In the current world of evolving electric scooters, manufacturers have taken full advantage of the platform to offer a host of features — from audio systems to party lights. However, one manufacturer has taken things back to basics and strengthened the platform, making it a simple, yet robust scooter that fits well into the current word — River EV.
The River Indie is built in Bengaluru and the founders have a notable background. Instead of competing with futuristic scooters, they decided to go back to the drawing board and rebuild an electric scooter to be a scooter first. Then give it a few add-ons. The result is a solid scooter, which has three aspects we love.
River Indie EV — What we love
Ergonomics
The River Indie’s large dimensions give room for good ergonomics. The rider is sat upright with a ton of space for the feet. The handlebar is wide, offering enough leverage, and giving the rider a commanding position. This does go along with what River calls the Indie — the SUV of scooters. There is enough room to move about and the wide seat adds to the comfort.
Suspension setup
Scooters have the tendency to crash into a pothole and for a city like Bangalore ridden with potholes, the Indie manages to take it with confidence. The suspension setup and the large 14-inch wheels offer a motorcycle-like ride experience but with all the advantages of a scooter. No hassle of looking out for large speed breakers or potholes to worry about scraping the belly of the Indie. Oh, and when there are some fine twisty roads, the Indie feels perfectly at home!
Electric powertrain
The River Indie is powered by a 4kWh battery pack and the acceleration feels energetic despite the size. The River Indie has three ride modes and in the middle setting “Ride”, the scooter has more than enough power to tackle city commutes and open stretches. If one feels the need for more power, put in “Rush” and the Indie transforms itself into a really quick scooter, especially given its size and kerb weight of 143kg.
