River Indie review - India's most practical electric scooter | First Ride | Autocar India

The River Indie is a EV with a difference. Instead of trying to be just another family or sporty scooter, River is trying to offer a unique experience. Rishaad Mody tells you what it’s like.
Cameraperson: Roshni Manghani
Editor: Vinayak Badekar
0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - A different EV
1:10 - Design and utility
2:32 - Storage space
3:04 - Attention to detail, quality and finish
3:46 - Weight and size
4:12 - Riding position, seat height
5:00 - Suspension comfort
5:58 - Handling
6:15 - Off road
6:45 - Regen and braking
7:34 - Battery range
8:06 - Charger, charge times
8:28 - Motor, performance, modes
9:19 - Incline gradability, motor consistency
9:51 - Features
10:57 - Pricing and availability
11:30 - Expected price hike and verdict
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#autocarindia #carreview #riverindiereview

[@kapy407]

They have nailed the basics of an EV scooter with no gimmicks and unnecessary hype. Hope they succeed and could probably be my 1st Practical and Comfortable EV scooter for daily city commute

[@HRUSHIKESHNIMS]

But they ended up making it a little heavy. 140kg is a lot. Ola which itself is 15kg heavier than activa is 125

[@jashanvirsingh2166]

@@HRUSHIKESHNIMSwhat is ur problem with being heavy, do u want to lift the. Scooter😂😂

[@HRUSHIKESHNIMS]

@@jashanvirsingh2166 dude..the range!! It has impacted. It's obvious. Rivers true range they are saying is 90ish which is less compared to others which have the same 4kwh battery. Which is why most ev you find is made as light as possible to juice more range.

[@jashanvirsingh2166]

@@HRUSHIKESHNIMS heavy is good , look at light quality of ola which can break easily. And they never said 90 km range , 90 km range is in sports mode

[@HRUSHIKESHNIMS]

@@jashanvirsingh2166 4kwh, maximum you can get an average is 100 to 110. Because it's 15 kg more, it can be little less. It's just like phones. Of course software and os matters but in ev it's just down to battery capacity and riding styles irrespective of chemistry. Finally, on what basis are you saying ola is bad? Online reviews? I own it and ridden more than 15k and I have no issues with it.i got another for dad after using the first one and was happy about it. Of course I agree the build quality on river indie looks really solid and definitely better than ola. But ola itself is not bad contrary to its negative publicity.

[@MadhuryaKakati]

The problem with EV startups is that they can't expand their dealership base quickly to cover the whole country and are stuck in tier 1 cities for years. Ola is the only company able to expand but the product is substandard.

[@Someone_on_youtube_app]

Komaki is pretty good in tier 2 and 3 cities

[@Akhil007PP]

Ather energy has expanded well in to tier 2 and tier 3 cities in Kerala. Bgauss, also has done that.

[@sohanthkumar6170]

Everyone have to start somewhere bro... It is still early days for EVs

[@ram62836]

What is substandard with Ola S1 Pro gen 2?

[@MadhuryaKakati]

@@ram62836 let it be delivered first bro 😂😂😂

[@sathishkumar-uh2kc]

The product looks interesting and promising. It's good that they did not focus on gimmicks like connectivity features and tft screen .

[@JaideepGulia]

सत्य 👍

[@aravind1264]

Speakers too for some unknown reasons... here in Bengaluru, people are playing music all out loud when stuck in traffic... 🫣

[@ArunSapaare]

The design reminds me of the old Bajaj Chethak with the front storage space. It's a good thing that they focused on giving a good ride experience rather pouring it with unwanted gimmicks. Kudos to the team for bringing on people with different heights to check the seat height. Good scooter & good video!

[@sbanavasi]

@ArunSapaare, the all new Bajaj Chethak EV version too has similar front storage space (y), 🙂

[@JaideepGulia]

भाई यह देखने के लिए ऑंखें तरस गई। 14" के rims और इतने बढ़िया accessory options, मज़ा आ गया। European स्कूटर्स को टक्कर दे रही है ये।👌👌

[@millogautam667]

I am in love with this EV River😍, love to buy this someday❤ Love from itanagar Arunachal pradesh Bharat 🇮🇳

[@paragjoddar1331]

Finally a good looking scooter from an Indian startup that contains no BS.

[@sbanavasi]

:-), :-) Good one!

