The electric scooter market in India has no shortage of options under the Rs 1.2 lakh mark. Two of the latest contenders are the Bajaj Chetak C3001 and the Hero Vida VX2 Plus. While the Chetak focuses on premium build quality and practicality, the Vida VX2 Plus targets buyers looking for modern features. Here's a closer look at how the two compete against each other.
Pricing
The Bajaj Chetak C3001 is priced at Rs 1.11 lakh (ex-showroom), making it around Rs 9,000 more affordable than the Hero Vida VX2 Plus, which costs Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hero also offers the Vida VX2 Plus with a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) subscription model.
Design and Dimensions
Both scooters have a comfortable riding position and accessible seat heights, making them suitable for riders of different heights.
Styling, however, is where the two take completely different approaches. The Bajaj Chetak C3001 carries a timeless neo-retro design with smooth curves, round body panels, and an all-metal body that gives it a premium feel. In contrast, the Vida VX2 Plus adopts a much sharper and more futuristic design with angular bodywork, giving it a sportier appearance.
The Vida is also lighter by around 8 kg, which can make it a bit easier to manoeuvre in city traffic.
Ride and Braking
Both scooters ride on 12-inch wheels and offer stable handling for daily commuting. The Chetak uses a single-sided front suspension, while the Vida gets conventional telescopic front forks. Both are comfortable over regular city roads, although the Chetak's suspension setup feels slightly more absorbent over rough patches.
When it comes to braking, the Vida has an advantage with a front disc brake, whereas the Chetak relies on drum brakes at both ends. This gives the Vida stronger stopping performance, especially during harder braking.
Features
The two scooters come equipped with LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging, hill-hold assist, and multiple riding modes.
However, the Vida VX2 Plus offers a richer technology package with a 4.3-inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and three riding modes: Eco, Ride, and Sport.
The Chetak C3001 gets an LCD with essential ride information, along with Eco and Sport modes. Some connected features such as call alerts, SMS notifications, and music controls are available through Bajaj's optional TecPac, which is sold separately.
One area where the Chetak clearly leads is practicality. Its 35-litre under-seat storage is significantly larger than the Vida's 27.2-litre boot, making it more convenient for carrying a helmet, groceries, or everyday luggage.
Performance and Range
The Hero Vida VX2 Plus has the edge on paper with its 3.4 kWh battery pack, compared to the Chetak's 3.0 kWh unit. It also offers a higher claimed IDC range of 142 km, while the Chetak claims 131 km on a full charge.
Performance is another area where the Vida comes out ahead. It has a top speed of 80 kmph, compared to the Chetak's 70 kmph, making it better suited for faster city commutes.
Charging convenience depends on your usage. The Chetak can charge from 0 to 80 % in under three hours, making it quicker with a standard home charger. The Vida takes longer with its regular charger but supports fast charging, reducing the charging time significantly.
Another major advantage for the Vida is its removable battery packs.
Which One To Choose?
If you want a scooter with a premium design, bigger storage space, faster charging, and a lower price, the Bajaj Chetak C3001 is a great choice. However, if you want better performance, a longer claimed range, more features, and removable batteries for easier charging, the Hero Vida VX2 Plus is the better overall option.
