Bajaj Chetak 3503 Launched In India: Sometimes Less Is More

Quick Highlights: 

• Bajaj has launched the Chetak 3053 in India

• Shares the same battery packs as its 35 Series siblings but gets fewer features

• It is priced at Rs 1,09,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) 

Bajaj Auto ended 2024 with a bang as it launched the Chetak 35 series in December last year. However, while the prices were announced for the Chetak 3501 and 3502, there was no update on the 3503, the most affordable variant in the series. However, now the brand has finally launched the Chetak 3503 in India. Even though it’s the most affordable one of the lot, it still offers good value for money on paper, but with a catch. 

Not Compromising Where It Counts

The Bajaj Chetak 3503 gets the same 3.5kWh battery pack as its elder siblings, the 3501 and the 3502. The range is similar too, as the 3503 has a claimed range of 151km, while its two siblings have a claimed range of 153km. In terms of outright performance, the 3503 has a claimed top-speed of 63kmph while the other two variants have a claimed top-speed of 73kmph. 

Most of the target audience use the Chetak for commutes within the city, so the slight drop in top speed shouldn't be that much of a dealbreaker provided you’re a bit more mindful while overtaking. More importantly, the 3503 also has the same amount of underseat storage capacity - at 35 litres - as the other variants. 

The biggest difference lies in the number of features the new Chetak 3503 gets. It continues with the previous generation colour LCD console, which does support Bluetooth connectivity but looks a bit outdated compared to the other two variants, which get a TFT console. The 3053 also misses out on a disc brake at the front, which would have been a great addition to enhance its safety.

The Most Affordable Chetak?

While the Chetak 3503 is the most affordable scooter in the 35 Series, it is still not the least expensive Chetak you can get your hands on. The Chetak 2903, which is priced at Rs 98,498 (ex-showroom, Delhi), is the most affordable Chetak you can buy in India. As compared to the 3503, the 2903 gets a lesser claimed range due to its smaller 2.9kWh battery pack, similar features, and most importantly, a smaller underseat storage space due to the battery pack being located under the seat. 

ZigSays

There are a few things which Bajaj can do better when compared to its rivals. For example, the TVS iQube base variant comes with a disc brake at the front and a TFT display as standard, while being over Rs 10,000 more affordable. We can still forgive the lack of TFT screen, but a front disc could’ve been added, especially for a scooter that costs over a lakh rupees. Bajaj anyway offers a front drum on the 2903, so a disc could’ve been standard in the 35 series. Afterall, the visual distinction between the two is very miniscule to the layman, so the better stopping power in the 3503 would’ve been the cherry on top. 

But in the end, the Chetak 3053 has all the basics in place: it has more than enough range and reasonable performance, and it has all the essential features, which make it a great option for those looking for a no-nonsense electric scooter. When combined with the price tag, the Chetak 3503 is a scooter that’s hard to ignore.