Bajaj Chetak 3501 vs TVS iQube S: Specs, features, price compared

Bajaj launched the new-gen Chetak 35 series a couple of days back in two variants: 3502 and 3501, while a third base variant named 3503 will be added to the range later. The direct rival to Bajaj Chetak is TVS iQube, with both legacy two-wheeler manufacturers launching their respective electric scooters around the same time, between late 2019 and early 2020.

TVS updated the iQube range earlier this year and now Bajaj has provided a significant upgrade to the Chetak electric scooter. Let us find out how the top-spec Bajaj Chetak 3501 and the mid-spec TVS iQube S fare against each other. The Chetak 3501 is priced at Rs 1.27 lakh whereas the iQube S with the 3.4 kWh battery pack is priced at Rs 1.41 lakh (both ex-showroom).

Bajaj Chetak 3501 vs TVS iQube S: Dimensions

Bajaj hasn’t released the entire dimensions for the Chetak 3501 but it has provided two significant details for the updated electric scooter. Firstly, the Chetak now offers an underseat storage of 35 litres which Bajaj claims is useful for storing two half-face helmets. The iQube S gets a 32 litre underseat storage. The Chetak further gets a front glovebox compartment which the iQube misses out on. 

Secondly, the single-piece seat is now 80mm longer although the entire length of the seat for both models is not available. Moreover, Bajaj claims a 3 kilo reduction in overall weight of the Chetak due to a lighter battery pack which should translate to a kerb weight of 131 kg which makes it over 12 kilos heavier than the iQube S at 118.6 kg.

Bajaj Chetak 3501 vs TVS iQube S: Features

Bajaj has added quite a few gizmos with the new Chetak 35 series. The top-spec Chetak 3501 now gets a 5-inch TFT touchscreen instrument panel which now packs Bluetooth connectivity with calls and text notifications, in-built navigation, music control, and document storage. Other features include full LED illumination, geo fencing, guide me home taillights, sequential turn indicators,reverse mode, and a USB charging port.

The mid-spec iQube S is equally (or slightly better) equipped than the Chetak 3501 with features like a 7-inch TFT instrument panel which packs Bluetooth connectivity with call and text alerts, joystick enabled navigation, and music control. Other notable features on the iQube S are full LED illumination, geo fencing, reverse mode, and a USB charging port.

Bajaj Chetak 3501 vs TVS iQube S: Battery & Motor specs

The new Bajaj Chetak 3501 gets a 3.5 kWh battery pack that promises a range of 153 km (ARAI) on a single charge. The TVS iQube gets a comparable 3.4 kWh battery pack that claims a range of 100 km on a single charge, a huge difference. As for charging, the battery on the Chetak 3501 can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in 3 hours whereas the same can be achieved by the iQube S 3.5 kWh battery in 5 hours. 

The Chetak gets a 4kW BLDC electric motor whereas the iQube gets a marginally more powerful 4.4kW BLDC hub-mounted motor. Both scooters get two ride modes: Eco and Sports. The Chetak 3501 can clock a top speed of 73 kmph whereas the iQube S can reach 78 kmph of top speed.