[Karthik1100]

Prelude to my EV Ownership:
Since last six months I was thinking to replace my Vespa 125 which was almost twelve years old. Even though there are many petrol scooters as an option, my mind chooses to try EV for a change. EV could be very practical given our daily commute is between 35-40kms and mostly point A to point B, and for shopping errands around home. EV likely saves lot of fuel costs and possibly maintenance cost too.



After selling Vespa couple of months back, my good old Honda Dio of 2007 is the primary scooter at home. There is a slight oil leakage in engine leading to low mileage and lack of performance. It was delivering 45kmpl before. It now gradually has decreased to 28kmpl. Monthly fuel expenses gone upto Rs.4500. Due to the slight oil leakage, service needed every two months costing 1200. Average annual cost raised to 60k-70k to run and maintain Dio. I feel its a vice decision to purchase EV scooter that costs 2-3 years of Dio running cost. EV running cost is Rs.0.30/km and some companies are offering free charge at their experience centres and maintenance cost not more than 4k/year.

The hunt begins!
When I hear EV scooter in Bangalore, what comes to my mind are Ather, Ola, and Chetak.

Ather:
The only Trustable EV scooter on my mind was Ather. The reviews were also good. It's the highest sold EV scooter, has more service centres and after sales service also good.

Ather 450x:
Sleek, Slim and Sexy. Great choice for college students who wants adrenaline rush. Excellent service and decent maintenance cost.
The sound of the scooter alerts other road users, looks good from all the angles but pillion seat is small and uncomfortable even for short ride. Hardly any storage space. Good enough to keep it's charger or a helmet.

Looks: I rate 4.5/5
Speed: because of it's light weight body it pulls so faster and decent speed for city commute
0-80% charging time: 4.3 hrs
Range: 65kms - 105kms
Storage: practically I can keep nothing under the seat if portable charger occupies the space
Cost: 1.9L for top end
Service: I heard very good reviews about that





Ola:
Not even considered. We have heard enough horror stories, quality issues, software issues, extremely careless customer support and what not. I still took a test ride from one of the owners I know.
It's quite fast but poor braking, sometimes accelerator response is not good. Not specious enough, fit and finish is not good. False riding range. I decided not to compromise with peace of mind.

Looks: I rate 4.2/5
Speed: very faster and scary too
0-80% charging time: 2.5 hrs with fast charger
Range: 100kms - 160kms
Storage: decent under seat storage and can keep some luggage on foot board as well
Cost: 1.68L for S1 pro 4kw
Service: most of the feedback I got from the owners I know were bad.





Rizta:
I was surprised to see Rizta was launched by Ather. By the look of it, it seems like it actually fits my bill perfectly. It has a spacious, wider seat, a lot of storage space, decent look, good range, decent top speed with several important features like auto hold, digital document storage, magic twist, and skid control. I was impressed with it. What I didn't like was its western commode shaped back. I still had made a decision to book Rizta going by the data. I then called Rizta for a test ride, twice they sent 450x instead of Rizta, I don't know why they wanted to push only 450x. I had tried 450x before, I wanted one scooter for all my needs. Finally Rizta came home for a test ride, I took the Rizta test ride twice and forced myself to go for it seeing it's features. But somewhat I was not happy with its performance, ride quality, and moreover I was getting arm pain even during a short ride. Weight distribution of the scooter was not good. Though before the test ride I had almost made up my mind for Rizta, just for my satisfaction I wanted to check Chetak once and then decide to book Rizta.

Looks: I rate this 3.8/5
Top speed: feels very underpowered but better than chetak
0-80% charging time: 4.5hrs
Range: 85kms - 125kms(pro pack)
Storage: truly made for family, ample storage under the seat and storage bag option on the footboard as well
Cost: 1.75L for Rizta Z 3.7 + pro pack
Service: no doubts about Ather service







Bajaj Chetak:
The next EV on my mind was Chetak. As I already own a Dominar and an Avenger, Bajaj is a very trusted entity for me. Also Chetak is a very nostalgic name in India. Yet, I am a bit sceptical as service technicians of Bajaj are not confidence inspiring, and I would also be new to electric vehicle ownership. I took a test ride from Dr. Raj Kumar road showroom in Bangalore. I was impressed with its looks and riding position as it was similar to Vespa. But it's drawbacks are, it's plastic parts, hard switch gears, and built quality is good but not great, poor top speed, acceleration was not smooth, scooter doesn't seem so stable on road, the range is also not great but looking at price perspective it was good deal. Top end model was around 1.48L whereas the basic one starts at 99K. I kept Chetak as the last option only from a price perspective.