[@stevemartis97]

Good looking?

[@paragjoddar1331]

yes. to me @@stevemartis97

[@Mystical.Spirit]

​@@stevemartis97 Looks are always subjective. I agree with the OP that it's a good looking scooter, you are free to disagree.

[@Diesel_life145]

The design aspect has covered what most ev scotters nowadays lacking. Kudos to the team for keeping practicality aspect . Looking forward ..

[@polemical100]

Really refreshing to see so much thought put into practicality and form following function in this lovely Scooter .. All the very best to the River team !

[@lalityadavv]

This going to be the most practical scooter in India. Congratulations to the makers for making this gem.

[@anishghosh9563]

No bs All about practicality Nice one

[@Hasanafandi-qj6oh]

India can compete China in car scooter industry. Well done India. From Pakistan ❤

[@benbennyaman7762]

Best feature added for charging port safety as normal ev charging point can be opened by anyone and that's dangerous as there is a voltage when you check using multimeter which I have checked in my friends ebike it's good to be locked same like petrol tank. 100% safety good work done by River Indie team takes complete safety even on small things.

[@TheAbhinav1001]

River should come up with 125cc -150cc combustion engine with the same design... it would sale like hot cakes... it's big, practical and beautiful ❤️

[@WarpVision]

Very promising, for utility! better usage for an EV.

[@JaideepGulia]

I like it's looks, really appears big daddy of scooters.👌👌

[@eeshachandrapupadhya9160]

For a startup to have such a finished product without any glitches is commendable(Cough Cough Ola). Especially the performance in long stints. Glad they didn't focus on gimmicky features. Way to go guys.

[@williamjmansfield8768]

I like the rugged utilitarian look of this machine. Nothing like it available in USA

[@taranshupattnaiktp3335]

This scooter looks absolutely practical and feels big on size. That's what I like because in some scooters it feels cramped. But I didn't liked how do the charging lid is opened via a latch inside. A simple push to open lid would have been nice and a bit more GC of 170 mm atleast would be nice. Otherwise it is very great product that looks very much like the Kinetic Blaze maxi scooter.

[@sabyasachisarangi]

I think they have nailed everything they aimed for including customer satisfaction by honouring the initial price.

[@Moonlight-tr7gm]

First time, liked the storage spaces in EV. This scooter is really tempting. Have to wait for the price.

[@rishighosh5099]

Riverr has nailed the sentiments for which most indian households buy scooter, especially utility. They need to expand it and have service centers at every major city.

[@kushagrabhardwaj4502]

This scooter indeed looks promising!

[@AvinashPawar_CGlighter]

If only this were ICE with 150cc engine, would have bought this in a heartbeat.

[@JaideepGulia]

Activa की कब्र खोद देती भाई ये 😊

[@adarsh4764]

But Honda engines will still have the best mileage, refinement and long-lasting duration than startup brands!

[@AvinashPawar_CGlighter]

@@JaideepGulia ACTIVA ka pata nahi par Premium segment mein ye kafi popular ho jati

[@JaideepGulia]

@@adarsh4764 निःसंदेह सत्य!

[@someordinarystan2692]

Finally reviews taking in account of height of average Indian masses. All these 6 foot and above reviewers complaining about ergonomics across various channels for many many products is frustrating to be honest. A great addition by Autocar, please make this addition in every review(car or bike). It adds real world(average indian) perspective to it. Great Review on again.

[@navaneeth4u]

Well covered, i am really impressed and would look at booking one once the price is announced

[@GoodSamaritanGoodSamaritan]

The first image of River Indie is way better than plasticky HOla and fugly ARther... 14" wheels make it Baap of all EV Scooters in India... Kudos to River... Way to go guys... Keep it up...

[@aravind1264]

1:51 that was a nice reference... recently had seen an insta reel advertising a flat floor board as an add-on for the ola scooters...

[@fullmoonlongdrive7657]

Only part which got my attention was that 14 inches wheels .

[@arko966]

Much needed safety feature, with our govt focusing more off roads than actual roads

[@GearHead27]

REALLY LOOKS PRACTICAL AND WELL DESIGNED.

