On a sweltering Tuesday morning in Mumbai, I find myself weaving through the city’s notorious traffic astride Bajaj’s latest offering—the Chetak 3503. As horns blare and the sun beats down mercilessly, I’m struck by the irony that I’m navigating this chaos on a modern interpretation of a scooter that once defined Indian mobility. The original Bajaj Chetak, produced from 1972 to 2006, was the backbone of middle-class transportation for decades. Now, in its electric avatar, the nameplate is attempting to recreate that cultural significance for a new generation.
The Chetak 3503, launched just two weeks ago at a price point of ₹1,09,500 (ex-showroom), represents Bajaj’s most deliberate attempt yet to democratize electric mobility. As the most affordable variant in the company’s Chetak 35 Series, it serves as the entry point to Bajaj’s electric ecosystem. But the question remains—has Bajaj compromised too much to hit this price point, or is the 3503 the Goldilocks option in the increasingly crowded electric scooter segment?
Strategic Positioning: Finding the Sweet Spot
The electric two-wheeler market in India has evolved rapidly over the past three years. What was once a niche dominated by startups like Ather and Ola Electric has seen traditional manufacturers enter the fray with increasing confidence. Bajaj’s approach with the Chetak has been measured, focusing on build quality and reliability over headline-grabbing specifications.
“The 3503 isn’t about competing on paper specs,” explains Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto, during a product briefing. “It’s about delivering a holistic electric mobility solution at a price point that makes economic sense for the average commuter.”
This positioning is evident in how the 3503 slots into Bajaj’s lineup. At ₹1,09,500, it undercuts the mid-tier Chetak 3502 (₹1,22,497) and the flagship Chetak 3501 (₹1,34,052) by significant margins. The ₹20,000 price difference between the 3503 and the 3501 represents approximately a month’s salary for many middle-class Indian households—a crucial consideration for price-sensitive consumers.
The competitive landscape is equally telling. The Chetak 3503 squares off against the TVS iQube, Ola S1 X+, Ather Rizta, and Hero Vida V1. Each competitor brings distinct strengths—TVS offers reliability, Ola emphasizes technology, Ather prioritizes the riding experience, and Hero leverages its extensive service network. The Chetak 3503’s unique selling proposition lies in its combination of metal body construction (unusual at this price point) and the legacy of the Bajaj brand.
Design Philosophy: Old Soul, New Heart
Approaching the Chetak 3503, what immediately strikes you is how Bajaj has skillfully navigated the retro-modern design language. Unlike many contemporary scooters that favor sharp angles and aggressive styling, the Chetak embraces flowing curves and classic proportions that pay homage to its namesake while firmly establishing its modern identity.
“We weren’t interested in creating a carbon copy of the original Chetak,” notes Amit Nandi, President of Bajaj Auto’s Probiking business unit. “The design needed to evoke nostalgia while clearly communicating its forward-looking electric credentials.”
This balance is evident in details like the round headlamp housing an LED light unit, the curving side panels, and the floating seat design. The Chetak 3503 is available in four colorways—Indigo Blue, Brooklyn Black, Cyber White, and Matt Grey—with my test unit finished in the striking Indigo Blue that catches sunlight beautifully.
Perhaps the most significant design decision is the all-metal body construction—a rarity in the segment where plastic panels are the norm. This not only contributes to the premium feel but also addresses durability concerns that many Indian consumers have regarding electric vehicles. In a market where scooters are often used in challenging conditions and rarely garaged, this emphasis on durability represents a thoroughly practical design choice.
The fit and finish are remarkably good for this price point. Panel gaps are consistent, paint quality is excellent, and the chrome accents (used judiciously) add a touch of class without veering into gaudiness. The switchgear feels substantial, operating with a satisfying tactility that suggests longevity.
Storage solutions are well-considered, with the Chetak 3503 offering 35 liters of under-seat storage—sufficient for a full-face helmet or a modest grocery run. There’s also a small front storage compartment useful for carrying a phone, wallet, and keys.
Technology and Features: Considered Compromises
To achieve its competitive price point, the Chetak 3503 naturally makes some compromises compared to its more expensive siblings. However, Bajaj has been remarkably shrewd in choosing where to economize and where to maintain parity with higher-end models.
The instrument cluster exemplifies this approach. While the 3501 gets a touchscreen TFT display and the 3502 features a color TFT unit, the 3503 utilizes a more basic LCD display. However, it retains Bluetooth connectivity for essential functions like music control and call management, though it omits turn-by-turn navigation. In practice, this proves to be a sensible compromise—the display remains legible even in bright sunlight, which isn’t always true of more sophisticated screens.
