Photography: Alex Rohan Toppo
My first ‘First Ride Review’ of 2026 had an electric start, thanks to Bajaj launching the Chetak C2501 (see what I did there?). It wasn’t long before I found myself at Bajaj’s facility to test ride the newest member of the Chetak lineup. The new C25 is the entry point in the lineup. But is the entry-level Chetak good enough to gallop through everyday duties? That’s exactly what I set out to find in this review.
The first thing that stands out is the C25’s design, especially in this teal shade. While colour preference is subjective, there is no denying that it draws attention from the passers-by. The clean bodywork, smooth flowing lines, and minimal graphics give it a classic and elegant appearance. Compared to its larger siblings, the C25 is more compact in its dimensions, which makes it feel approachable. This is particularly beneficial for first-time riders as the smaller size of the C25 makes it less intimidating, be it around town or in the parking lot.
Under the skin, the Chetak C25 is built on a new chassis and platform, distinct from its larger siblings. Up front, the design remains familiar, featuring an LED headlamp paired with a horseshoe-shaped LED DRL. The LED turn indicators are neatly integrated into the headlamp housing. The front apron is clean in design and incorporates a black plastic insert with a textured finish, along with subtle Chetak branding positioned below it. On the side of the scooter, the smooth, flowing lines continue and evoke the silhouette of the OG two-stroke Chetak. There are some interesting graphics on the side panels. At the rear, the scooter gets an LED tail lamp with integrated LED turn indicators. The passenger grab rail is practical and also contributes positively to the overall design. Even the smallest Chetak comes with a metal body, like its elder siblings.
The Chetak C25 is powered by a 2.5kWh battery pack paired with a hub-mounted BLDC motor, producing a peak output of 2.2kW and a continuous output of 1.8kW. Bajaj claims a range of 113km on a single charge. With the supplied 750W charger, it takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes to take it from 0 to 80 percent and less than four hours for a full charge. The C25 features a colour LCD display that is bright and legible, presenting essential information such as speed, ride mode, charge status, and remaining range. The scooter also gets two small open storage pockets, one of which houses a USB charging port. However, its placement makes it difficult to spot and access unless you are aware of its location. The battery is integrated into the floorboard, which enables a usable underseat storage capacity of 25 litres. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The front and rear sections feature black plastic cladding. The C25 also carries an IP67 rating, indicating its weather resistance. It rides on 12-inch alloy wheels shod with 80/90-sized tyres. Retardation is provided by a front disc and a rear drum brake, supported by a combined braking system (CBS).
Riding the Chetak C25 is straightforward, aided by its approachable nature and linear power delivery. The smaller dimensions, shorter wheelbase, and tight turning radius make it notably more flickable compared to the 30- and 35-series models, aided by its low kerb weight of 108kg. The 650mm seat offers good comfort for both rider and passenger. The suspension is tuned for comfort too, effectively absorbing road undulations. Even when ridden over speed breakers without slowing down, the C25 did not scrape, thanks to its generous ground clearance of 170mm. Braking performance is equally reassuring, with the CBS bringing the scooter to a prompt halt. That said, the limited top speed of 55kmph feels restrictive. Even in Sport mode, the top speed remains unchanged, with only a slight alteration in power delivery. Additionally, Bajaj has placed the Sport mode and certain connected features behind a one-time paid pack priced at ₹3,000, which feels like something that could have been included in the scooter’s standard pricing.
So, returning to the original question – if this entry-level Chetak is good enough for everyday use or not. The answer is yes. Priced at ₹91,399 ex-showroom, it offers a practical real-world range, everyday usability, and a well-executed design. The Chetak C25 is positioned to take on rivals such as the VIDA VX2, TVS Orbiter, and Honda QC1. Overall, it delivers a comfortable riding experience and should satisfy the requirements of most buyers looking for a practical, everyday electric scooter, if they don’t mind the slow top speed.