Looks: I rate 4.5/5
Speed: looks like a powerful scooter but goes like a tortoise. Very underpowered
0-80% charging time: 3hrs for 3501
Range: 85kms - 125kms(pro pack)
Storage: not great storage space but can keep some stuff along with helmet. And seperate glove box it has just like vespa
Cost: 1.48L for 3501+TecPac
Service: not so impressed about bajaj service. Even for my bajaj bikes I get it out side authorised service centres









Simple One:
Since I was already researching for a good choice in the EV market, I came across Simple One. Its a very premium scooter, with amazing performance and riding range. The suspension was too good, and it can easily glide over speed brakers and potholes. I was very impressed by its riding position too. I simply loved it. But again, the storage space is very concerning. Felt, it doesn't make sense to spend two lakhs over a scooter for not meeting storage concerns.

Looks: I rate 4.3/5
Speed: nothing less than any premium motorcycles, very quick, it can easily touch 80kmph in bad roads
0-80% charging time: 3.5hrs
Range: 105kms - 185kms
Storage: slightly bigger space than chetak and ola, but hardly any footboard space
Cost: 2.15L for dual tone
Service: Not sure









TVS iqube, e-activa:
I wasn't impressed with TVS iqube or activa-e as it felt like a boring option in the EV
market. activa e has no space at all under the seat. May be it is targeted for two wheeler taxi as it has two swappable batteries.

Hero Vida:
It resembles like a cockroach to me. And I hate cockroaches.
I heard lot of issues with it, be it built quality or app and service issues. It's a hub motor driven, very difficult to get it fixed with local mechanics during puncture. Swappable batteries gets spoiled soon and may cost a bomb after warrenty expiry. I don't even consider to test ride this.

Tesseract:
Heard from news and I booked it blindly but couldn't become one among the 1st 50k booking customers. It's the most advanced ev scooter with ARAS, dual built-in dashcam, lane change assist, wireless charger, 14inch wheels, dual disk brakes, keyless, hill hold, traction control, cruise control, auto headlight and what not. After enquiry they said, they will get the model for test ride in the year end and deliveries in mid 2026. I was left with no choice but to move on.

Looks: I rate it 4.7/5
Top speed: 125kmph
0-80% charging time: 1hr
Range: 261kms (IDC) for 6kw
Storage: 34ltrs + 20L pannier
Cost: 1.45L ex showroom
Service: I Heard Ultraviolet service is good but very less showroom and service centers

River Indie
River indie came to mind all of a sudden. I didn't know anything about that vehicle but vaguely remember seeing here and there. After I figured out the features and details, I was very impressed. It has a 90kmph top speed, In rush mode, I really could feel it's rush. It is very spacious, wider seat, comfortable for both rider and pillion. It also comes with a backrest. The looks are good. has loads of accessories and has a decent true riding range. There is a Mobile mount option too. No app or bugs involved, and has a simple mechanism, it has got a good weight distribution. 14 inch wheels, chain drive, tubular twin shocks just like in motorcycles. When I rode, it was good on bad roads as well. Price was also good. 1.47L on road. The decision was made right away. Both mind and the heart said this is the one! I purchased it immediately after finishing the test ride. Loan also got approved immediately. Everything went smoothly. I just loved its new colour Storm grey and picked the color. Including the loan interest, accessories it cost me 1.75L on road. I feel relieved and extremely happy to have persisted until I found the right scooter. Awaiting for PDI, Registration and Delivery.

Looks: I rate this 4.6/5
Speed: decent speed for city commute and doesn't feel it's underpowered, but feels underpowered after riding simple one
0-80% charging time: 5hrs
Range: 70kms 120kms
Storage: huge underseat storage, more than sufficient glovebox storage, there's is storage option on footboard also, pannier and top box are also available. One can easily do short weekend rides to resorts outside city limits
Cost: 1.47L
Service: atleast in Bangalore they have 5 service centers and positive reviews

[Karthik1100]

After two days of making down payment, i have received a mail around 4pm[We are excited to inform you that your Indie with order number RVXX1001062025XXXXX is now ready for registration!
Please find your Invoices/Receipts attached with this email.]

