Looking for a no-nonsense electric scooter that prioritizes comfort, practicality, and a touch of fun? Look no further than the River Indie! This comprehensive review dives deep into the Indie’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you a real-world perspective from a fellow Indian rider.
Thrilled by Customer Service
The River experience starts strong with exceptional customer service. From meeting the enthusiastic founders during the test ride to the proactive support team, River prioritizes customer satisfaction. Binesh, the head of customer experience, consistently addresses concerns and offers solutions. Vaikund, from the prototyping team, brings invaluable knowledge to refine the vehicle. This dedication to customer feedback is a refreshing change and makes me eager for River’s future offerings.
Comfort Reigns Supreme
The Indie’s stretched-out riding position is a boon for taller riders, offering ample legroom. Even for average heights like mine, it’s comfortable for long commutes. The front footrests are a game-changer, providing a relaxed riding posture unseen in other scooters.
Built to Last
The River team has prioritized creating a mature product, one that can withstand daily wear and tear. In my 4,500 km journey, I’ve only experienced power restrictions at critically low battery levels. The overall engineering approach is thoughtful and well-executed.
Suspension that Absorbs Anything
The 14-inch wheels, combined with the double and triple-rated springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, deliver a plush ride. Solo rides are a breeze, with the suspension effortlessly swallowing bumps and potholes. Even with a pillion rider, the comfort level remains high.
Handling the Unexpected
The Indie’s handling might surprise you. While it’s not built for aggressive cornering due to its long wheelbase, it holds its own in the twisties. It might not be a Ducati, but it surpasses any 150cc scooter I’ve ridden (excluding the Aprilia, which I haven’t tried). Compared to my sister’s Vespa 150, the Indie offers a more well-rounded riding experience.
Space Galore
The under-seat storage is a standout feature. It easily swallows a full-face helmet and a half-face helmet, leaving room to spare. This spacious compartment impressed my sister-in-law, allowing her to safely transport her two children’s school bags without them hindering their balance. It’s a game-changer for families seeking a practical commuting solution.
Effortless City Commuter
The Indie shines as a second vehicle in the family. Its ease of use, combined with the instant torque from the electric motor, makes city commutes a joy. For my 50 km daily work commute within Bangalore, the twist-and-go operation is pure convenience.
Ditching the Touchscreen
In today’s touchscreen-obsessed world, the Indie’s lack of one is a breath of fresh air. After using touchscreens since my 2005 Nokia 7710, I appreciate the focus on physical buttons. This was a major selling point for me, and after months of ownership, I haven’t missed a touchscreen at all.
Areas for Improvement
Lighting Up the Night
The headlights are the Indie’s weakest link. While stylish, their throw is inadequate, especially in rainy conditions. The River team acknowledges this and is working on improving the lighting package. A retrofit solution would be highly appreciated by existing owners.
Charger Conundrum
A CCS port would have made highway trips more feasible. Currently, the proprietary charger limits long-distance options. Since I primarily charge at home or the River HQ, I haven’t explored third-party charging options.
Safety First: ABS Needed
The CBS system, while functional, doesn’t match the safety of dual-channel ABS, especially in wet conditions. Cost considerations might have played a role here, but ABS should be a priority for future iterations.
Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall…
The stock mirrors are practically useless. Finding replacements that fit the Indie’s yoke has proven difficult. Hopefully, River will offer better options in the future.
Plastic Fantastic (But Could Be Better)
The body panels are made of ABS plastic. While my second Indie has no issues, my first one had some minor fit and finish concerns, particularly with the front storage compartment cover. The recent investment from Yamaha fuels hope that future models will utilize Yamaha’s superior plastic quality.
Phone Holder: A Missed Opportunity?
The phone holder situation is puzzling. The four-month wait for a solution, coupled with its awkward placement
