hazelnut | #8A6A4A Indigo Metallic | #2F4F8F Matte Scarlett Red / Scarlet Red | #A32028 Racing Red | #C1121F Pista Green | #A8C66C Lime Yellow | #C9D300 Azure Blue | #4A8EDB Cyber White | #F4F4F0 Matte Coarse Grey | #6C7075 Matt Grey | #707070 Moon White | #F5F5F2 | Vega White | #F5F5F5 Voyager Red | #8B1E2D Asteroid Grey | #6B6F76 Odyssey Black | #0F0F10 Nebula Blue | #1F3A5F Celestial Copper Matte | #A65E2E Orion Red Matte | #6E1A1F Sirius White Matte | #EDEDED All Star Black Matte | #1C1C1C Cosmic Rock Dual Tone | #5A4A3F Celestial Copper Matte Dual Tone | #B87333 Starship Blue Dual Tone | #2E4A7D Infinity Black Matte Dual Tone | #2B2B2B Cosmic Carbon Dual Tone | #3A3A3A Ivory | #F8F1D4 |
| Connectivity Features | Bluetooth, Smartphone Connectivity, Navigation, Call Alerts, Music Control, Ride Statistics | — |
| Cons | No Fast Charging Support – Charging times remain longer than some rivals because DC fast charging is not supported. Battery Is Non-Removable – Users living in apartments without dedicated charging access may find charging less convenient. Performance Focuses on Smoothness Rather Than Aggression – Riders seeking rapid acceleration or sporty performance may find the scooter relatively relaxed. Top Speed Lower Than Some Performance EV Rivals – Competing electric scooters in the segment offer higher top speeds and quicker acceleration. Premium Pricing Compared to Petrol Scooters – Initial purchase cost remains higher than many conventional scooters despite lower running expenses. Limited Highway Suitability – While capable of short highway stretches, the scooter is primarily optimized for city commuting. Service and Charging Infrastructure Still Expanding – EV infrastructure and specialized service support continue to grow but may vary depending on location. Storage Space Still Less Than Some Rivals – Although improved, underseat storage may still feel limited compared to certain family-oriented scooters. | It’s not a performance-focused bike: top-end acceleration and high-speed punch are modest compared to sportier or more powerful motorcycles. If you crave quick bursts or aggressive overtakes, the 42 might feel a bit reserved. At around 180+ kg kerb-weight, it’s not the lightest manoeuvring at very low speeds or parking sometimes feels a bit heavyish for inexperienced riders. While suspension is comfortable and balanced, it doesn’t offer sporty handling or sharp cornering agility. On twisty roads or aggressive riding, the bike doesn’t inspire a sport-bike vibe. For fully-loaded touring (pillions, luggage, rough terrain), the comfort and power are only average: it’s more of a commuter-plus or mild-tourer than a long-distance tourer. Because it aims for balance, it doesn’t shine in any single category. It may leave riders who want either pure vintage simplicity or modern performance wanting more. Tubeless/Alloy wheel + disc-brake setup is good, but tyre size and ground clearance (typical of this class) might limit comfort on severely broken or off-road conditions. Maintenance and running costs, while reasonable for a 300 cc class bike, will still be higher than basic commuter bikes fuel, maintenance, and insurance will be more than a small-capacity commuter. |
| Detailed Overview | Few electric scooters on the market place as much emphasis on build quality and design as the Bajaj Chetak EV. While many modern electric scooters adopt sharp styling and futuristic bodywork, the Chetak follows a more timeless approach inspired by the iconic Chetak scooters of the past. Rounded body panels, clean lines, and extensive use of metal give it a distinctive identity, helping it stand apart in an increasingly crowded electric scooter segment. At the same time, the scooter incorporates modern technology, connected features, and an electric powertrain designed for everyday urban mobility. The latest generation Chetak is powered by a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired with an electric motor that delivers smooth and immediate acceleration. Unlike conventional petrol-powered scooters that require gear changes or engine revs to build speed, the electric motor provides instant torque from a standstill, making stop-and-go city traffic easier to navigate. The scooter offers a claimed riding range of up to 153 km on a single charge under IDC testing conditions, while real-world range varies depending on riding style, traffic, terrain, and selected riding mode. Charging is handled through a home charging solution supplied with the scooter. The battery can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in approximately three and a half hours, making overnight charging or workplace charging practical for most users. The battery pack is integrated into the chassis and is not removable, allowing Bajaj to maximize storage space and maintain structural rigidity. The battery also benefits from modern thermal management and protection systems designed to support durability and long-term reliability. One of the major highlights of the Chetak is its all-metal body construction. While many electric scooters rely heavily on plastic body panels, the Chetak uses metal across much of its exterior structure, contributing to a solid feel and premium finish. The fit and finish of body panels, switchgear, and controls are designed to create a refined ownership experience while maintaining the scooter’s retro-inspired aesthetic. The scooter is equipped with a digital instrument cluster that provides access to speed, battery status, riding