KATHMANDU: Nepal’s electric scooter market is becoming increasingly competitive. New models are entering the market with better range, modern technology and attractive pricing.
Among the latest additions are the TVS Orbiter and Bajaj Chetak C2501. Both are positioned as more affordable electric scooters from their respective brands.
The two scooters are also priced at the same Rs. 281,900 in Nepal. The Orbiter is TVS Motor’s second electric scooter in Nepal after the iQube, while the Chetak C2501 expands Bajaj’s Chetak lineup.
Despite their identical prices, the two scooters differ in design, range, performance, braking hardware, storage and connected features. Here is how they compare.
Design
The Bajaj Chetak C2501 follows a neo-classical design. It gets a round LED headlamp, a clean body profile, a flat floorboard and a U-shaped LED tail lamp.
Its simple design gives it a more traditional and premium appearance. It also retains the familiar Chetak styling.
The TVS Orbiter has a more modern and utility-focused design. Its body has sharper lines, while the long flat seat and flat floorboard focus on everyday practicality.
The Orbiter also gets a 14-inch front alloy wheel, which is designed to improve stability and handling.
Battery and motor
Range is one of the most important factors for electric scooter buyers.
The Chetak C2501 gets a 2.5 kWh battery and offers an IDC range of up to 113 km. It has a hub motor and a top speed of 60 km/h.
The TVS Orbiter uses a larger 3.1 kWh battery. It offers an IDC-certified range of up to 158 km and has a 2.5 kW motor. Its top speed is 68 km/h.
On paper, the Orbiter has a clear advantage in both range and top speed.
Brakes and suspension
The Chetak C2501 gets a front disc brake and rear drum brake. It also uses a telescopic front suspension and rear suspension setup.
The Orbiter uses drum brakes at both ends, along with telescopic front suspension and a rear dual-shock setup.
Therefore, the Chetak has an advantage in braking hardware, particularly with its front disc brake.
Both scooters come with alloy wheels and tubeless tires.
Features
The Chetak C2501 comes with a color LCD instrument cluster, LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging and reverse mode. It also offers hill-hold assist and multiple riding modes with the TecPac package.
It has 25 liters of under-seat storage and supports fast charging, with a claimed 0-80 percent charging time of 2 hours and 25 minutes.
The TVS Orbiter focuses more heavily on connected technology. It gets a color LCD display, smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation and OTA updates.
Other features include hill-hold assist, cruise control, anti-theft alerts, crash alerts, regenerative braking, motor cut-off technology, reverse mode and parking assist.
The Orbiter also offers 34 liters of under-seat storage, which is considerably larger than the Chetak C2501’s 25-liter storage capacity.
Which is the better buy?
At the same Rs. 281,900 price, the TVS Orbiter has an advantage in range, performance, storage and connected features.
Its 158 km IDC range is significantly higher than the Chetak C2501’s 113 km range. The Orbiter also has a higher top speed and 34-liter storage capacity.
The Bajaj Chetak C2501, however, has its own strengths. Its neo-classical design, metal body and front disc brake may appeal to buyers who prioritize styling and conventional hardware.
Therefore, buyers looking for longer range, more storage and more connected features may find the TVS Orbiter more attractive.
Those who prefer Chetak’s retro-modern design and front disc brake may find the C2501 a better fit.
