While Bajaj Auto claims the range of the Chetak C2501 to be 113 km on a single charge, we all know that claimed figures are usually exaggerated to wow the customer.

In a shocking test that pushed the best-selling electric scooter in India to the limit, we exposed the real-world range of the Chetak C2501. The findings might change the way you look at electric scooters forever. So, fasten your seatbelts as we reveal the results of this electrifying range test which Bajaj would not want you to know about!

The Test

Our team did not hold back while testing this electric scooter. The conditions were far from being favorable for the scooter as we took it through the concrete jungles of South Mumbai – the ultimate EV killing zone. While riding through traffic jams and up and down slopes, we also had the AC switched ON to test the effects of a 2 kW heater on the scooter’s range.

Rules Of The Game

Start With A Full Tank: We began the test with a 100% State Of Charge (SOC) of the battery.

Only Sport Mode: The scooter was restricted to only Sport mode throughout the test.

City Traffic Conditions: We kept the top speed at 60 km/h (the max speed of the scooter) and rode through traffic lights, potholes, inclines, and everything else that comes with riding an electric scooter in Indian conditions.

Rode Till The Battery Died: We rode the scooter till the battery reached 0% SOC and the scooter stopped moving.

Result

When we rolled out of the Bajaj showroom, the digital range indicator showed us a reading of 112 km in Sport mode. The confidence of Bajaj Auto is palpable as they claim the real-world range of their flagship scooter to be 113 km.

However, after three hours and 45 minutes of continuous riding, the range indicator showed us a shocking figure of

87.4 KM

Yes, you read that right! The real-world range of the scooter came out to be 87.4 km, a whooping 23% less than the figure claimed by Bajaj Auto. However, 87 km of range on a 2.5 kWh NMC battery is nothing short of extraordinary for a ₹1 lakh scooter.

The Math

The ex-showroom price of the Chetak C2501 is ₹91,399. Considering the range of the scooter, the cost per km turns out to be ₹1,050/km.

Read this- Top 10 Electric Cars in India: September 2026 Sales & Rankings

Competitors such as the

TVS iQube 2.2, Ather Rizta S, and the Ola S1 Air are priced at ₹1.15 lakh, ₹1.20 lakh, and ₹1.05 lakh respectively with ranges of 80, 85, and 75 km. Clearly, the value for money equation tips in favor of the Bajaj Chetak C2501.

However, the real reason why the range of the scooter is so impressive is the engineering marvel behind it.

While most competitors such as the Ather 450X and Ola S1 use swingarm-mounted motors, the motor in the Chetak C2501 is mounted directly to the rear wheel. The battery is also mounted on the floorboard as opposed to being mounted on the swingarm in case of the Ola S1. This reduces energy losses due to friction and makes the scooter more efficient.

What Drains The Battery?

While 87 km of range on a 2.5 kWh battery is nothing short of extraordinary, there are some conditions in which the range drops significantly.

Case 1: Riding On Highways

On highways, the recommended speed to maintain maximum range is 55 km/h. However, on the 5-lane highway in South Mumbai, we were only able to achieve a range of 75 km.

Case 2: Two-Wheelers + AC

If you plan on taking along a pillion or use the AC (if fitted), the range drops to 60-65 km.

Case 3: Winter

If you live in a cold climate with temperatures below 15°C, you can only expect a range of 70 km from the scooter.

So, if you are planning on embarking on adventures on weekends and live in a hilly terrain, then the Chetak C2501 might not be for you.

However, if your daily commute is under 60 km, the scooter is perfect for you.

Charging

With the 750W off-board charger that comes with the scooter, you can charge the battery from 0-80% in just 2 hours 25 minutes. A full charge on the other hand would take under 4 hours.

So, if you reach home at 7 PM from work, you can charge the scooter and have it fully charged by 11 PM in the evening, ready to take you to work the next morning.

The Final Verdict

The Verdict: Should You Buy The Scooter?

BUY IF

Your daily commute is under 60 km

You want a premium metal-bodied scooter under ₹1 lakh

You want to leverage on Bajaj’s massive service network (3,000+ touchpoints)

You want a scooter that can be charged to 80% in 2 and a half hours

AVOID IF

You often travel more than 80 km on a daily basis

You live in a hilly terrain such as the Himalayas

You want to experience highway driving (the scooter is restricted to a max speed of 55 km/h)

Now, was Bajaj lying about the range of the scooter? The answer, as explained above, is both yes and no. While the 113 km on a single charge is possible in Eco mode on the flat roads of Bengaluru, 87 km of real-world range is a figure that we can all get excited about.

In our opinion, the Bajaj Chetak C2501 is an excellent value for money offering and offers great performance for an entry-level electric scooter. For now, the Chetak C2501 is the EV king of 2026, but just not the performance king.

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