information, trip data, and connectivity functions. Depending on the variant, smartphone integration enables features such as call alerts, message notifications, navigation assistance, vehicle tracking, ride statistics, and software updates. Over-the-air update capability allows supported systems to receive feature enhancements and improvements without requiring a workshop visit. Ride quality is another area that receives attention in the scooter’s overall setup. The suspension system is tuned for urban conditions and works to absorb potholes, speed breakers, and uneven road surfaces commonly encountered in daily commuting. The chassis and wheelbase contribute to stable handling characteristics, while the scooter’s compact dimensions make it manageable in congested traffic and parking situations. Practicality remains an important part of the package. The latest Chetak offers approximately 35 litres of underseat storage, providing space for everyday items such as a helmet, bag, or personal belongings. The flat floorboard further improves utility by allowing riders to carry additional small items when required. Comfortable seating, a relaxed riding position, and intuitive controls make the scooter accessible to a broad range of riders, including those transitioning from conventional petrol-powered scooters. By combining a modern electric drivetrain, connected technology, premium metal construction, practical storage solutions, and a design that blends heritage-inspired styling with contemporary features, the Bajaj Chetak EV is positioned as an urban-focused electric scooter built around comfort, convenience, and everyday usability. | The Jawa 42 is built around a 294cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 27 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. It uses a 6-speed gearbox, and the power delivery feels focused more on low and mid-range speeds rather than high-speed riding. The engine is paired with a fuel injection system, which helps in smoother throttle response during regular use. The bike also comes with a double cradle frame, which forms the base of its structure and supports its overall balance on the road. In terms of dimensions, the bike has a seat height of around 788 mm, which makes it accessible for a wide range of riders. The kerb weight is close to 182 kg, depending on the variant, and the fuel tank capacity stands at 13.2 litres. These numbers place it in line with other motorcycles in the same category. The riding position is set up with a slightly forward-leaning handlebar and mid-set foot pegs, which creates a neutral stance for both city rides and occasional longer trips. The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is quite common in this segment and is tuned to handle everyday road conditions. The bike rides on either spoke wheels with tube tyres or alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, depending on the variant chosen. Wheel size remains consistent, with a 18-inch front and 17-inch rear combination, which affects the way the bike handles uneven roads and corners. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on both ends. The front gets a 280 mm disc, while the rear has a 240 mm disc. The bike is available in both single-channel and dual-channel ABS options, again depending on the variant. This gives buyers a choice based on their budget and requirement. The braking setup is designed to offer controlled stopping without being overly sharp or aggressive. On the feature side, the Jawa 42 keeps things simple. It uses a single-pod instrument cluster that shows basic information like speed, fuel level and other essential indicators. Lighting is mostly halogen-based, though some variants may include LED elements for the tail lamp. The overall feature list is not very extensive, and the focus remains on core riding functions rather than added technology. The bike is available in multiple colour options, including both single-tone and dual-tone finishes. Some colours are limited to higher variants that come with alloy wheels and dual-channel ABS, while simpler colours are offered with spoke wheels and single-channel ABS. This variation in colours and variants also affects the overall pricing and positioning of the bike within its segment. |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Sports | — |
| Expert Review | Among the growing number of electric scooters on Indian roads, the Bajaj Chetak takes a noticeably different approach. Rather than chasing the highest top speed or the longest feature list, it focuses on delivering a polished day-to-day riding experience. The metal body panels give the scooter a solid feel, while the electric motor provides smooth and predictable acceleration that suits urban traffic conditions well. Ride quality remains comfortable over broken roads, and the scooter feels stable and easy to control even for first-time EV users. The larger battery pack and improved storage space enhance practicality, while smartphone connectivity, navigation support, and OTA updates bring modern functionality to the package. The absence of fast charging and a removable battery may be considerations for some buyers, but the overall experience revolves around refinement, comfort, build quality, and ease of ownership rather than outright performance figures., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team | The Jawa 42 carries a design that draws from older Jawa motorcycles, but the finish and small details give it a slightly updated feel without