“River Indie: The SUV of Electric Scooters Hits the Streets!”
Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer, River, has made a grand entrance into the world of electric scooters with their first offering – the Indie. Production of this exciting e-scooter is now in full swing at their manufacturing plant in Hoskote, Karnataka. River’s unique selling point for the Indie? They’re calling it the “SUV of scooters.”
With the recent changes in regulations governing the FAME II Subsidy, the price of the Indie is set to undergo a revision. River will soon announce the updated prices. However, here’s some good news: River is committed to honoring the originally promised ex-showroom price of Rs. 1,25,000 for all pre-order customers from Bengaluru.
Aravind Mani, the driving force behind River, has disclosed that deliveries for pre-order customers in Bengaluru will kick off in September 2023. Customers in other cities across the country can expect deliveries to commence in phases at a later date.
In addition to fulfilling orders, River is actively working on setting up its first experience center in Bengaluru, slated to open its doors in November this year. Meanwhile, pre-order customers can log in to their River accounts and schedule a test ride of the Indie e-scooter. The Indie comes in three vibrant colors: Spring Yellow, Summer Red, and Monsoon Blue.
River’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, where the first Indie e-scooter has come to life, spans an impressive 120,000 square feet and boasts a capacity of producing 100,000 units annually. Equipped with advanced automated assembly lines for both battery packs and vehicle assembly, this facility is set to make waves in the electric scooter industry.
The River Indie places a strong emphasis on practicality and versatility, borrowing some features from adventure motorcycles. It boasts ‘safeguards’ (crash guards), lock-and-load panniers with up to 40L capacity, and the option for a top-box with up to 25L capacity. Additionally, it features front-set footpegs for maximum use of the floorboard space.
Storage won’t be an issue with the Indie. It offers a substantial 43L under-seat storage compartment complete with a USB port and a light. If that’s not enough, River has thoughtfully provided an extra 12L of storage in the front apron. There’s also a USB charging port on the handlebar, along with a 6-inch color instrument screen.
Powering the Indie is a 4 kWh battery that promises a real-world range of 120 km. The mid-mounted motor delivers 6.7 kW (9 bhp) and 26 Nm of torque. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate its 0-40 km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 90 km/h. While it may not have the ground clearance of an SUV, the Indie rides on tall 14″ alloy wheels.
Other noteworthy components include 240mm front and 200mm rear disc brakes with CBS (Combi Brake System), rear twin shock absorbers, front RSU (Rebound and Spring Up) telescopic forks, and much more.
