River, a Bengaluru-based electric scooter start-up, has reopened the bookings for its maiden product – the Indie. Prospective customers can book the Indie by making an online payment of Rs 2,500. Additionally, the newly opened showroom in Bengaluru provides an on-site booking option as well.
- Indie gets 55 litres of storage – 43 litres under the seat, 12 litres in the glove box
- Accessories like panniers, top box and floor cage available
Founded in 2021, the company secured fresh funding last year, led by the Al Futtiam Group, with significant investments from many other investors. The River Indie was launched in February 2023, and the first few units rolled out from the manufacturing facility in Hoskote in August 2023. Bookings opened a month later for the first batch of the Indie scooter, accumulating over 200 orders by the end of the month. Furthermore, the initial batch of scooters was earlier delivered in October 2023 to customers based in Bengaluru.
The Indie features a 6.7kW motor, reaching 0-40kph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 90kph. Claimed range is 120km with multiple ride modes on board for the rider to toggle through. Charging options will include an 800-watt portable charger and an upcoming fast charger. Listed features include a 43-litre underseat storage space, a 12-litre glovebox, and optional accessories like hard panniers and a top box. The plush suspension and 14-inch wheels on both sides are well-suited for the Indian roads, as observed during our test ride.
Priced at Rs 1.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), the Indie has gotten Rs 13,000 dearer than when it was first launched and its rivals include the Ather 450S, TVS iQube S and Bajaj Chetak Premium.