changing the overall character. The riding position is upright and comfortable for daily use, with an easy seat height, though the seat can feel firm after longer rides. Its 294cc liquid-cooled engine responds quickly at low speeds, making city riding smooth, but it starts to feel a bit stressed when pushed harder on open roads. The gearbox works well most of the time, although mild vibrations can be noticed at higher revs. Handling is simple and predictable, with stable straight-line behaviour, while the suspension feels slightly stiff over rough patches. Braking setup varies across variants, and while it does the job, the feel at the lever is something riders may take time to get used to., 3.8, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the battery capacity of the Bajaj Chetak EV? A: The latest Chetak 3501 is equipped with a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Q: What is the claimed range of the Bajaj Chetak EV? A: Bajaj claims an IDC-certified range of approximately 153 km on a full charge. Q: What is the real-world range of the Chetak EV? A: Depending on riding conditions, speed, terrain, and usage patterns, most riders can expect around 110–130 km in real-world conditions. Q: How long does it take to charge the Bajaj Chetak EV? A: The battery can be charged from 0–80% in approximately 3 hours 25 minutes using the standard charger. Q: Does the Bajaj Chetak EV support fast charging? A: No. The current Chetak range does not support DC fast charging. Q: Is the battery removable? A: No. The battery is integrated into the scooter and cannot be removed for charging. Q: What is the top speed of the Bajaj Chetak EV? A: The latest Chetak 3501 has a top speed of approximately 73 km/h. Q: Does the Chetak EV have smartphone connectivity? A: Yes. It supports smartphone connectivity through the Chetak mobile application. Q: Does the scooter offer navigation features? A: Yes. Turn-by-turn navigation and map-related functions are available through the connected system. Q: Does the Bajaj Chetak EV receive OTA updates? A: Yes. Software updates can be delivered over the air for supported features and system improvements. Q: How much storage space does the Chetak EV offer? A: The latest generation provides approximately 35 litres of underseat storage, making it more practical than previous versions. Q: Is the Bajaj Chetak EV suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes. Its smooth power delivery, comfortable ride quality, practical range, and low running costs make it well suited to everyday urban use. Q: What type of battery chemistry does the Chetak use? A: The scooter uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, known for durability and thermal stability. Q: Does the Bajaj Chetak EV have anti-theft features? A: Yes. Connected variants offer vehicle tracking, security alerts, and anti-theft functions through the companion application. Q: What type of scooter is the Bajaj Chetak EV? A: It is classified as a premium electric scooter, designed primarily for urban commuting and everyday transportation. | Q1. Is the Jawa 42 good for daily commuting? Yes, the Jawa 42 works very well as a daily ride. Its engine is smooth in the low and mid-range, the riding posture is comfortable, and the bike feels easy to handle in traffic once it’s moving. The 6-speed gearbox also helps during mixed city and highway use. Q2. What is the real-world mileage of the Jawa 42? In normal riding conditions, most owners get somewhere around 30–35 km/l. Mileage can vary based on traffic, riding style, and how often you ride in lower gears. Q3. Can the Jawa 42 handle long highway rides? Absolutely. The bike maintains a relaxed rhythm at cruising speeds, and the liquid-cooled engine stays stable on longer stretches. The seat and riding triangle are designed to reduce fatigue, making weekend trips and short tours comfortable. Q4. Is the engine reliable for long-term use? The 294.7 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine is built to be durable and refined. With regular maintenance and quality engine oil, the bike holds up well over the years and remains smooth even with daily use. Q5. How is the suspension comfort on bad roads? The suspension tuning leans toward comfort. The front forks and adjustable rear shocks absorb bumps reasonably well, making the bike suitable for broken city roads and uneven surfaces. Q6. Does the Jawa 42 vibrate at high speeds? The bike handles vibrations better than many retro-styled motorcycles. Mild buzz may appear at very high speeds, but cruising at moderate highway speeds remains smooth and manageable. Q7. Is the seat height suitable for shorter riders? Yes, the seat height is around 788 mm, which most riders can comfortably manage. Even shorter riders usually find it easy to place their feet on the ground. Q8. How are the brakes on the Jawa 42? With disc brakes at both ends and ABS, braking performance is confident and predictable. It offers good stopping power and remains stable even during sudden braking. Q9. Is the Jawa 42 heavy to manage? The weight feels slightly noticeable when pushing it while parked, but once moving, the bike becomes easy to maneuver. Its balance and geometry help it feel lighter than it actually is. Q10. What is the service cost like? Service costs are generally moderate for a 300 cc bike. Routine maintenance, oil changes, and consumables stay within a reasonable range, though prices can vary slightly between dealerships. Q11. Is the Jawa 42 suitable for beginners? Yes, it