Two legendary scooters from India’s past have made a comeback in electric avatars — the Kinetic DX Plus EV and the Bajaj Chetak 3503. Both carry the nostalgic charm of their 2-stroke ancestors but come packed with modern tech. With prices falling in the same range, choosing one over the other isn’t easy. So, let’s break down how these two e-scooters stack up in terms of design, performance, features, and value.
Design: Old-School Charm Meets Modern Touch
The Kinetic DX Plus EV grabs attention with its clean, boxy silhouette that mixes retro vibes with sharp modern elements. It features a rectangular LED headlamp, sleek three-spoke alloy wheels, and angular body panels. It’s available in Red, Blue, Black, Silver, and White – all solid shades, no flashy graphics, just classy retro style.
In contrast, the Bajaj Chetak 3503 offers smoother curves and a more flowy design. Its circular LED headlamp with a DRL, flowing body panels, and a rounded front fender give it a softer, more elegant look. It comes in Indigo Metallic, Brooklyn Black, Matte Charcoal Grey, and Cyber White – again, plain colors that stay true to its classic roots.
Verdict: Like your scooters boxy and bold? Go Kinetic. Prefer smooth and elegant curves? Chetak’s for you.
Performance & Battery: Kinetic’s Speed vs Chetak’s Range
Under the hood, the Kinetic DX Plus packs a 4.8kW hub-mounted motor paired with a 2.5kWh battery. It claims a top speed of 90 kmph and a range of 116 km. It also includes a built-in charger tucked inside the apron with a retractable cable – a clever storage-saving move.
The Chetak 3503, meanwhile, uses a 4kW frame-mounted motor and a larger 3.5kWh battery. It boasts a range of 151 km but tops out at just 63 kmph.
Verdict: Want better range? Go Chetak. Need higher speed and onboard charging convenience? Kinetic wins.
Underpinnings & Storage: Kinetic Has the Edge
Kinetic DX Plus features a telescopic front fork and twin rear shocks, giving it a comfortable ride. It uses a disc brake up front and drum at the rear. The 12-inch alloys (with 100-section tyres) are retro-inspired but stand out in today’s EV crowd. And the 37-litre underseat storage is one of the biggest in the segment – it can even fit a full-face and half-face helmet together.
Chetak 3503 uses a front trailing link suspension (like the old model) and a monoshock at the rear. It has drum brakes on both ends and rolls on 90-section tyres with 12-inch alloys. The boot space is decent at 35 litres, slightly smaller than the Kinetic’s.
Verdict: For more storage and better braking setup, the DX Plus takes the lead.
Features: Smart Tech All Around
The Kinetic DX Plus sports an 8.8-inch display that even wishes you Happy Birthday. It includes features like Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, hill-hold, reverse mode, regenerative braking, ride modes (Range, Power, Turbo), geo-fencing, anti-theft alerts, scooter tracking, parking lights, and even auto-opening footrests.
The Chetak 3503 offers a neat LCD screen with riding info (speed, range, battery percentage), two riding modes (Eco and Sports), and Bluetooth features like calls, SMS alerts, music control, and turn-by-turn navigation. Reverse mode and some extras, though, require the TecPac add-on.
Verdict: The DX Plus packs in more features without needing extra kits. Chetak keeps it clean and functional.
Price Check: Similar Cost, Different Priorities
- Kinetic DX Plus: ₹1,17,499 (ex-showroom, Pune)
- Bajaj Chetak 3503: ₹1,14,500 (ex-showroom, Pune)
They’re nearly neck-and-neck in pricing. But while Chetak delivers a longer range and has the trust of Bajaj’s wide service network, the Kinetic DX Plus offers better performance, tons of features, and more practicality.
Verdict: Chetak is safer if service accessibility is a big concern. But if you’re after more features, faster speed, and bigger storage, the Kinetic DX Plus might just surprise you.
Final Thoughts: Retro War of the Electrics
Both scooters bring back fond memories but cater to slightly different needs. The Chetak 3503 is the reliable daily runner with a longer range, while the Kinetic DX Plus EV is the peppier, more feature-rich underdog.
If Kinetic can expand its service reach soon, it could seriously shake up the electric scooter game in India.
