Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Launch Expected in January 2026: Complete Details
Bajaj Auto is preparing for a major push in the electric two-wheeler segment as it plans to launch another Bajaj Chetak electric scooter in January 2026. This upcoming launch is expected to play a key role in the company’s electric vehicle strategy for the coming year.
After gaining strong momentum in 2025, the Chetak brand has emerged as one of the most trusted electric scooters in India. Bajaj now appears ready to expand the Chetak portfolio to cover a wider price range and attract a larger customer base.
Bajaj Chetak’s Growing Popularity in India
The Bajaj Chetak has steadily built its image as a premium yet practical electric scooter. Unlike many competitors that focus on flashy designs and heavy digital features, the Chetak has won buyers with its metal body, solid build quality and smooth ride experience.
In late 2025, the scooter achieved impressive sales numbers. Bajaj reportedly sold over 16,000 units in October 2025, placing the Chetak among the top-selling electric scooters in the country for that month. This performance clearly shows that Indian customers still value durability and brand reliability, especially when investing in electric vehicles.
Encouraged by this success, Bajaj is now planning to strengthen the Chetak brand further.
Strategic Expansion of the Chetak Line-Up
The January 2026 launch is expected to be more than just a routine update. Industry sources suggest that Bajaj is working on a more flexible platform that will allow the company to introduce multiple variants under the Chetak name.
At present, the Chetak range mainly focuses on urban commuters who prefer a refined and premium electric scooter. With the upcoming model, Bajaj aims to reach:
- Budget-conscious buyers
- First-time EV users
- Younger riders looking for better performance
This approach will help Bajaj transform Chetak from a single-product offering into a full-fledged electric scooter family.
Affordable Variant Likely to Be the Main Attraction
One of the biggest highlights of the January 2026 launch could be a more affordable Bajaj Chetak electric scooter.
Currently, the Chetak is priced above ₹1 lakh, with the Urbane variant costing around ₹1.42 lakh (ex-showroom). While this pricing suits premium buyers, it limits mass-market adoption.
Reports suggest Bajaj is working on a variant that could be priced below ₹1 lakh, possibly in the ₹80,000 to ₹90,000 range. Entering this price bracket would allow Bajaj to directly compete with popular budget electric scooters such as:
- Ola Electric models like the S1 X
- TVS Motor Company iQube base variants
- Hero Vida VX2
Crossing the sub-₹1 lakh price point is critical in India, as it significantly increases buyer interest and showroom footfall.
How Bajaj May Control Costs
To offer a lower-priced Chetak without compromising reliability, Bajaj is expected to introduce several cost-saving measures.
Expected Changes for Affordability
- Hub-mounted electric motor instead of a mid-drive unit
- Simpler LCD digital display
- Reduced connected features
- Use of fibre panels for non-structural parts
These changes can help Bajaj reduce production costs while maintaining acceptable performance for everyday city use.
Expected Range and Riding Performance
Even with a lower price, Bajaj is expected to ensure that the scooter remains practical for daily commuting.
Likely Specifications (Expected)
- Range: Around 100 km on a single charge
- Top speed: Tuned for city traffic
- Battery placement: Floorboard-mounted
- Suspension: Telescopic front fork with twin rear shock absorbers
This configuration should be suitable for office commuting, short city trips and daily errands.
Possibility of a Performance-Oriented Variant
Alongside the affordable version, Bajaj may also introduce a higher-performance Chetak variant. The current model focuses more on comfort than speed, with a top speed of around 63 kmph.
A performance-focused version could feature:
- Higher top speed
- Faster acceleration
- Extended riding range
Such a variant would target younger buyers who currently prefer scooters like the Ather 450X, which offer stronger performance but come at a higher price.
Design Philosophy: Retro Yet Practical
Spy images of test scooters indicate that Bajaj will continue with the retro-inspired design language that the Chetak is known for. However, the upcoming version is expected to focus more on practicality than visual gimmicks.
Observed design elements include:
- LCD instrument cluster
- Basic and durable switchgear
- Clean body panels with fewer complex elements
This approach aligns well with Indian riding conditions, where long-term reliability is often more important than high-tech features.
Bajaj’s Strong Dealer and Service Network Advantage
One of Bajaj’s biggest strengths is its extensive sales and service network across India.
At present, Bajaj has:
- Around 390 exclusive Chetak stores
- Over 4,000 sales points
- Presence in 800+ cities
This wide network gives Bajaj a significant advantage over many EV-focused startups, especially when it comes to service availability, spare parts and customer support.
Why January 2026 Is a Smart Launch Period
January is usually a slow month for two-wheeler sales in India. However, launching during this period allows Bajaj to:
- Create early awareness
- Stock dealerships in advance
- Prepare for higher demand during February and March
This strategy suggests Bajaj is planning carefully rather than chasing short-term sales spikes.
Bajaj’s EV Ambitions for 2026
By expanding the Chetak range, Bajaj is clearly aiming to strengthen its position in the electric two-wheeler market. Instead of targeting only premium customers, the company now wants to attract:
- Daily commuters
- Budget buyers
- Performance-focused riders
If executed well, this strategy could place Bajaj among the top electric scooter manufacturers in India in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter launch expected in January 2026 could significantly reshape the Indian electric scooter market. With a possible sub-₹1 lakh price point, dependable build quality and Bajaj’s strong service network, the upcoming Chetak variants may appeal to a wide range of Indian consumers.
If Bajaj manages to balance affordability, durability and real-world range, the Chetak brand could see even stronger sales growth in the coming year.