can be a good choice for new riders. The power delivery is smooth, the handling is friendly, and it doesn’t intimidate you with sudden acceleration. It’s a comfortable, approachable motorcycle for learning and improving skills. Q12. Does the Jawa 42 have tubeless tyres? Yes, the alloy wheel variants come with tubeless tyres, which is a major advantage for daily riders as they make puncture handling much easier. Q13. What is the fuel tank capacity? The bike carries a 13.2-litre tank, giving a comfortable riding range for both city commutes and weekend rides. Q14. What makes the Jawa 42 different from other retro bikes? It stands out for blending classic looks with a smoother, more modern engine feel. The liquid-cooled DOHC engine, 6-speed gearbox, and better high-speed refinement give it a more contemporary riding character while still keeping the vintage charm. |
| Final Drive Type | belt | — |
| Fuel System | — | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Ingress Protection (IP Rating) | IP67 | — |
| Motor Power (Peak, kW) | 4.2 | — |
| Motor Type | PMSM | — |
| OTA Updates | Yes | — |
| Price Variants | C3001 | 110006 C3503 | 120605 C3502 | 134104 C3501 | 146305 | Vega White Single Channel Spoke | 159431 Voyager Red Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Aestroid Grey Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Odysse Black Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Vega White Dual Channel Spoke | 168650 Asteroid Grey Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 170493 Odyssey Black Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 170493 Voyager Red Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 184942 Ivory | 184950 Sirius White Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 189142 Cosmic Rock Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 192942 Celestial Copper Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 195142 Nebula Blue Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 195142 Starship Blue Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 195142 Celestial Copper Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 195142 All Star Black Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 Infinity Black Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 198142 Cosmic Carbon Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 Orion Red Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 |
| Pros | Premium Metal Body Construction – Unlike many electric scooters that use fibre panels, the Chetak uses metal body panels that contribute to a solid and premium feel. Smooth and Silent Riding Experience – The electric motor delivers seamless acceleration with minimal vibrations and almost silent operation, especially in city traffic. Good Real-World Urban Range – The larger battery pack offers sufficient range for daily commuting, office travel, and regular city usage without frequent charging. Excellent Ride Quality – The suspension setup is tuned for comfort and absorbs potholes and uneven roads effectively during urban riding. Retro-Modern Design – The rounded body panels, curved styling, and clean design give the scooter a distinctive appearance that stands apart from aggressive-looking EVs. Refined Performance Delivery – Throttle response remains predictable and smooth, making the scooter beginner-friendly and comfortable in congested traffic. Feature-Rich Connectivity – Features such as smartphone connectivity, navigation support, call alerts, ride statistics, and OTA updates add convenience for everyday use. Large Underseat Storage – The newer Chetak platform offers improved storage practicality compared to earlier versions. Low Running Costs – Electricity costs and routine maintenance expenses are generally lower than petrol-powered scooters. | The 294.7 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC engine delivers smooth, usable power. It’s strong enough for city traffic and highway cruising without being overly aggressive ideal for a daily ride or a relaxed weekend cruise. The 6-speed gearbox is a big plus: it helps keep the engine relaxed at higher speeds and offers flexibility for tight city riding, which makes the bike versatile whether you’re commuting or touring. Suspension and chassis setup balance comfort and stability nicely. The telescopic front forks and adjustable twin rear shocks soak up urban bumps and rough roads reasonably well, yet the bike remains composed on smoother roads. Handling and ergonomics suit a wide range of riders. Seat height and geometry keep the bike manageable in traffic or tight spots; once moving, the weight feels stable but not cumbersome. Disc brakes (front and rear) with ABS give reliable stopping power and good braking confidence good for unpredictable traffic or sudden stops. The 13-litre fuel tank and respectable real-world mileage make it practical for daily use without frequent fuel stops. Blend of retro styling and modern engineering: it gives the classic-bike look and relaxed feel but with contemporary performance, maintenance comfort, and features like alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. Comfortable riding posture makes it suitable for both short commutes and longer rides; it's not tiring or too aggressive, which broadens the use-case beyond just city or weekend use. |
| Range (Claimed, km) | 152 | — |
| Range (Real World, km) | 120 | — |
| Starter | Push Button Start | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear | 6-Speed |
| Vehicle Warranty (Years) | 3 | — |