The Chetak 3503 preserves key convenience features like hill-hold assist, which prevents the scooter from rolling backward on inclines. It also maintains the two riding modes (Eco and Sport) found across the Chetak range, allowing riders to prioritize either range or performance based on their needs.
Safety features include drum brakes at both ends (another cost-saving measure compared to the disc brakes found on higher variants) with a combined braking system. While not as immediately responsive as disc setups, the drum brakes provide adequate stopping power for the scooter’s 63 km/h top speed. The Chetak 3503 also features IP67 water and dust resistance certification—crucial for India’s monsoon seasons and dusty urban environments.
One notable omission is the sequential turn indicators found on higher-end Chetak models. The 3503 makes do with conventional blinkers that, while perfectly functional, lack the premium aesthetic touch of their sequential counterparts.
“We had extensive discussions about which features to retain and which to omit,” reveals Sumeet Narang, President of Bajaj Auto’s Urbanite business. “The guiding principle was always: does this feature meaningfully impact the daily ownership experience? If yes, we kept it; if it was primarily cosmetic, we could consider it for reduction.”
Powertrain: Practical Performance
The heart of the Chetak 3503 is a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack—identical to those found in the more expensive 3501 and 3502 variants. This common architecture represents a significant advantage for Bajaj in terms of manufacturing efficiency and spare parts inventory, while also ensuring the 3503 doesn’t compromise on the fundamental energy storage component.
Where the 3503 differs is in its motor tuning and top speed. While the 3501 and 3502 can reach 73 km/h, the 3503 is limited to 63 km/h. This reduction might seem significant on paper, but in real-world urban commuting, it rarely presents a limitation. During my testing in Mumbai traffic, I seldom found opportunities to exceed 50 km/h for more than brief stretches.
The claimed range of 151 kilometers is actually marginally better than the 153 kilometers offered by the higher-end models—likely due to the reduced top speed resulting in more efficient energy usage. In my real-world testing, which included a mix of congested urban roads and more open suburban stretches, I consistently achieved between 130-135 kilometers on a single charge—an impressive figure that should alleviate much of the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles.
Charging time is specified at 3 hours and 25 minutes from 0-100%, which aligns with my testing experience. For most users, this means overnight charging will be more than sufficient for daily usage patterns. The Chetak 3503 uses a standard charging setup rather than offering fast-charging capabilities—another cost-saving measure that most users will find acceptable given typical usage patterns.
The riding experience itself is characterized by smooth, linear power delivery. Electric motors deliver their torque instantly, and the Chetak 3503 leverages this characteristic to provide responsive acceleration from a standstill—particularly useful when navigating chaotic traffic situations. The two riding modes offer distinctly different characters; Eco mode noticeably dulls throttle response in the interest of range, while Sport mode provides more immediate acceleration at the expense of energy consumption.
Torque output is specified at 20 Nm, which proves more than adequate for the scooter’s intended use case. While not offering the neck-snapping acceleration of some premium electric scooters, the Chetak 3503 delivers sufficient performance to confidently merge with traffic and navigate urban environments.
Ride Quality and Handling: Urban Competence
The Chetak 3503 utilizes a conventional front telescopic fork and rear monoshock suspension setup. The tuning is on the firmer side, which provides responsive handling but can transmit some road imperfections into the rider. During my testing on Mumbai’s notoriously pockmarked roads, the suspension coped admirably with smaller bumps but larger potholes did make their presence felt.
The riding position is upright and natural, with the handlebars positioned at a comfortable height and the footboard offering ample space. The seat is well-padded and shaped to accommodate riders of varying heights, though particularly tall riders (over 6 feet) might find the ergonomics less than ideal for longer journeys.
At 132 kg, the Chetak 3503 isn’t particularly light by scooter standards—a consequence of its metal body and substantial battery pack. However, the weight is carried low in the chassis, contributing to good stability, especially at higher speeds. The low center of gravity also makes the scooter easy to maneuver at parking speeds, with the reverse assist feature (activated by a button on the handlebar) further aiding low-speed maneuverability in tight spaces.
The 12-inch wheels with tubeless tires provide reasonable grip on varied surfaces, though they can feel somewhat overwhelmed on particularly poor road sections. The combination of wheel size, weight distribution, and suspension tuning results in a scooter that feels planted and predictable—qualities that inspire confidence, particularly for riders new to electric vehicles.