[@sunilarkt]

Absolutely love the fact that that haven't bothered about gimmicky touch screen which are most of the time glitchy and irritating

[@zarakikenpachi1773]

This is a pretty well thoughtout EV and looks really cool as well. Other than that, one thing I'm glad about is that, they decided to let reviewers test drive their scooter and share their honest feedback, before asking their customers to pay the full price for the scooter unlike some brands who'd ask for the full price in advance and then offer test rides to reviewers on a private mint condition track. If you know what I mean.

[@temsumongbajamir1582]

Wow definitely made with Indian customers in mind❤

[@shekhard8626]

The look screams utilitarian, but in a good way, it’s neat. The look is also unique & will set it apart from other ev scooters. Looks promising and made me interested. Will be following up about this ev.

[@manthenvashishth3769]

I've said that earlier and I say it again see8ng rishaad review any 2 wheeler seems quite wholesome and evene helpful due to the same height as of me

[@darksideofcompanies8522]

The scooter looks like a well thought and practical one.

[@rameshsurve314]

Great information 👌

[@ranjithyout2614]

Please tell me the what helmet are heared (that red and white one), i really liked it.

[@memerjod3762]

I have seen this type of scooter design in Indonesia and Japan so I'm Damn sure it isn't fully designed and developed in India rather they would have licenced the design of some other EV company scooter and done minor tweaks to riden in India condition. 😅😅😅😅 And it isn't a bad thing they have live up to promise and support they customers to gain trust to move in to volumes ❤❤❤❤ I like they approach market it as a work horse 👍👍. But they should focus on B2B segment like partnership with Domino's , Amazon , filpkart , local hotel chain prove there relatable there More power Peace out ✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@amangarg2327]

I am really impressed and interested in River as a company and its product

[@user-pv7ir7tv8c]

An EV that drawn some attention from me. Kudos to River! 👍

[@pranay8p]

Fine made, looks like the guys who are behind this are very passionate two wheel lover 🎉❤

[@krishnateja7728]

This is beautiful!! I'm darn happy that it's Indian made.

[@hruaitearalte]

the only e-scooter I'm anticipating... River please bring it to Aizawl 🙏

[@kiminthemix4251]

i m loving the design and its practicality use. This is a promising product

[@ProductsHub365]

This one really understood the Indian average use cases beautifully .. but the only problem is how these companies gonna expand their dealership and service in specific amount of time after the launch ! ..

[@Damodar133]

Looks promising 👌👌👌

[@shangad5647]

Is the battery removable for home charging

[@deepsaurabh7579]

Every thing looks practical and practical 🎉

[@diysai]

Vice city!!... this is why I love Autocar!

[@debasishdebbarma7529]

Launch this thing in North Eastern states..It will grow like Boom..Here it will be more practical 😊

[@yogeshwaran4919]

7:52 I stopped here and closed the video

[@gymthana]

Why

[@bijoypillai8696]

Perfect scooter for India. You can tie and carry LPG Cylinder, Gunny Bags, Banana Bunch, etc on the floor of the scooter. Additional LOCKED storage also. This is what India need.

[@sudebmandal6803]

Nice, cool good loking wah dil khush ho geya

[@KrishnaprasadMerugumala]

ok now iam even more confused with which ev to buy , i really do like the design of this ev from other evs in india, i dont know about other sectors in india but the ev sector is getting more competitive day by day and i am here for it.

[@InfantJoel]

Buy Activa it is better than all EVs

[@navaneeth4u]

Well Activa is the same old one, in that segment i would anyday prefer access but again EV is for fun and a different experience and with this scooter it is a big one not a tiny scooty like others 😂

[@arkantos006]

I really like the crash guards , very utilitarian very good.

[@UnknownPurush]

Happy to see Nandi hill ❤

[@djr3386]

There needs to be a net inside the storage compartment below the steering column to hold objects from falling out. 8/10

[@shankarbanavasi2232]

River Indie!!!! Woooow! 🙂 (y) . A catchy name!. Hope to see River come out with an EV scooter that has a maximum speed of less than 50kmph, weighing not more than 60kgs and costs less than Rs.50,000/-(all inclusive) . Hope River Indie becomes a game changer in the EV industry! All the best!

[@Cla55icG00se]

This looks really cool and is very practical indeed! I don't think anyone cares about Bluetooth and mobile apps and other gimmicks on an every day scooter. Its it good to have for some but, I am sure 99% wont care. The rest 1% will use the app maybe 1 or two times and forget about it LOL.

