KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- EC-06 stylish design vs Indie's rugged utility.
- Indie: 55L total storage; EC-06: 24.5L only.
- Both take 8-9 hrs for full charge overnight.
- EC-06: 4kWh, 160km range, refined delivery.
- EC-06 adds telematics, tracking, OTA updates.
Yamaha EC-06 Vs River Indie: Yamaha has finally stepped into India's mainstream EV arena with the EC-06, an electric scooter developed in close collaboration with Bengaluru-based startup River. Naturally, this connection raises comparisons with River's very own Indie - a scooter known for its rugged practicality and clever storage solutions. While both EVs share the same roots, Yamaha has ensured that the EC-06 has its own identity. Here's a clear breakdown of how the two differ. Befor moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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Yamaha EC-06 Vs River Indie: Design
The River Indie leans hard into a utilitarian character. Everything on it feels purpose-built - from the squared body panels to the integrated pannier mounts and multiple tethering points for luggage. Its dual-headlamp setup adds to that slightly industrial vibe.
Yamaha's EC-06, on the other hand, adopts a more stylish, youthful approach. It swaps the Indie's dual headlights for a vertically stacked single-piece LED unit. The indicators sit neatly above the main lamp, making them less likely to get damaged in dense traffic - a flaw Indie owners often point out. Even the tail section carries a sleeker profile, aimed at riders who prefer style over pure practicality.
Storage
If storage ranks high on your priority list, the River Indie is the undisputed champion. It offers a massive 43 litres of under-seat space - one of the largest in the segment - plus an additional 12 litres of enclosed storage in the front apron.
The Yamaha EC-06 trades capacity for aesthetics. With 24.5 litres under the seat, it provides enough room for daily essentials but won't match the Indie's "carry everything" persona. Yamaha also uses the front apron area for the charging inlet and key slot, which is why the EC-06 misses out on the Indie's front storage cavity.
Yamaha EC-06 Vs River Indie: Charging Time
River claims the Indie can charge fully in up to 8 hours using its 480W charger. Yamaha says the EC-06 requires around 9 hours for a complete charge through a standard home socket. The brand hasn't officially declared its charging wattage yet, but the time figures place both scooters in a similar bracket for overnight charging convenience.
Battery, Motor & Performance
The Yamaha EC-06 packs a 4 kWh fixed lithium-ion battery, paired with a motor that delivers 4.5 kW continuous power and peaks at 8.98 hp. Yamaha says the scooter can offer a real-world riding range of up to 160 km, with three ride modes and a reverse assist function for easier parking.
While the River Indie also focuses on practical performance, Yamaha's tuning leans towards smoother, more refined power delivery to appeal to a broader audience - especially first-time EV buyers.
Yamaha EC-06 Vs River Indie: Features
The EC-06 comes with:
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Full LED lighting
- A coloured LCD display
- Built-in telematics and SIM-based connectivity
- Real-time vehicle tracking, analytics & future update support
The Indie also offers LED lighting and a functional console, but Yamaha's connectivity suite gives the EC-06 a modern, tech-forward edge.
Price & Availability
Yamaha is expected to announce the EC-06's pricing closer to launch, sometime in the first quarter of next year. Considering its shared platform and components with the Indie (priced at Rs. 1.46 lakh, ex-showroom Bengaluru), the EC-06 is likely to be positioned in the same ballpark - perhaps with a slight premium due to the Yamaha badge and added tech.
The EC-06 will be manufactured at River's plant in Hoskote, Karnataka, marking a significant partnership milestone for both brands.
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Verdict
- Choose the River Indie if: You value practicality, storage, touring friendliness, and rugged design above all else.
- Choose the Yamaha EC-06 if: You want a more stylish EV with refined performance, modern connected features, and Yamaha's brand trust.
Both scooters may be distant cousins, but they cater to two very different personalities. The Indie is the hardworking utility EV; the EC-06 is the everyday urban premium scooter - lighter, sleeker, and more tech-savvy.
