India’s electric scooter market is buzzing with innovation and competition. Two strong contenders in the commuter EV segment—Bajaj Chetak 3503 and Ola S1 X Plus Gen 3—bring distinct value to the table. While one emphasizes classic design and dependable range, the other leans into tech and performance. Let’s compare them across all parameters.
Battery & range
- The Chetak 3503 is equipped with a 3.5 kWh battery, offering a claimed range of 155 km, which is quite respectable for daily city use.
- The Ola S1 X Plus Gen 3 houses a larger 4 kWh battery with an impressive IDC range of up to 242 km, clearly outpacing the Chetak on paper. Verdict: Ola takes the lead in both battery capacity and maximum range.
Performance
- Ola S1 X Plus boasts a top speed of 90 km/h, acceleration of 0–40 km/h in 2.7 sec, and peak power of 11 kW—making it one of the most performance-focused e-scooters in its class.
- Chetak 3503 offers a more modest top speed of 63 km/h with no disclosed acceleration stats or peak power figures. Verdict: Ola S1 X Plus dominates the performance category.
Charging time
- The Chetak charges to 80% in 3 hours 25 minutes using an off-board charger.
- Ola takes 4.5 hours for 0–80% and 6 hours for a full charge with a standard home charger. Verdict: Chetak charges faster to 80%, though Ola has a larger battery.
Brakes & wheels
- Chetak 3503 features drum brakes front and rear with 12-inch steel wheels.
- Ola S1 X Plus Gen 3 offers front disc + rear drum with CBS and 12-inch steel wheels. Verdict: Ola offers better braking with CBS and a front disc setup.
Technology & features
- Chetak gets a basic color LCD, Bluetooth, and physical key operation.
- Ola features a 4.3” color LCD, Bluetooth, navigation assist, remote boot unlock, reverse mode, cruise control, and app integration. It also includes anti-theft, central locking, and geofencing. Verdict: Ola S1 X Plus wins big in smart features and tech.
Comfort & storage
- Chetak provides 35L underseat storage and a seat height of 725 mm, suiting shorter riders.
- Ola offers 34L boot space, 800 mm seat height, and 160 mm ground clearance, more suited to average-height riders. Verdict: Chetak is beginner-friendly, but Ola offers more ground clearance and similar storage.
Design & build
- Chetak has a metal body with a retro design and premium paint finish.
- Ola S1 X Plus uses a plastic body with a futuristic design built for utility and lightweight agility. Verdict: Chetak feels more premium and durable; Ola is more modern and nimble.
Pricing
- Bajaj Chetak 3503: ₹1,10,000 (ex-showroom)
- Ola S1 X Plus Gen 3: ₹1,08,000 (ex-showroom) Verdict: Ola is slightly more affordable and packs more features for the price.
Still unsure? Here's a side-by-side spec table for clarity.
Pick the Bajaj Chetak 3503 if:
- You prefer a classic, metal-bodied scooter
- Quicker charging and range stability matter more
- You're not looking for a lot of tech
Pick the Ola S1 X Plus Gen 3 if:
- You want more performance and a longer range
- You love smart features and app integration
- You want better brakes and a higher top speed
Both scooters serve different rider preferences. Your decision should come down to what matters most: elegance and legacy (Chetak) or technology and power (Ola).
