2024 River Indie Launched at Rs 1.43 Lakh in India, Gets New Chain Drive, Single-speed Gearbox and More

River has launched the updated version of its Indie electric scooter in India, priced at Rs 1.43 lakh. The model initially arrived last year with a starting price of Rs 1.25 lakh, which was subsequently raised to Rs 1.38 lakh earlier this year. All mentioned prices are ex-showroom. The 2024 Indie features key upgrades, including a single-speed gearbox with a chain drive system, which, according to the company, is a segment-first feature. Meanwhile, the EV continues to offer practical features like a spacious 43-litre boot while focusing on improved durability and efficiency. With these updates and competitive pricing, River aims to strengthen its position in India's growing electric vehicle market, appealing to consumers seeking reliable and eco-friendly mobility options.

River Indie: The Updates

The River Indie has received significant upgrades, such as a single-speed gearbox and a chain drive. These additions, according to River, aim to improve the scooter's durability while reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, the EV maker has introduced two fresh paint jobs, Winter White and Storm Grey, complementing the existing lineup of Monsoon Blue, Summer Red, and Spring Yellow.

Commenting on the new set of updates, Aravind Mani, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of River said, 'Since our launch in October last year, we have sold over 3000 Indies. We’ve been carefully listening to customer feedback and a lot of it has been incorporated in the new Indie. Our plan for the next two months is to launch stores in Coimbatore, Vizag, Hubli, Cochin, Belgaum, Vellore, Mysore, and Uppal. We aim to have 25 River Stores across India by March 2025.'

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Mazher Ali Baig Mirza, Head of Mechanical Design at River, remarked, 'We have seen that a chain drive with a single-speed gearbox has several distinctive advantages. One, it is more durable. Second, the long term cost of ownership decreases with this upgrade. Third, it is easy to assemble and repair, and hence more scalable.'

River Indie: Design, Battery, and Features

Aside from the new colour scheme and drive setup, the Indie remains the same as the initial model. It sets itself apart with its distinct design, highlighted by a large, rectangular twin-beam LED headlight on the front apron. Other standout styling features include a wide seat, a flat floor, foot pegs for the rider, and side-mounted hard points for panniers. The scooter is fitted with 14-inch wheels and boasts the largest under-seat storage in the segment, offering 43 litre of space, alongside an additional 12-litre compartment in the front glove box. To protect the scooter in the event of a fall, metal crash guards are installed at the front.

Mechanically, the e-scooter is powered by a 4kWh IP67-rated battery, providing a range of 110 km on a single charge. Its mid-mounted motor generates 9bhp of power and 26Nm of torque, allowing the scooter to accelerate from 0 to 40km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 90km/h. The company claims that the battery can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in five hours using a 750W charger. 

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Features-wise, there are two USB charging ports - one on the handlebar and one in the glove box. The electric scooter also offers a coloured LCD dash, all-LED lighting, and three riding modes: Rush, Ride, and Eco.