The premium e-scooter segment is getting more and more interesting with each new product launch, and the latest manufacturer to enter the space is Bengaluru-based startup River. The company’s first product is the Indie electric scooter, which promises to be a rugged electric vehicle that can handle rough roads while also offering travel features and customization options.
But does the River Indie electric scooter have what it takes to stand up to established competitors like the Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak? We did a quick spec check to see how far the Indie stands compared to the competition on paper.
Also read: River Indie electric scooter launched in India, priced at ¥125,000
River Indie vs Ola S1 Pro
Arguably the best-selling premium electric scooter in the country. The Ola S1 Pro is one of the best value models that packs a lot of features at a low price ¥At Rs 1.3 lakh (showroom after subsidy), the scooter is still a very good value option in the segment.By comparison, River Indie is about ¥4,000 cheaper ¥125,000 (ex-showroom, Bangalore). Both scooters feature a 4 kWh battery pack, but Ola promises a higher range of up to 181km, while River promises a true 120km range on a single charge. Top speed is also different, with the S1 Pro topping out at 116 kmph compared to the Indie’s 90 kmph.
River Indie vs Ather 450X
One of the most capable electric scooters in the segment, the Ather 450X remains a solid seller and has also received a series of upgrades recently. The 450X retails for ¥158,000 (ex-showroom, Bangalore after subsidies), which makes it much more expensive than an indie game. The Ather also recently switched to a newer battery and claims a range of 146 kilometers, while it promises a true range of 105 kilometers on a single charge. Although the Ather is faster than the River in the 0-40 kmph run time. The 450X ran in 3.3 seconds, compared to 3.9 seconds for the Indie. The 450X benefits from a high-tech digital console, which brings a lot of functionality and navigation that the Indie misses out on.
Also read: River Indie electric scooters: 5 things to know
River Indie vs TVS iQube
The TVS iQube is a sought-after option in the electric scooter space, and while it may not have the cool styling and leading numbers, it has managed to become a very popular product. The price of iQube is ¥105,000 for the standard variant, rising to ¥1.08 lakh for the S variant (ex-showroom, subsidized Bangalore). Equipped with a 3.4 kWh battery pack and a 4.4 kW electric motor, the electric scooter can provide a range of 100 km on a single charge and can reach a top speed of 78 km/h. Not only is the River Indie more expensive, but it has higher top speed, range and features. It also has a mid-drive motor instead of the BLDC hub motor on the iQube.
River Indie vs Bajaj Chetak
With Bajaj finally bringing the Chetak to new markets across the country, the Chetak is one to watch, especially as a chic-looking city runabout. Prices are high in Bajaj Chetak ¥15.2 lakh (ex-showroom, Bangalore after subsidy) what it offers. It is equipped with a 3 kWh battery pack and can travel 90 km on a single charge, with a top speed of 70 km/h. The Chetak does have a metal body and top-notch build quality, something that most scooters, including the Indie, lack.
First published date: Feb 25, 2023 at 16:37 PM CST
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