The EV market in India, especially for electric scooters, is expanding, and many manufacturers are offering sustainable and innovative solutions to meet the demand for efficient and reliable mobility. Among the popular options are the Bajaj Chetak 3501 and Bajaj Chetak 3502. Both scooters offer premium build quality, impressive range, and smart features, but each has unique features that cater to different needs.
In this comparison, we will explore how Chetak electric scooters stack up against the TVS iQube and the Ather 450S. By focusing on these comparisons, you’ll understand the key differences in price, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
Bajaj Chetak 3501 vs TVS iQube 3.4 kWh: A Practical Choice vs High-Speed Performance
TVS iQube
The TVS iQube 3.4kWh is designed to deliver reliable performance. It is packed with features, but it faces stiff competition from the Bajaj Chetak 3501, particularly in terms of real-world range, charging speed, and durability. Let’s explore the key features and compare them.
- Range: 100 km (real-world)
- Top Speed: 78 km/h
- Acceleration: 0-40 km/h in 4.2 seconds
- Battery: 3.4 kWh lithium-ion
- Charging Time: 0-80% in 4.5 hours
- Key Features:
- 32 L underseat storage
- 118+ connected features (including turn-by-turn navigation)
- IP67-rated for water and dust resistance
- Q-Park Assist for tight spaces
- Bluetooth connectivity and anti-theft alerts through the mobile app
- Geofencing and fall detection alerts
While the TVS iQube offers great features like Q-Park Assist and 118+ connected features, its 100 km range is relatively short for daily commutes, especially when compared to the 153 km offered by the Bajaj Chetak 3501. Moreover, the TVS iQube requires 4.5 hours to charge from 0 to 80%, which is slower than the 3 hours required by the Chetak 3501.
The Chetak 3501 also has a steel unibody, offering more durability than the plastic frame of the iQube. This makes the Chetak 3501 more reliable in terms of long-term use and resilience against wear and tear, especially on Indian roads.
Bajaj Chetak 3501
- Range: 153 km (real-world)
- Top Speed: 73 km/h
- Charging Time: 0-80% in 3 hours (onboard charger)
Key Features:
- Steel unibody for enhanced durability
- 5-inch TFT touchscreen display for easy access to speed, range, and battery status
- Reverse mode for convenient parking
- Self-cancelling indicators for ease of use
- IP67-rated for water and dust resistance
- Guide-Me-Home Lights to help you navigate after parking
- Eco and Sports modes for varying riding conditions
- Hill Hold (TecPac) for safe starts on inclines
Price Comparison
- Bajaj Chetak 3501: ₹1,32,000 (ex-showroom)
- TVS iQube 3.4kWh: ₹1,25,000 (ex-showroom)
Although the TVS iQube 3.4kWh comes at a lower price, the Bajaj Chetak 3501 offers superior range, charging speed, and build quality — making it a more practical option for daily commuting in the long run. The steel frame and 153 km range ensure better long-term value and reliability.
Bajaj Chetak 3502 vs. Ather 450S: Advanced Features vs Simple City Commuting
The Ather 450S is a smart, feature-packed electric scooter designed primarily for city commuting. It offers a range of advanced tech features, but when compared to the Bajaj Chetak 3502, it falls short in several key areas, such as range, charging speed, and durability. Let’s explore the differences.
Ather 450S
- Range: 122 km
- Top Speed: 90 km/h
- 80% Charge Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Body: Monoshock suspension & aluminium chassis
- Display: 7-inch DeepView display
The Ather 450S offers a range of 122 km, which, while adequate for short city commutes, may not meet the needs of riders who frequently travel longer distances. Additionally, the charging time of 5 hours 30 minutes for an 80% charge is slower than the Chetak 3502’s quick charging time of 3 hours 25 minutes, making the Chetak 3502 a more convenient choice for busy riders.
While the Ather 450S boasts a 7-inch display and smart features like theft alerts, the Bajaj Chetak 3502 has a more robust 5-inch TFT display, which is still user-friendly and intuitive. The Chetak 3502 also offers smart features like app connectivity, navigation, and accident detection that are not available in the Ather 450S, making it a more connected and feature-rich ride.
Price Comparison
- Bajaj Chetak 3502: ₹1,42,000 (ex-showroom)
- Ather 450S: ₹1,17,000 (ex-showroom)
While the Ather 450S is more affordable, the Chetak 3502 justifies its higher price with superior range, faster charging, and more advanced tech features, making it a better long-term investment for riders seeking a connected and feature-packed commuting experience.
Why Bajaj Chetak 3501 and 3502 Stand Out Among Competitors
Despite the presence of several competitors offering high-speed electric scooters, the Bajaj Chetak 3501 and 3502 offer superior overall value due to their:
- Durable Steel Unibody
Unlike most competitors that use plastic or aluminium frames, Bajaj Chetak’s steel unibody ensures ruggedness and long-term reliability.
- Practical Range and Charging Time
With 153 km of real-world range and quick charging times of 3 hours (3501) and 3 hours 25 minutes (3502), Bajaj Chetak offers a balanced ride without excessive charging delays.
- Smart Technology Integration
The 5-inch TFT touchscreen display and FOB key system provide a premium, connected riding experience that most competitors fail to deliver at this price point.
- Built for Indian Roads
Unlike lightweight models, Bajaj Chetak’s sturdy frame ensures smooth handling, even on rough terrains, making it ideal for daily commuting and long-term use.
Why Bajaj Chetak is the Best EV Scooter in Its Class
When comparing the Bajaj Chetak electric scooters with competitors like TVS and Ather, it’s clear that the Bajaj Chetak 3501 and 3502 offer a better value for money, especially for those prioritising long-term reliability, practical range, and smart features.
The Chetak 3501 is ideal for riders who want a dependable scooter for daily commutes, offering a solid range, quick charging, and a robust steel body. The Chetak 3502 adds an extra layer of advanced features, making it perfect for tech-savvy riders who want connectivity, safety features, and convenience.
Whether you go for the 3501 or the more feature-packed 3502, Bajaj Chetak provides a reliable, durable, and affordable solution for Indian riders.
