India’s electric scooter market is expanding rapidly, with each brand offering its unique proposition. Two of the latest contenders in the urban EV space are the Bajaj Chetak 3503 and the Ather Rizta S (2.9 kWh). Both scooters target everyday commuters looking for a reliable and efficient ride—but they do so in very different ways. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Battery & range
- Chetak 3503 comes with a 3.5 kWh battery and offers a claimed range of 155 km, making it a solid choice for longer daily commutes.
- Ather Rizta S, with its 2.9 kWh battery, provides a range of 123 km (TrueRange)—sufficient for most city rides but clearly lower than Chetak’s. Verdict: Chetak takes the lead in battery capacity and range.
Performance
- The Rizta S delivers a top speed of 80 km/h and 22 Nm torque, thanks to its PMSM motor.
- The Chetak 3503 has a lower top speed of 63 km/h, with no official figures for torque or acceleration. Verdict: Ather Rizta S is better suited for riders who want a peppier, more performance-oriented scooter.
Charging time
- Chetak charges to 80% in 3 hours 25 minutes with an off-board charger.
- Ather takes 6.5 hours to reach 80% (8.3 hours for a full charge) on a standard home charger. Verdict: Chetak wins here with faster charge times despite its bigger battery.
Brakes & wheels
- Chetak 3503 is fitted with drum brakes on both ends and 12-inch steel wheels.
- Rizta S gets a front disc and rear drum setup with 12-inch alloy wheels, along with CBS (Combined Braking System). Verdict: Ather offers superior braking and build quality.
Technology & features
- Chetak 3503 has a basic color LCD cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and physical keys.
- Rizta S packs in a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, navigation, reverse assist, call/music controls, and even safety features like FallSafe and AutoHold. Verdict: Ather is far ahead in smart features and connectivity.
Comfort & storage
- Chetak offers 35L of underseat storage and a seat height of 725 mm—ideal for shorter riders.
- Rizta S offers 34L of storage, a 780 mm seat height, and a larger overall frame with 165 mm ground clearance. Verdict: Both offer generous storage, but Chetak is more beginner-friendly in terms of ride ergonomics.
Design & build
- Chetak 3503 retains a classic retro look with metal bodywork and elegant paint schemes.
- Ather Rizta S has a contemporary family-scooter design with functional aesthetics and a plastic composite body. Verdict: Design is subjective, but Chetak’s metal body offers a more premium, durable feel.
Pricing
- Chetak 3503: ₹1,10,000 (ex-showroom)
- Ather Rizta S: ₹1,25,550 (ex-showroom) Verdict: Chetak is more affordable by ₹15,000 and still packs in a longer range and faster charging.
Still undecided? This table breaks down everything you need to know at a glance.
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Choose the Bajaj Chetak 3503 if:
- You value range and quicker charging
- You prefer a metal body and classic design
- Budget is a key factor
Choose the Ather Rizta S if:
- You want better performance and smarter tech
- You prefer modern features like navigation, touchscreen, and safety assist
- You're okay with a slightly longer charging time for added functionality
Both scooters serve different needs well—Chetak 3503 is a practical, no-nonsense commuter, while the Rizta S is a connected, tech-savvy ride for modern urban users.