If there is a two-wheeler that truly depicts the story of Indian roads, it is the legendary ‘Bajaj Chetak’ scooter. For decades, this scooter was not just a mode of transport, but a true emotion that continues to grow to this day.
From its birth in 1972 as a licensed version of the Italian Vespa Sprint, the Chetak quickly grabbed its place in the Indian market and became the “family scooter” for middle-class households across the country. It was affordable, reliable, and tough enough to handle Indian roads with ease; it gained legendary status and has been fondly remembered by its famous tagline, “Hamara Bajaj”.
During the 1970s to the early 2000s, the Chetak wholly dominated the Indian scooter market. It was commended for its durability, fuel efficiency, low maintenance and solid body, making it a first choice for millions back in that era. For most families, owning a Chetak wasn’t just about convenience, but it was a symbol of stability, pride and progress. However, as the market shifted towards motorcycles and newer automatic scooters, demand started to drop and in 2005, Bajaj finally stopped producing the iconic Chetak, marking the end of an era.
As they say, legends do not stay down for long. In 2020, Bajaj resurrected the Chetak and this time in an all-new ‘Avatar’, which was a fully electric scooter, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. Though the modern Chetak retained its classic retro charm, it also brought in modern and sleek styling, LED lights, app connectivity, regenerative braking and two riding modes – Eco and Sport, making it’s case as an ideal option for urban commutes.
In 2024, Bajaj launched the Chetak Premium variant, featuring a larger 3.2 kWh battery with a range of up to 126 km on a single charge, which is commendable. It also featured faster charging capability of 0-80% in just 3 hours 15 minutes, a 5-inch TFT display with improved clarity, and smart add-ons like hill-hold assist, reverse mode, Bluetooth connectivity, and turn-by-turn navigation, making its case as a suitable companion for today’s tech-savvy riders.
Then came the Chetak 35 Series in 2025, the most advanced version of the beloved scooter yet. Built on an all-new platform, it has a 3.5 kWh battery and a 153 km ARAI-certified range. With 35 liters of under-seat storage, faster charging times, and advanced technology-packed features like a touchscreen display, integrated navigation, music control, call/SMS alerts, geo-fencing, and anti-theft protection, this scooter has truly evolved into a smart urban companion, ready to dominate the Indian roads once again.
From being the dependable “middle-class hero” of the past to a tech-packed, sustainable two-wheeler of the future, the Bajaj Chetak has shown that innovation with legacy can be a winning recipe. Whether you are someone who remembers the nostalgia of “Hamara Bajaj” or a first-time EV buyer who wants style, performance, and practicality, the Chetak remains a bridge between generations.