Vida V1 vs Bajaj Chetak: New vs Old

Both scooters sound like rather pricey propositions. 

• What works for the Vida V1 is its long list of features.
• The Chetak, meanwhile, looks absolutely gorgeous. 
• Unfortunately, none of them have specs to really boast of though. 

Finally available, Hero Vida's eagerly anticipated V1 electric scooter created quite a ruckus. A plethora of functions are hidden beneath the Vida V1's appealing design language, which combines a unique yet futuristic appearance. So, can it compete with the Bajaj Chetak, one of the oldest electric scooters out in the market today? Let’s find out: 

Vida V1 vs Bajaj Chetak: Design & Features

Keyless entry, a 7-inch full-color TFT touchscreen, and switch cubes for switching between functions are all included in the Hero Vida V1. The Vida V1's electronics are IP65 rated. There are four riding modes: Eco, Ride, Sport, and Custom. Additionally available are features like over-the-air software updates, in-app performance customization, and turn-by-turn guidance. 

The Bajaj Chetak, like the petrol-powered predecessor, draws design ideas from the Vespa, setting it different from the myriad of competing electric scooters. Other parts, like the retractable bag rack under the seat or the triangular rear-view reflectors on thin metal stalks, appear to be both fashionable and useful. The switchgear is of the highest calibre, and further premium features include the LCD digital data panel and the brushed metal bezel that surrounds the LED headlight.

The Bajaj Chetak's feature list falls short of that of its competitors, including the Ather 450X, Ola S1, and TVS iQube Electric. The only one with a colour LCD screen is the Chetak. Even connected technology on the Chetak has extremely few features. 

You may access fundamental geo-tagging and geo-fencing functions as well as details on local charging locations via the Chetak app. To manage your music while on the go, you can connect your smartphone to the scooter. The front apron features a storage area with a USB port for charging your phone while you're on the go and a place to keep the charging wire on the other side.

 A compact key fob is provided for keyless entry on the Chetak. Using the switchgear on the right side, you can open the front storage compartment or the seat.

Vida V1 vs Bajaj Chetak: Motor

Battery packs for both the Vida V1 Pro and Plus are IP67 rated. The V1 Plus receives a 3.44kWh battery pack, compared to the 3.94kWh battery pack for the V1 Pro. The models' IDC (Indian Driving Cycle) ranges are 165 km and 143 km, respectively, as a result. The V1's replaceable battery pack can be fast-charged in less than 65 minutes (from 0% to 80%).

Both variations have an IP68-rated motor with a stated top speed of 80kmph, speaking of performance. However, the V1 Pro is faster in sprints from 0 to 40 kph, with a reported time of 3.2 seconds. Fortunately, the V1 Plus isn't too far behind, finishing the 0 to 40 kmph run in 3.4 seconds.

A brushless DC motor with a maximum torque of 16Nm and a maximum peak power of 4.08kW drives the Chetak. The scooter's claimed range in "Eco" mode is 108 kilometres, an increase of 18 kilometres over the previous model. It is powered by a 60.3 AH lithium-ion battery pack. It can be charged to 100% using a standard 5A power outlet in five hours, while a 25% charge may be completed in just one. 

The Chetak is covered by a three-year/50,000-mile (whichever comes first) guarantee from Bajaj. Its service frequency is every 12,000 kilometres, or one year, and its battery life is estimated to be around 70,000 kilometres.

Vida V1 vs Bajaj Chetak: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Hero Vida V1 is supported by a single rear shock absorber, a telescopic fork, and an under-bone frame. A front disc and a rear drum are used for braking. Both ends of the e-scooter are supported by 12-inch alloy wheels. It has a 90/90-section tyre up front and a 100/80 tyre in the back.

The Chetak, meanwhile, has a monoshock in the back and a single-sided suspension up front similar to the Vespa. The front brake is a disc unit, and the rear brake is a drum unit. 

Vida V1 vs Bajaj Chetak: Dimensions

None of the scooters are large, and they both feel decently compact. Where the Chetak causes an issue though, is with its 133kg kerb weight, making it a chore to move around in the parking lot. It’s undoubtedly heavy and cannot mask its weight well. 

It sounds a little intimidating on paper (by scooter standards, at least) and it is. Keyless ignition, a retractable seat hook, and self-cancelling indicators (the ones at the back are sequential as well, which looks quite swanky) are additional highly practical features.

There is room for storage both beneath the seat and in the back of the apron, however only the half-face helmet can fit in the under-seat compartment, and the first-aid box and tools take up the whole storage area in the apron.

Vida V1 vs Bajaj Chetak: Price

Priced at Rs. 1,28,000 and Rs. 1,39,000, respectively, ex-showroom in Delhi and including Fame II, are the Vida V1 Plus and V1 Pro e-scooters. Online and Vida Experience Centre reservations are now available for the low price of Rs 2,499, and you can even purchase the scooter right now through Flipkart. 

The base edition of the Chetak is available for Rs 1,22,453 for the Premium Edition in the hues Brooklyn Black, Hazelnut, Indigo Metallic, and Velutto Rosso and for Rs 1,51,958 for the 2023 Edition in the shades Matte Caribbean Blue, Matte Coarse Grey, and Satin Black.

Verdict

At this point, the Bajaj Chetak might come off as the slightly more cost effective and better scooter to purchase. But honestly, none of them really leave a mark on the rider. If you really want an electric scooter, you’d be better off buying the TVS iQube S or the base variant of the Ather 450X, both of which are a lot less expensive than both the Chetak and the Vida V1. 

Both offer more features than the Chetak, including a touchscreen, navigation, and quick charging. Additionally, they’re faster, more thrilling to ride, and even have a rear disc brake as opposed to the drum brakes on these two scooters. Since electrics are still a relatively new technology, there is a strong sense of unease that causes some hesitation in potential buyers. 

The sense of security provided by the Bajaj brand and the network that goes along with it may be enough to convince the general public to switch to electricity.