I read the mail little late, but next day, I messaged Showroom's Sales executive Mr. Sajan from JP Nagar River Store to inform me about PDI and registration. he didn't see my message, after sometime i called him to realise the registration is already over. And i was worried about the PDI. looks like hardly any showroom people are aware to inform the customer to do the PDI before registration.

next day i visited the showroom and gave them VIN and asked for PDI. Few of them were asking themselves what is PDI? then Mr. Sajan Explained his team in layman's language that customer wants to see their vehicle. they made me wait for five mins to get the vehicle from godown, it was not cleaned, it was covered with dust.
before visiting with the help of few friends and Teambhp threads, i prepared a check list for PDI
1>VIN
2>Tyre Mfd and Manufacturer.
3>Handle bar alignment
4>Headlight
5>Tail Light
6>Indicators
7>Horn
8>Switchgears
9>Mode and other features
10>LCD Display and battery status
11>Key and Locks
12>Charger and charging status
13>Chassis Number and VIN number match
14>Scratches and panel misalignment
15>Noise of the Motor and Vibrations
16>ODO meter
17>accessories i ordered
18>looked for Rust on Side stand and Main Stand
19>Documents
I didn't check two important points. Motor number and Battery Number. as is was not easily visible.







After going through all the check points, i asked them to prepare for the Delivery in next two days.

[Karthik1100]

As advised by my family astrologer i went to Showroom on an auspicious day and time, as my friends also wanted to be a part of it, i called them to Rameshwaram cafe in JP nagar for a breakfast before visiting the showroom.



they arrived on time but i was late by 30mins by the time i got my cab they already finished breakfast and they were waiting for me. Arun1100 from teambhp stood in que for me and ordered mini idly. its been more than a year i had last visited Rameshwaram cafe. I enjoyed mini idly and filter coffee with a conversation on my decision of going for EV.



Soon after my breakfast we visited showroom and asked for the delivery. Even though i had informed the showroom people before visiting, they took 20mins time to get the scooter ready with HSRP plates. By then my family also joined. it was a nice experience of unveiling the brand new scooter and they handed me over the keys with a nice presentation. one of the Staffs attended me and gave me the demo of the vehicle and instructed me to install River app and scan the QR code from the registered phone for Live Vehicle tracking and service instructions.











Even though i took several test rides of EV scooters, riding my own EV gave me a different experience. it can only be felt and i don't think i can explain the feel better.





I welcomed home my new River Indie and looking forward for more adventures, more fun, more happy miles from this scooter.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[Raskolnikov.R]

Originally Posted by Karthik1100

I welcomed home my new River Indie and looking forward for more adventures, more fun, more happy miles from this scooter.

Welcome aboard, Karthik. Here's wishing you thousands of safe and trouble-free miles on the River Indie.

Cheers,

RR

[funkykar]

Due to a busy schedule, I missed being their for the breakfast and delivery time. Until you told about this scooter, I barely knew of it. Now, I see this scooter every now and then. ITs quite an eye candy! Have causally tried the Ather and Ola. I am curious how your new scooter is. Hope to catch up with you soon.

Happy munching miles!

[fordday]

Welcome to you, Karthick!

Hope you enjoy your Indie endlessly.

We have a small ROG (River Owners Group) which you might like to join. We do weekend morning rides sometimes.

[Sentau]

Originally Posted by Karthik1100

TVS iqube, e-activa:
I wasn't impressed with TVS iqube or activa-e as it felt like a boring option in the EV
market. activa e has no space at all under the seat. May be it is targeted for two wheeler taxi as it has two swappable batteries.

I enjoyed the whole review and the comparisons. I have only one bone to pick and that is how you have so casually dismissed what might be the best family EV scooter on the market - the iQube. Yes it is a boring old style design, doesn't come with a lot of features (no hill hold, no proper map support - only turn by turn navigation, no manual regen, etc.) but it is one of the most bulletproof, versatile EVs on the market. It is very ease to use, is well balanced and easy to handle, has good acceleration (even in the eco mode), has a soft plush suspension, has plenty of underseat storage (Can take a helmet + charger + raincoat) with a flat spacious footboard as well to keep bags and with the latest 2025 refresh, it also gets a 950W charger which means that the 3.4kWh battery model (range : 85-110 km) is able to be charged in 4hrs. You paraded the Rizta as the 'best family scooter' but is the iQube that holds that crown (or the river if the ladies and youngsters in the house are able to handle the weight).

