Bajaj Chetak 2501 | Image source: Kizad Adil Darukhanawala
“Hey, that looks like a little shiitake!” A group of Bajaj employees screamed when they saw the new e-scooter. They weren’t wrong, because at first glance, the Chetak 2501 really looks like someone put the larger Chetak through a hot wash. Same silhouette, same sleek lines, all taut. But spend more than a few seconds around him and the illusion is shattered. This is not a 35-series Chetak. It’s a land motorcycle that happens to share good genes with its big brother. This distinction is important – because it explains why this e-scooter looks so much better than its spec sheet suggests.
Let’s get to the brochure first: a hub motor with just 1.8kW of continuous power and 107kg of towing. On paper, this sounds less like an “urban mobility solution” and more like “will this hold up to Indian traffic?” Except he does…comfortably. Even sprinkles are in for some fun. Within the first few kilometers, the 2501 disarmed me. It felt light, eager and completely comfortable in crawling traffic. U-turns were easy, tight gaps felt inviting and the scooter never made me second guess my inputs. Even when the speed reached 55 kilometers per hour, she maintained her composure.
Ride quality was judged well too. Small bumps, undulations and general urban chaos were handled with precision. However, large potholes and broken spots reminded me that the telescopic fork up front and dual shocks out back were on the stiffer side, sending a jolt directly to my lower back. It wasn’t painful, but it’s not something I want on my everyday device. However, what really sealed the deal was the engine tuning.
Even in Eco mode, with the back seat on board, the Chetak 2501 felt lively enough to dominate city traffic. It wasn’t just that he kept up, sometimes he pushed forward with quiet arrogance. Sport mode heightened the enthusiasm, although at a top speed of 55km/h, it felt more like a cheeky smile than maniacal laughter. The regen brake was present but subdued. It felt like it helped, but it never pretended to be a replacement for the brake pedal.
But the tires really exceeded expectations. The slim 12-inch Eurogrips didn’t exactly scream, but the harder I pushed, the more the scooter encouraged me to keep going. I was scraping the side stand before I realized I was starting to ride like a hooligan. Even on bad roads, the tires gripped gamely, and the brakes – backed by a well-calibrated CBS system – kept everything quiet no matter how clumsy my inputs were.
In practice, this was another pleasant surprise. Despite its small size, knee room was ample, the handlebars never got stuck during tight maneuvers, and double-cross riding was completely natural. The LCD screen remained readable under the harsh sunlight and Bajaj stuck with the proper indicator toggle this time. The switchgear on the right side was also intuitive – a small detail, but one that will make everyday life better. The only annoyance was a slight hesitation when returning to the throttle after braking, an almost AMT-like feeling.
Now let’s talk about money, because this is where the 2501 hits a home run. Priced at INR 91,399 (ex-showroom), it undercuts expectations and competitors alike. This allows you to drive and reverse as standard, which is nice. Spend an extra INR 3,000 on the TecPac, and you’ll be able to unlock Eco and Sport modes, hill hold, music control, and Guide-me-Home lights. That’s the cost of a small upgrade for features you’ll already be using. Add to that 25 liters of under-seat storage space, enough for groceries or daily errands and the Chetak 2501 starts to make a very solid case for itself.
This Chetak isn’t trying to be subversive, revolutionary, or headline-grabbing. Instead, he simply exceeds expectations at every turn. They’re light, confidence-inspiring, really fun at city speeds and easy to live with, whether you’re a first-time rider or someone who’s been riding long enough to get bored of boring scooters. It won’t excite you on an empty highway and it won’t rewrite electric car history. But for daily commutes, chores and the occasional smile-inducing corner, the Chetak 2501 feels like a properly thought-out scooter. By the end of the trip, references to it as a “mini Chetak” seemed less like a nickname and more like a compliment.
© World of Cars
Posted on January 23, 2026
