Yamaha has officially stepped into the electric scooter arena with a collaborative new model, the EC-06. Revealed today, this new scooter is the direct result of Yamaha’s partnership with the electric vehicle startup River, transforming the popular River Indie into a distinctively Yamaha product.
While the foundation is shared, the Yamaha EC-06 carves out its own identity with a completely redesigned aesthetic and several key practical changes.
Performance and Practicality
At its core, the EC-06 mirrors the River Indie’s mechanical specifications. It draws power from a 4kWh battery pack paired with a motor that delivers a peak output of 6.7kW. This setup promises a top speed of 90 km/h, making it a capable contender for both city streets and occasional highway sprints. Yamaha claims an IDC range of 160 km on a full charge, which should alleviate range anxiety for most daily commuters.
However, potential buyers should note one significant caveat: a full recharge is estimated to take approximately nine hours. This lengthy charging time is a notable drawback in an era where faster charging is becoming an industry expectation.
Where the EC-06 truly diverges is in its design and utility. Yamaha’s designers have given the scooter a sharper, more angular profile, moving away from the Indie’s softer, rounded lines. This boxier new look is more than just a style statement—it also impacts functionality. The underseat storage has been significantly reduced to 24.5 litres, less than half the capacity of the River Indie’s generous 43-litre boot. This is a crucial trade-off for riders who prioritize carrying capacity.
Other features, like the colour LCD display, three riding modes, and a reverse assist function, are carried over, ensuring a familiar and equipped riding experience.
Market Position and Availability
Yamaha has not yet announced the official pricing for the EC-06. Given its close technical relationship with the River Indie, which is priced at around ₹1.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), industry observers anticipate a similar or slightly premium price tag for the Yamaha-badged version.
Interestingly, despite wearing the iconic Yamaha badge, the EC-06 will be manufactured entirely at River’s production facility in Hoskote, Karnataka. This collaboration highlights a growing trend of established automotive giants leveraging the agility and innovation of startups to accelerate their electric mobility offerings. The Yamaha EC-06 represents a strategic entry into the market, blending proven hardware with a fresh design to appeal to a new generation of urban riders.