[arun1100]

Congratulations Karthik1100, it was one of a kind experience to be part of a EV delivery. Was very impressed with the showroom and the Indie product, especially it's accessories. Though Ather remains my favorite two wheeler EV, Indie was impressive too especially in the Yellow and Red shades with the contrast black parts, Indie looks really drool. Hope the long term reliability is as good as how it looks. Waiting the pics of the Indie from the upcoming photoshoot of yours considering you are the best moto-grapher I have known.

I am so used to regularly riding my Dad's 1971 Bullet or Dad's 1997 Chetak or my own 2005 Unicorn, the 2020 Vespa at home feels so modern. Now with the tech these EV two wheelers have, Vespa too feels aged and I am happy about it as I love classics!!

Till an Ather joins my collection, this is how the parking space will look like.

[Karthik1100]

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov.R

Welcome aboard, Karthik. Here's wishing you thousands of safe and trouble-free miles on the River Indie.
RR

Thank you very much. Glad to know another River Indie owner from this thread. I met couple of first generation River Indie owners today and asking for the second generation updates and feedback. Great improvements done by River for the second generation and sorted almost all issues except side mirror and Headlight brightness. Anyways I am planning to replace stock mirrors with KTM mirrors for better visibility.

Originally Posted by funkykar

Due to a busy schedule, I missed being their for the breakfast and delivery time. I am curious how your new scooter is. Hope to catch up with you soon.

Sure. We shall catch up this weekend for a Nandi hills ride. I also want to check River Indie's hill climb abilities and long distance seating comfort.

Originally Posted by fordday

Welcome to you, Karthick!

Hope you enjoy your Indie endlessly.

We have a small ROG (River Owners Group) which you might like to join. We do weekend morning rides sometimes.

I would definitely like to be a part of this group. Please provide me more details about this group. You can even DM me contact details.

[Axe77]

@Karthik1100:

Congratulations on possibly one of the best EVs in the market today. Tesseract aside (lets not discuss since we haven’t seen it launched yet) - as of date, the River Indie would be hands down my top choice if I was buying an EV scoot - and specifically in that lovely and classy grey color that you’ve picked. The 14” wheels really help to inspire confidence in terms of stability and the storage is just brilliant. All the little practical touches that River has thought of with the Indie really appeal to me.

When I was recently in the market for a scooter, I desperately tried to inquire if there was any line of sight for a River showroom in Mumbai and they were simply non committal to any timeline at all. Finally went ahead and picked an Aerox, deciding that I’ll go for an EV maybe 2 yrs or so later and enjoy the ICE Aerox till then.

I had test ridden both the Rizta and the River Indie (latter in B’lore) and while the Rizta drive did not appeal to me at all, I LOVED the River Indie, right from the word go. Would love to keep track of all your ownership updates, positive and negative. Wish you a fabulous ownership experience with the Indie.

[Karthik1100]

Originally Posted by Sentau

I enjoyed the whole review and the comparisons. I have only one bone to pick and that is how you have so casually dismissed what might be the best family EV scooter on the market - the iQube.

In simple, iqube failed to impress me with its outdated looks. If I buy that scooter 2025, I'll surely regret forever. And it doesn't match my criteria.
My decision making factors are
*Storage space
*Looks
*Close to 100kmph Top speed
*Chain Drive
*Mid Drive Motor
*Smooth Acceleration
*Best Suspension
*Riding Comfort
*Sitting Comfort
*Atleast 100kms Range
*Build Quality
*Reliability and easy to maintain
*Best braking and handling
Charging time, too much range, apps and features, too much power, less weight are not my primary concern.

Originally Posted by Axe77

@Karthik1100:

Congratulations on possibly one of the best EVs in the market today. Tesseract aside (lets not discuss since we haven’t seen it launched yet)

Your words just came straight from my thoughts, I wish more people accept the practicality, simple and useful engineering of River indie and help the company to launch more showrooms and service centres all over India. Presently people of Bangalore and Hyderabad are lucky. Recently they have launched more showrooms in different cities.

