Detailed Comparison between Ather and Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter

It is going to be an interesting one as we are about to compare Ather and Bajaj Chetak Electric scooters. We have chosen all the criteria like price, range, battery, riding experience and features of both vehicles. So that you can choose one.

Ather Energy, a company based in Bangalore, India, was established by Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain in 2013, and it produces electric vehicles. The Ather 450X, an electric scooter, was launched on July 19th, 2022, with several enhancements.

Produced by Bajaj Auto, the Bajaj Chetak Electric is an Indian-manufactured motor scooter. The Chetak Electric was initially released in Pune and Bangalore in January 2020 and is sold through selected KTM dealerships.

Variants

Ather - Ather 450 Plus, Ather 450 X

Bajaj Chetak - It is available in one variant and 6 different colours only.

Price Comparison

Ather

The Ather scooters come in two variants - the Ather 450 Plus and the Ather 450X. The former is priced at Rs. 1,27,916 while the latter is priced at Rs. 1,46,926. The Ather 450X is considered to be one of the fastest and most technologically advanced electric scooters currently available in India.

Bajaj Chetak

The on-road price for Chetak Electric starts at Rs. 1.21 Lakh onwards.

Design and Look

Ather 450X

In contrast to the bulky and robust design of internal combustion scooters, this vehicle boasts sleek and aerodynamic lines, which enhance its agility. With no superfluous body panels, the Chetak is a sight to behold.

A straightforward side stand complements the clean lines at the rear, alongside a slender front-facing DRL lamp and sharp indicator lamps, ensuring that the vehicle stands out from the crowd.

The Chetak is available in three standard colours: Space Grey with yellow highlights, White with green accents, and Mint Green with orange accents. Additionally, it comes in a limited-edition Series 1 variant, which has a black body with red highlights and is only available in select cities.

Bajaj Chetak EV

The design of the Chetak is the first thing that immediately captures one's attention. With its timeless and classic appearance, the scooter features a round headlight and swooping bodywork that I find to be very appealing. Although the all-metal construction adds to the weight of the scooter, once in motion, the 132 kg mass is hardly noticeable.

Bajaj's decision to use an all-metal construction has resulted in consistent panel gaps and ensured that the panels will not become loose over time.

Additionally, metal parts tend to last longer compared to plastic parts, making the Chetak a durable and long-lasting scooter. Overall, Chetak's design and aesthetic leave a great impression and receive a double thumbs up from me.

Features and Specifications

Ather 450X

It features a more powerful battery with 3.66 kWh, Bluetooth, Wifi, and 4G sim card connectivity, as well as a new 7” touchscreen dashboard with a colour depth of 16M and a Snapdragon Quad Core processor.

The Ather 450X utilises Android Open Source technology to provide features such as map navigation, onboard diagnostics, and Over-the-air monitoring systems (TPMS).

Bajaj Chetak EV

It features Bluetooth, tamper alert, geo-fencing & OTA updates – all via the Chetak app, an LCD console, body-coloured mirrors, high-quality advanced chemistry Lithium Ion cells sourced directly from reputed top-quality manufacturers in the world, and multiple internal safety measures within the battery itself.

Range

Ather 450X

For those who are worried about range anxiety, the Ather 450X scooter is an ideal choice for those who cover an average distance of 5-60 kilometres per day. The scooter offers a range of 85 kilometres on a single full charge, which is suitable for most daily commutes. Additionally, the 450X offers multiple performance modes that assure the rider of decent mileage.

In Eco-mode, the Ather 450X offers a range of around 80 kilometres on a full charge. The Ride mode offers a range of 70 kilometres per full charge, while the Sports mode offers a range of 60 kilometres per full charge. Lastly, in the Warp mode, the scooter can run up to 48-50 kilometres per full charge.

Bajaj Chetak EV

When fully charged, the Chetak has a range of 80km. During our tests in city conditions, we consistently achieved a range of approximately 70km with the Eco and Sports modes switching automatically. The Chetak's battery can be fully charged in around 5 hours, which is adequate for regular city usage.

Charging Time

Ather 450X

It takes approximately 3.5 hours for the Ather 450X's battery to reach an 80% charge, and close to 5 hours and 30 minutes for a full charge. The scooter can be charged overnight to be used for the next day's commute.

Charging can be done using a portable charger that can fit in the scooter's boot space or a dot charger that can be installed in apartment complexes.

Each time the vehicle is fully charged, it consumes three units of electricity, which costs between Rs. 20 and Rs. 30, depending on the city's electricity norms.

The scooter can travel up to 108 km on a single charge and has a top speed of 90 km/h. It takes roughly 5.4 hours to charge the battery.

Bajaj Chetak EV

Equipped with an onboard charger, the Chetak can be charged using a three-pin socket anywhere, making charging convenient. However, the scooter must be parked in a suitable location to charge overnight, which can be a concern for many electric vehicle users. The battery is fixed, and the charging port is located beneath the seat, which can be secured while charging by locking it.

Battery

Ather 450X

According to Ather Energy's website, the Ather battery pack is powered by lithium-ion cells. It features one of the most intelligent battery management systems available, providing superior, reliable, and consistent performance.

Bajaj Chetak EV

It's 4 kW electric motor generates 5.36 horsepower and 16 Nm of torque, while its 3kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a range of up to 95km on a single charge.

Riding Experience

Ather 450X

The vehicle offers a satisfying riding experience. The eco mode is suitable for beginners and delivers excellent mileage with a gradual increase in speed. For those who want a more powerful ride, there are ride and sports modes that provide higher torque and acceleration.

The Warp mode allows riders to reach speeds of up to 80-90KMPH. The suspension is sturdy enough to handle rough roads in Chennai and provides a smooth ride even while making turns.

The scooter is well-suited for riders between 5 ft and 5 ft 10 inches tall. It responds well while accelerating and offers an enjoyable riding experience similar to the feeling of being Valentino Rossi.

The latest model has undergone software and hardware upgrades and is now in its third generation.

Bajaj Chetak EV

The Chetak EV is propelled by a 3 kWh battery pack that transfers 16 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a solid gear drive system without any belts or chains. This provides a comfortable ride both in the city and on highways.

The Chetak features three drive modes - Eco, Sports, and Reverse. While Eco and Sports can be manually selected, the Chetak can also detect the need for more power and switch to Sports mode automatically.

The scooter features a reverse mode for easy parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces.