The electric two-wheeler market has rapidly evolved over the past few years, driven by innovations, competition, and increasing consumer awareness. Among the latest entrants is the Yamaha EC-06, an electric scooter that has already generated considerable buzz, not just on merit but also because of its shared foundation with River Mobility’s popular Indie electric scooter. With the EC-06 finally making its debut after an extended development cycle, the conversation surrounding both models has intensified. This detailed comparison breaks down how Yamaha’s newest EV stacks up against the established River Indie in terms of design, performance, features, practicality, and expected pricing.
The first impression of both scooters reveals a shared design language, owing to their common platform. At a glance, the EC-06 and Indie sport similar silhouettes defined by wide body panels, upright ergonomics, and sturdy proportions. Yet, the overall design character of the two is quite different. Yamaha has taken a more subdued, refined styling approach for the EC-06, whereas the Indie leans toward a bold, utilitarian aesthetic that emphasizes visual toughness.
The most noticeable difference appears at the front. The River Indie features a blacked-out rectangular front panel housing dual square LED headlamps, giving it a distinctive face that stands out in traffic. In contrast, the Yamaha EC-06 opts for a single vertically stacked LED setup positioned higher within a glossy black fascia. This creates a cleaner and more streamlined front profile. The EC-06’s cowl also appears leaner, with sharper creases and reduced visual mass, while the Indie retains a boxier, more functional look that aligns with its utility-focused positioning.
From the side, the resemblance in overall framework becomes clearer, yet design details continue to set the two scooters apart. Yamaha uses layered bodywork to give the EC-06 a more dynamic and sculpted presence. The River Indie, on the other hand, maintains large flat surfaces with minimal cuts or curves, contributing to a rugged appearance suited for riders prioritising practicality over visual flair.
At the rear, Yamaha has again taken the cleaner route. The EC-06 features a compact, sleek LED taillight tucked below the seat, supported by neatly integrated turn indicators. The River Indie carries a chunkier tail setup, with a rectangular lamp that mirrors the styling theme of the front. These contrasting design philosophies show that although the two scooters share structural DNA, they cater to distinctly different aesthetic preferences.
Mechanically, the Yamaha EC-06 and River Indie continue to exhibit similarities. Both scooters are powered by a 4 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor capable of delivering around 6.7 kW of peak power. This keeps the top speed figures nearly identical, with the EC-06 claiming a maximum of 90 kmph, matching the River Indie’s performance envelope. When it comes to certified range, the numbers are also closely aligned. The River Indie offers 163 km per charge, while the Yamaha EC-06 is rated at approximately 160 km, making them equally capable for daily commutes.
Where the difference becomes more significant is in storage and utility. The River Indie has earned acclaim for its class-leading practicality, and Yamaha has taken a more conservative route in this department. The Indie provides an impressive 43 liters of underseat storage, making it one of the largest in its segment. Riders can easily store a helmet, groceries, or even a backpack without hassle. Yamaha’s EC-06, in comparison, offers 24.5 liters, which, while functional, does not match the Indie’s benchmark.
Beyond the underseat space, River enhances the Indie’s practicality with a 12-liter front glovebox, multiple luggage hooks, a robust rear carrier, and even rider foot pegs. These additions significantly boost usability for owners who rely on their scooter for both commuting and carrying everyday items. Yamaha’s EC-06 skips the glovebox entirely, providing only a charging port in the area where a storage compartment might have been expected. This difference highlights Yamaha’s focus on styling and simplicity over utilitarian appeal.
Feature-wise, Yamaha keeps things largely similar to the Indie, offering a color LCD instrument cluster, multiple riding modes, and reverse assist. However, Yamaha has yet to reveal several specifics about suspension, dimensions, and additional features, leaving some room for speculation. The hardware is widely expected to remain aligned with the Indie.
The final point of comparison is pricing. River’s Indie currently retails at ₹1.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), placing it competitively within the fast-growing electric scooter segment. Yamaha has not disclosed prices yet, but expectations indicate a premium positioning, likely between ₹1.60 lakh and ₹1.70 lakh. This would make sense given Yamaha’s brand value and the EC-06’s cleaner, more refined styling. However, the final price will determine how effectively Yamaha can challenge the Indie’s strong value proposition.
Both scooters bring compelling strengths to the table. The River Indie stands out as a utility powerhouse designed for riders who need space, practicality, and durability. The Yamaha EC-06 delivers a sleeker take on the same platform, aimed at customers looking for a polished, modern, and brand-backed electric riding experience. As Yamaha releases more details, this comparison will continue to evolve, but for now, both electric scooters present strong arguments for different types of users in an increasingly competitive EV landscape.