Ownership Experience: The Long-Term Proposition
Perhaps more than the vehicle itself, what will ultimately determine the Chetak 3503’s success is the ownership experience Bajaj delivers. Electric vehicles represent a paradigm shift for consumers accustomed to internal combustion engines, and manufacturers must address both rational and emotional concerns to drive adoption.
On the rational side, Bajaj offers a standard 3-year/50,000 km warranty on the Chetak 3503, with the option to extend this to 5 years/70,000 km at additional cost. The company has also developed a network of 120+ exclusive Chetak showrooms across India, supplemented by service support through existing Bajaj dealerships. This approach leverages Bajaj’s extensive distribution network while creating dedicated spaces for the electric brand.
Operating costs represent a significant advantage for the Chetak 3503. Based on average electricity rates in Mumbai (approximately ₹8 per kWh), a full charge costs around ₹28, translating to a per-kilometer cost of roughly ₹0.22—significantly lower than the ₹2-3 per kilometer typical of petrol scooters. For a commuter covering 50 kilometers daily, this represents monthly savings of approximately ₹2,700-4,350, allowing the price premium over conventional scooters to be recovered within 2-3 years of ownership.
Beyond the financial calculus, Bajaj has focused on addressing emotional barriers to adoption. The Chetak app provides connectivity features that help build confidence in the new technology, including battery status monitoring and service reminders. The company also offers roadside assistance packages and battery health guarantees to alleviate concerns about reliability.
“We understand that for many customers, this isn’t just their first electric vehicle—it might be their first personal vehicle, period,” explains Narayan Sundararaman, Head of Marketing at Bajaj Auto. “The ownership experience needs to be reassuring rather than intimidating, especially when introducing new technology.”
Market Impact and Future Outlook
The introduction of the Chetak 3503 represents a significant milestone in India’s electric mobility journey. By bringing a credible electric offering to the ₹1.1 lakh price point from an established manufacturer, Bajaj has potentially accelerated the tipping point at which electric two-wheelers become mainstream rather than exceptional choices.
Industry analysts project that electric scooters will account for 30-35% of the overall two-wheeler market in India by 2030, up from approximately 5% today. Models like the Chetak 3503 that combine competitive pricing with established brand credibility are likely to drive this transition, particularly as charging infrastructure continues to improve in urban areas.
For Bajaj specifically, the Chetak 3503 represents an opportunity to capture market share in the growing electric segment while reinforcing its position as an innovative, forward-looking manufacturer. The company’s measured approach—focusing on quality and reliability rather than headline-grabbing specifications—aligns well with its century-old brand values and the legacy of the original Chetak.
The competitive response will be telling. TVS has already indicated plans to introduce more affordable variants of its iQube, while Hero MotoCorp’s Vida brand is expected to expand its offerings across price points. This competitive pressure is likely to accelerate innovation and drive costs down further, benefiting consumers in the process.
Conclusion: A Pragmatic Electric Pioneer
After a week with the Chetak 3503, covering approximately 300 kilometers across varied Mumbai conditions, I’m left with the impression of a scooter that prioritizes substance over flash. It doesn’t offer the headline-grabbing features of some competitors, nor does it attempt to reinvent the fundamental scooter experience. Instead, it takes the proven Chetak formula and thoughtfully adapts it for electric propulsion.
The compromises Bajaj has made to achieve the ₹1,09,500 price point are calculated and largely unobtrusive in daily use. The reduced top speed rarely impacts the urban commuting experience, while the drum brakes provide adequate stopping power for the performance envelope. The omission of turn-by-turn navigation and sequential indicators feels reasonable given the substantial price difference from higher-end models.
What remains uncompromised are the fundamentals: battery capacity, range, build quality, and the overall riding experience. These priorities reflect a mature understanding of the Indian market, where practical considerations typically outweigh technological novelty in purchase decisions.
For the target demographic—urban commuters seeking reliable, economical transportation with lower environmental impact—the Chetak 3503 presents a compelling proposition. It doesn’t require adopters to radically change their usage patterns or expectations, instead offering a familiar experience with the added benefits of electric propulsion.
In that sense, the Chetak 3503 is perhaps the most fitting modern interpretation of the original Chetak’s philosophy. Just as the original democratized mobility for a generation of Indians, this electric incarnation aims to democratize the electric transition—making it accessible, practical, and increasingly difficult to justify not making the switch.
Rohan Sharma is an automotive journalist specializing in two-wheelers with particular focus on the emerging electric mobility sector in India. Based in Mumbai, he has been covering the industry for 15 years and has tested over 300 different models across segments.