River Indie Review: In Pictures
![River Indie Review: In Pictures River Indie Review: In Pictures](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.carandbike.com%2Fcms%2Farticles%2F2023%2F9%2F3209168%2FRiver_Indie_38_cbcc15aa4e.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Highlights
- River Indie has the highest lockable onboard storage space of any electric scooter in India.
- Built from the ground up, the Indie has 6.7 kW of peak power, and a claimed real-world range of up to 120 kilometres.
- For now, limited availability will ensure the Indie remains a rare sight on our roads.
From entry-level to premium, performance-driven to style-focused, India has witnessed a variety of electric scooters. However, what remains unseen until now is a utility-centric electric scooter. River, a Bengaluru-based startup, has introduced the Indie to address this specific need. The real question, however, is whether the Indie lives up to its promises and proves to be genuinely practical for your daily routine. Join us as we hop on this scooter and provide you with firsthand insights into its performance.
Also Read: River Indie Review: A Purposeful Electric Scooter Built For Work
![River Indie 33](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_33_226af0e342.jpg)
The Indie prioritises function over form in its design and styling, with every element on the scooter serving a practical purpose.
![River Indie 20](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_20_77d0366aca.jpg)
The Indie embraces a utilitarian approach to its design and aesthetics. Its broad front end incorporates a sizeable headlight housing twin LED headlights, and although the front may appear slightly bulky, it's purposeful, featuring a lockable glove box—a feature reminiscent of scooters from the past.
![River Indie 19](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_19_979665cd96.jpg)
The generous floorboard allows you to transport larger items, and River claims it can even accommodate a gas cylinder. To complement this, there are foldable foot pegs at the front, ensuring your feet won't touch the ground when carrying sizeable cargo.
![River Indie 32](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_32_a6ae6a59cc.jpg)
With a wheelbase of 1,365 millimetres, the Indie boasts the longest wheelbase in its segment and rides on 14-inch wheels, giving it a sturdy and purposeful stance.
![River Indie 15](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_15_d8db249dfb.jpg)
It offers 43 liters of under-seat storage, although the non-flat design limits its practicality for larger items.
![River Indie 14](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_14_fc3d4af706.jpg)
In terms of technology, the Indie is not overly sophisticated. It lacks a touchscreen, a feature found in some premium electric scooters, and instead, it sports a regular 6.0-inch digital cluster with some color elements and neatly organised vital information.
River does promise a basic app for buyers, providing essential information but not much more.
![River Indie 12](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_12_10cca96998.jpg)
One aspect of the Indie that raises concerns is its overall quality and fit and finish, which exhibits some rough edges. These observations are based on production models, not pre-production units, making it uncertain how durable some of the materials used will be for customers.
![River Indie 36](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_36_d2968613d3.jpg)
Powering the River Indie is a 4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistry cells, delivering a real-world range of up to 120 kilometers in Eco mode.
![River Indie 16](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_16_0ab2d23aab.jpg)
However, it's worth noting that the Indie has a proprietary charging port, preventing it from utilising existing fast charging infrastructure offered by other OEMs. To address this, River includes an 800-watt portable charger with the Indie, which can fully charge the scooter in about five hours. Additionally, River is developing a 3 kW AC fast charging option.
![River Indie 13](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_13_85ecee3c57.jpg)
In Rush mode, the Indie unleashes its full 6.7 kW motor output, providing exhilarating acceleration. With a peak torque of 26 Nm, the Indie offers ample power for a two-wheeler, available across all ride modes.
![River Indie 2](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_2_2d2b76ae33.jpg)
Equipped with 14-inch wheels and fitted with 110/70-section front and 120/70-section rear tires, the Indie inspires confidence when cornering at speed, encouraging a more enthusiastic riding style.
![River Indie 34](https://images.carandbike.com/cms/articles/2023/9/3209168/River_Indie_34_860d9efad6.jpg)
Currently, the main challenge for the Indie lies in its availability. In the initial phase, River will only deliver scooters to customers in Bengaluru, with orders opening in other cities starting in November. Although the initial launch price was Rs 1.25 lakh, it is expected to rise to well over Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom) by the time it becomes available in more locations. This could pose a challenge as competitors introduce new models, potentially diminishing the Indie's novelty.
Last Updated on September 21, 2023
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