In a sea of sleek, tech-heavy electric scooters vying for attention, the River Indie stands out—not by being flashier, but by being smarter. Dubbed the “SUV of scooters,” this bold new entrant from Bengaluru-based startup River is redefining what urban mobility can look like. With its utilitarian design, massive storage, and rugged build, the Indie is not just a scooter—it’s a lifestyle solution for India’s evolving urban commuter.
🛵 Design: Quirky, Functional, and Unmistakably Indie
The River Indie doesn’t try to mimic the futuristic curves of its competitors. Instead, it embraces a chunky, purposeful design that’s both endearing and practical. The twin LED headlamps, rounded edges, and curvaceous bodywork give it a unique personality—some say it looks like a minion, and honestly, that’s part of its charm.
But beneath the playful exterior lies a serious commitment to utility. The Indie features front rails, pannier mounts, and a wide floorboard, making it ideal for carrying groceries, gear, or even a week’s worth of supplies. It’s a scooter that’s built to be used—not just admired.
📦 Storage: A Game-Changer for Urban Riders
If there’s one area where the Indie truly dominates, it’s storage capacity. With a colossal 43-litre underseat boot and an additional 12-litre glovebox, it offers more space than most ICE scooters on the market. And that’s before you add optional accessories like panniers (40 litres) and a top box (25 litres), which can turn the Indie into a full-fledged cargo hauler.
This makes it perfect for families, delivery riders, or anyone who needs more than just a seat and a handlebar. Whether you’re picking up groceries, dropping off packages, or heading out for a weekend ride, the Indie has room for it all.
⚙️ Performance: Built for the City, Ready for the Rush
The River Indie is powered by a 4kWh battery paired with a motor that produces 9 BHP and 26 Nm of torque, offering a real-world range of around 120 km in Eco mode. It features three riding modes—Eco, Ride, and Rush—each tailored to different power and range needs.
Rush mode, in particular, is a blast to ride. The acceleration is punchy, and the scooter feels nimble despite its size. With a top speed of 90 km/h, it’s more than capable of handling city traffic and short highway stretches.
🧠 Features: Smart Enough, Without the Gimmicks
Unlike some EVs that overload riders with flashy tech, the Indie keeps things simple and purposeful. The digital dash is clean and easy to read, though it could use better brightness under direct sunlight. There’s no fancy TFT display or phone pairing, but what you do get is USB charging, riding modes, and a solid build quality that feels built to last.
Some areas could be improved—like the charging flap, which feels flimsy, and the charging process, which requires opening both the glovebox and boot. But these are minor inconveniences in an otherwise well-thought-out package.
🪑 Comfort & Ergonomics: Designed for All Sizes
The Indie’s wide seat, extended footrests, and ample legroom make it one of the most comfortable scooters in its class. It’s designed to accommodate riders of various heights, and the riding posture is upright and relaxed.
The suspension setup handles potholes and speed bumps with ease, and the scooter feels stable even when fully loaded. Whether you’re riding solo or with a pillion, the Indie delivers a smooth and confident ride.
💰 Pricing & Value: Premium Utility at a Fair Price
With an on-road price of around ₹1.49 lakh, the River Indie sits in the premium EV segment. While some may find it slightly expensive compared to entry-level electric scooters, the value lies in its versatility, storage, and build quality.
It’s not just a scooter—it’s a tool, a companion, and a cargo carrier rolled into one. For urban riders who need more than just a stylish ride, the Indie offers unmatched practicality.
🏁 Final Verdict: A Scooter That Thinks Differently
The River Indie isn’t trying to be the fastest, the flashiest, or the most connected. It’s trying to be useful, comfortable, and reliable—and in that mission, it succeeds brilliantly. With its SUV-like stance, massive storage, and solid performance, the Indie is a scooter that understands the real needs of Indian riders.