[Karthik1100]

Some of the updates and observations on initial Ownership:

River app (android) is easy to sync with Scooter just by using registered phone number and QR code.
It displays the RTO registration details, Color, Owner Name, VIN, Purchase Date, Warranty Info, Real time ODO, Battery Charge Status, Real time Range
Ride Report : Shows how many kms done on particular mode, Average Speed and Top Speed.
Account: Personal Information.
Vehicle Service: Service Info and Due date: like 1st Service after 1000kms, Second Service after 5000kms etc.,
Support: Road side Assistance, Helpline.
Settings: Tow alert, Battery Charging alert.



As i stay in an apartment, we have no facility to install charging point at my parking place at the moment. Apartment association is seeking Bescom permission to provide facility from the meter board. To charge from home i came up with DIY idea and made extension cord of 15meters length with water proof socket casing and 2.5 sq mm 3 core wire, with 16amp Socket and Plug. Although the charger is 700watts, but this extension cord can take load upto 3.5KWh. It can be used for fast charger incase if the company launches.



After Charging 100% battery, wanted to test actual range and took out indie for short spin around the city and outskirts today. I have covered 62kms around Magadi Road, Kengeri and Uttarahalli road and also clicked some photographs using my Oneplus phone in scenic locations. Sitting and Riding position was very comfortable even in bad roads. most of my ride was on Eco mode and reached topspeed of 57kmph on Eco mode. limitedly i applied brakes as most of the times i used Regenerative braking, not only it saves disk pads but also the range increases. with 48 percent charge i covered 62kms. So the total range is expected around 120+kms on Eco mode.

[Technocrat88]

Heartiest congratulations on purchase of River Indie. I too am looking forward to purchase an Electric scooter for my daughter and had shortlisted River Indie when I saw it in the Indiranagar Showroom. Can you please share the following details:

(a) The breakup of the cost to include ex showroom price, Registration, Insurance etc.
(b) What all accessories have you purchased including their cost.
(c) Is any accessory/Helmet is included in the cost of the scooter/offered as a gift?
(d) Any other useful information regarding the accessories which you have found useful/
otherwise.
(e) How much time does it take from booking to delivery, assuming the color of choice is
available?
(f) What are the changes/improvements that have been incorporated in the 2nd Gen?
(g) In your opinion which accessory is more practical for increasing the storage space.

The above information will help in making up my mind to purchase the River Indie. Wishing you Happy Miles on your River Indie.

[Karthik1100]

Originally Posted by Technocrat88

(a) The breakup of the cost to include ex showroom price, Registration, Insurance etc.
(b) What all accessories have you purchased including their cost.
(c) Is any accessory/Helmet is included in the cost of the scooter/offered as a gift?
(d) Any other useful information regarding the accessories which you have found useful/
otherwise.
(e) How much time does it take from booking to delivery, assuming the color of choice is
available?
(f) What are the changes/improvements that have been incorporated in the 2nd Gen?
(g) In your opinion which accessory is more practical for increasing the storage space.

Thank you for your hearty wishes.



Break up Cost: Total cost as per the above leaflet Rs. 1,52,407
They offered me cash discount of Rs. 5000 or Extended Warranty worth Rs.5899.
I accepted cash discount as Extended warranty of 2 years did not make much sense to me. Because the company itself says battery will last long 1500 charging cycles. and individual cells in it can be replaced. I intend to charge twice a week, that is 110 charging cycles a year, in any case battery last long minimum 5 years. most expensive part in it is the battery costing around Rs.46,000. If we wish, we can take extended warranty even after 3years Standard warranty. with discount it costed me Rs. 1,47,407

Additional Benefits i got:
I got 1 year RSA worth Rs.1179 at free of Cost.
I got Mobile Mount worth 2,229 at free of cost for referral bonus.
I got Half face Helmet as a free worth Rs. 1500 but instead of that i asked for Backrest of Same Value.

Additional accessories i bought :
Floor Mat : Rs. 629
Tinted Visor : Rs. 1718
Number Plate Holder : Rs. 250

Vehicle Cost : Rs. 147,407
Additional Accessories Cost: Rs. 2597
Total Cost: Rs.1,50,004

Rs.5000 cash Discount + Rs.5000 worth Accessories i got for free.

I am Looking for Panniers and Top box and Fast Charger in Future. These are useful for long distance travel. What ever Accessories i have now is more than sufficient for city commute.

You will get Delivery within 2 working days if you purchase by cash, if you are taking finance option 2 more days additional it takes.

Gen 2 has Chain Drive. Replaced the reverse gear button on handle bar instead of hazard button. worked on Plastics and its vibrations. introduced two new colors.