Bajaj Chetak vs Vespa ZX 125: Electric Scooter vs Petrol Scooter

Published June 4, 2022
Views : 8565
2 min read

Should you stick to the European petrol-powered scooter or is it time to go electric?

Retro-themed motorcycles are winning hearts across the globe, and now the trend seems to be seeping in the scooter market too. While new players like the Keeway Sixties 300i account for the premium end of the segment, the Vespa line of scooters are the benchmark of the elegant European styling. Even Bajaj has dipped its toes with the electric Chetak. So, let’s find out if the OG still triumphs, or does the desi EV clad in European retro clothes steal the thunder.

Engine

Specifications	Bajaj Chetak	Vespa ZX 125
Motor/Engine	3.08kW BLDC Motor	125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 3-valve engine
Power	4.08kW (Peak)	9.6PS @ 7250rpm
Torque	16Nm	9.9Nm @ 6250rpm
Battery/Fuel Capacity	3kWh	6.5 litres
Range	90km

The competition is neck-to-neck here. While a petrol-powered scooter has the advantage in terms of peak power, the Chetak’s instant torque means you’ll be faster off the line than the Vespa.

However, 6.5-litre fuel tank of the Vespa should give you more range than the range promised by the Bajaj Chetak. Furthermore, the five-hour charging time is another disadvantage for the Chetak.

Underpinnings And Dimension

Specifications	Bajaj Chetak	Vespa ZX 125
Front suspension	Trailing Link	Trailing Link
Rear suspension	Monoshock	Monoshock
Front brake	Disc	Disc
Rear brake	Drum	Drum
Front tyre	90/90-12	90/100 - 10
Rear tyre	90/90-12	90/100 - 10
Kerb Weight	118kg	NA

The Bajaj Chetak and Vespa ZX 125 have identical chassis, braking and suspension components. However, the 12-inch wheels on the e-scooter should translate to better handling and ground clearance.

Features

	Bajaj Chetak	Vespa ZX 125
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Optional
Digital Display	Yes	No
CBS	Yes	Yes

Both the products do not have a long list of features to boast of. The Chetak has a reverse mode and riding modes to brag of, but that’s about it. There’s Bluetooth connectivity available for both the scooters, but neither of them offer navigation or other sophisticated features but the Chetak does get OTA updates.

Price And Verdict

Bajaj Chetak	Vespa ZX 125
Rs 1,53,298	Rs 1.15 lakh

(all prices ex-showroom Delhi)

The Bajaj Chetak and Vespa ZX 125 are undoubtedly charming to look at, but when it comes to performance or features, both of them do not have anything special to entice you. So, if you are looking for a retro-styled electric scooter, the Chetak remains the only option. But if you want to ride without the range anxiety, and don’t mind spending money on fuel, the Vespa ZX 125 is a good pick.