New-gen Bajaj Chetak Spotted Testing Ahead of 2026 Launch, Cheaper EV Incoming

Bajaj Auto is clearly not done with the Chetak story. New spy shots of the New-gen Bajaj Chetak testing on Indian roads suggest something important is coming and it feels like Bajaj is finally listening to what common EV buyers want.

Bajaj Auto is clearly not done with the Chetak story. From what’s visible, the next Chetak appears to be a part of a new-generation platform that can turn the electric scooter offerings of Bajaj into more affordable, more practical and much more competitive in 2026.

New-gen Bajaj Chetak design changes 

The New-gen Bajaj Chetak still looks familiar, at first glance. Bajaj is not losing the premium, metal-bodied identity that characterized the Chetak. But look closer and the changes are clear.

Key design highlights spotted during testing are as follows:

• Oval LED headlamp with integrated Chetak branding
• Indicators shifted from the front apron to the handlebar
• Fully camouflaged side panels hinting at new graphics and colours
• A single-pod LED tail lamp replacing the older dual-unit setup
• New number plate holder and rear tyre hugger

The silhouette stays classic, but the detailing feels simpler and sharper. In my view, this is Bajaj toning down the “premium-only” image to widen appeal, a smart move.

New-gen Bajaj Chetak hub-mounted motor setup

The biggest talking point is mechanical. The New-gen Bajaj Chetak appears to ditch the swingarm-mounted motor for a hub-mounted motor. That single change says a lot.

Hub motors are:

• More cost-effective
• Simpler to manufacture
• Easier to maintain

This strongly hints that Bajaj is targeting the entry-level or mid-spec electric scooter buyer. Expect performance to be city-focused rather than sporty, with the likely top speed of about 50kmph, perfect for daily commutes, not drag races.

The battery specifications are yet to be announced but Bajaj might bring forward 3kWh and 3.5kWh options. If that happens, the ranges may remain in the 127km to 153km range that is still solid for urban applications.

New-gen Bajaj Chetak features 

The test scooter clearly skips premium extras and that’s intentional. The New-gen Bajaj Chetak is seen with:

• Rectangular LCD instrument cluster
• Basic switchgear
• No TFT display
• No keyless ignition

Frankly, I’m fine with this. Indian EV buyers care more about reliability, price and range than flashy screens. Bajaj seems to understand that now.

Under the skin, the scooter gets telescopic front forks, twin rear shocks, front disc brake, 12-inch wheels and a compact floorboard. Taller riders may find space tight, but the trade-off is a smaller, more city-friendly footprint.

New-gen Bajaj Chetak launch timeline and expected price

According to industry chatter and recent updates, Bajaj is set to make an official launch of the New-gen Bajaj Chetak on January 14, 2026 and is likely to launch in the market in the first quarter of 2026.

Pricing is where things get interesting. Sources suggest the following:

• Entry-level variant could be priced around Rs 80,000
• Some versions may even slip under Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom)

If Bajaj pulls this off, it could seriously disrupt the budget EV market, especially as many competitors continue pushing expensive, high-performance scooters that most buyers simply can not afford.

New-gen Bajaj Chetak could be Bajaj’s smartest EV yet

This might be Bajaj's smartest EV yet. The new generation Bajaj Chetak doesn't focus much on a premium look, but rather on real-world usability. That is exactly what the EV market of India needs right now.

Affordable pricing, proven brand trust, sensible performance and cleaner design, if Bajaj gets the execution right, this scooter could quietly become a bestseller. Sometimes, playing it simple is the boldest move of all.

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