The electric scooter scene in India is turning out to be exciting in 2020, with several new products ahead of us. The Ather 450 is already in the market, Bajaj has just brought out the Chetak Electric, TVS has promised its first premium electric scooter loosely based on the TVS Creon by end of March 2020, and Mahindra too will be unveiling its e-scooter in the coming weeks.
Today we’ll have a look at how the Bajaj Chetak Electric matches up with the Ather 450.
Bajaj Chetak vs Ather 450 – Design
In terms of design, both the Chetak and Ather 450 walk different paths. While the Chetak is curvaceous and has a retro-modern appeal, the Ather 450 is all about sharpness and modern. The Chetak gets a round LED headlamp with horseshoe daytime running lights in the front, split design LED tail lamps, triangular side view mirrors, wide seat, alloy wheels and a digital instrument cluster.
The Ather 450 has a sharper and sleeker look, and the design, dare we say, is the more original of the two. The slim LED headlamp sits flush within the front apron with snazzy LED tail lamps and indicators. The exposed trellis frame under the seat is a nice touch while the side skirts add to the sportiness. A 7-inch full-colour touchscreen display is easy to read and responsive.
Bajaj Chetak vs Ather 450 – Battery, Range, and Charging
Bajaj Chetak makes use of a 4 kW (5.36) motor and the Ather 450 gets a bigger 5.4 kW (7.24 hp) unit. The batteries on both the scooters get IP67 rating. The Chetak gets a range of 85 km in Sport mode and 95 km in Eco mode. Chetak’s Lithium-Ion battery does not support fast charging and can be charged to 100% in five hours and to 25% in an hour.
Ather 450 gets three riding modes – Eco, Ride and Sport – returning a range of 75 km, 65 km and 55 km respectively. The battery unit of the 450 supports fast charging and can be charged at the rate of 1 km per minute. With a regular charger, the 450 will take about 5 hours to be charged completely.
Bajaj Chetak vs Ather 450 – Features
When it comes to features, both scooters are packed to the rafters. Both get digital instrument cluster while the Ather 450 also gets a colour touchscreen display. Both Chetak and 450 get all-LED lights, smartphone connectivity through respective apps and reverse modes. When connected to smartphones with their apps, information of both e-scooters’ information like range and charge status can be accessed effortlessly.
While the Bajaj Chetak gets a disc brake at the front and a drum at the back, the Ather 450 enjoys disc brakes at both ends. Both scooters ride on 12-inch wheels and get CBS.
Bajaj Chetak vs Ather 450 – Price and Availability
The Ather 450 comes in a singly fully-loaded variant priced at Rs. 1.14 lakh on-road Bengaluru whereas the Bajaj Chetak is priced at INR 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru & Pune) for the comparable top-spec ‘Premium’ version.
While the Ather 450 is currently available in Bengaluru and Chennai with Delhi, Pune, Mumbai and Hyderabad lined up to receive it this year. Bajaj only retails the Chetak in and Bengaluru through KTM stores.
Bajaj Chetak vs Ather 450 Tech Spec Comparison
| Bajaj Chetak | Ather 450 | |
| Engine and Performance | ||
| Peak Power | 5.36 hp | 7.24 hp |
| Peak Torque | 16 Nm | 20.5 Nm |
| Top Speed | 60 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-40 km/h) | NA | 3.9 seconds |
| Riding modes | Eco & Sport | Eco, Ride & Sport |
| Regenerative Braking | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Brakes | Front Disc, Rear Drum with CBS | Dual Disc with CBS |
| Body Construction | Metal | ABS Plastic |
| Lighting | Full LED | Full LED |
| Keyless entry | Yes | No |
| Data Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Rating | 3 kWh | 2.7 kWh |
| Max Range (Economy Mode) | 95 km | 75 km |
| Charging Time (Standard Charger) | 0 – 100% – 5 hr | 0 – 100% – About 5 hr |
| Public Charging facility | No | Yes (Ather Grid) |
| Home Charging | Complementary Charger | Complementary Charger |
| Fast Charging | No | Yes |
| Battery Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Battery Warranty | 3 years / 50,000 km | 3 years / unlimited km |
| Price | Urbane: INR 1 lakh ex-showroom Pune & Bengaluru Premium: INR 1.15 lakh ex-showroom Pune & Bengaluru | INR 1.14 lakh (On-Road Bengaluru) |
Which one is the winner?
As you can see, both Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450 are poised equally in terms of features, but the Bengaluru-based startup has the quicker and faster offering here. While you have a cheaper variant in Chetak, the Ather 450 offers an unlimited km warranty or 3 years. Where the Ather 450 has a public fast-charging network available now (Ather Grid), Chetak offers a better range in a single charge. Both scooters are loaded with connectivity tech. Ather as a company is new and is slowly gaining the trust of the public. Bajaj on the other hand don’t have any issue here, but are beginners in the EV scene.
Only a comprehensive road test will lead us to a verdict, so stay tuned!
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