[@amoghavarshamurthy]

Could you please comment on how the head lights perform during the night? I think this aspect is always overlooked in most reviews.

[@kiranmenon4797]

Mentioning inseam alongside height would’ve been a useful addition.

[@imeshanjana4623]

What's the battery chemistry? Lfp, li-ion or NMC?

[@shubhamborana1494]

I'm in love with this ❤❤

[@Radoblenc]

It draws a lot of inspiration from the Honda ruckus

[@syn0071]

Looks like a gamechanger product

[@nemesiszz]

Love everything apart from sppedo and Design above the headlamp

[@jobinkuriakose7289]

Hats off to the designers ❤

[@raghud2292]

Saw Extensive Testing on Whitefield Road, BLR.

[@jaktatudu9433]

If you provide removable battery.... Then its more Covinient...just think i am living 11 storey building how i charge the bike????? If battery can be remove and charge separately... Then how easy it would be.

[@646mayank]

It’s a good looking machine in my opinion and practicality is something you don’t see in EVs that much.

[@zainablife4247]

Where the battery is positioned? Power figure?

[@forgedude]

But can it fit the whole gas cylinder in the leg space? That is the most important question if they want to sell it in T2/T3 cities

[@MostTopbuzz]

I'm impressed

[@mahalingappapavan4876]

What's the hight of scooter from grounds to seat

[@BlueRock_Kozhikode]

Good review...❤❤❤ better to have a compare drive and features with vida v1 pro, honda,and ola like models .

[@dv9239]

The footpegs are such a genius move ❤

[@manojkarunakaran8604]

The best looking futuristic scooter.

[@vigisbigtm]

Looks practical.

[@theraildynasty_]

Not gonna lie, apart from ather i didn't like any electric scooters, but river has done an amazing job, if i want one in the future then I'll buy one its really impressive.......

[@hiteshmangtani8222]

Scooter with a superb build quality

[@hitendrahitendra7654]

good space

[@leojohnson1721]

Hill hold assist would be helpful like Ather. Let's see when they ll implement

[@readysetclutch]

Interesting scooter 🔥

[@mohamedrehanshaikh1597]

This should be lunch with ic engine as well.. Good design..

[@asfanahmed2812]

They should've given dual channel abs and traction control this could've added to the practicality and safety

[@Universalpeople]

The scooter looks practical & stylish too but unavailable in all city hope seen it near future. I feel it is the best

[@coastofkonkan]

Good design, glad they've simpler dashboard

[@abhijeetsarangi2510]

When will it be available to buy

[@mohammadshibli1142]

Design is awesome bhai... When is it coming to ranchi..

[@hardeepsaini8725]

Hope they'll offer the scooter at same price to those who booked it early in other cities too

[@OMKAARAM108]

MOST PRACTICAL TILL NOW.

[@shabbirmerchant7678]

Few things I would change. 1. The River Logo, looks odd. A Bold san sarif font logo In chrome would appeal to its ruggidness. The wide floor board needs to be curved in both the sides on bottom to prevent scrapping. Seat is small for front rider, need has to be widened for comfort. Please give metallic colours. This would look great in metallic paint.

[@princejain8]

The height comparision at 4:40 is what I needed. Thanks Autocar This is amazing EV. Can you share the linl to buy

[@rojoroj9777]

Dual stand h kya ?

[@vivekkhairnar492]

This all looks nice and fansy but what about purchasing the scooter..? Its not available in metro city like mumbai still

[@viswambharanmaliyeckal5901]

When it's sale commence in Kerala

[@MrKhatriravi]

I took test drive, everything is awesome except one thing. Even though there is good ground clearance, while crossing big bumpers on the road scooter will touch the bumper even if you go at low speed. Price is also going to increase.

[@chetanyadav]

Indie is a practical scooter that has come after decades. The last practical scooter in India was original Chetak. It's just not about a body over two wheels but has been built by understanding how Indians use their two wheelers. Kudos to design and research. However, I think the price point isn't practical for average population. And, ABS should be mandatory for every two wheeler sold in India.

[@dadapeershaik9466]

Thanks for mentioning about LPG gas cylinder. And please tell one more feature providing or not that is ladies left side foot rest.

[@thatlibrarian2004]

Hey it's available as an add on accessory