Yamaha has officially entered India’s electric two-wheeler space with the launch of the EC-06 electric scooter, priced at ₹1.68 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). Co-developed with Bengaluru-based startup River, the EC-06 marks Yamaha’s first electric vehicle for the Indian market, blending proven EV hardware with the brand’s distinct design philosophy.

Currently available in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the EC-06 is based on the River Indie platform but features noticeable differences in styling, storage layout, and overall positioning.

YAMAHA ENTERS INDIA’S ELECTRIC SCOOTER SEGMENT

At ₹1.68 lakh, the Yamaha EC-06 is priced ₹22,000 higher than the River Indie, the scooter it is based on. Despite the premium, Yamaha positions the EC-06 as a more refined and stylistically sleeker alternative aimed at urban riders looking for brand assurance and everyday usability.

The Yamaha EC-06 uses a 4kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor producing 6.7kW of power, identical to the River Indie’s setup. Yamaha claims an IDC-certified range of 169km, which is marginally higher than the Indie.

The scooter has a claimed top speed of 79kmph, making it suitable for daily urban commutes rather than high-speed riding.

Yamaha claims a 0–80% charging time of 8 hours using a 480W charger. Unlike the River Indie, the EC 06 does not offer a faster 750W charger option, reinforcing its city-focused approach.

The scooter comes with three riding modes, including an Eco mode designed to maximise range during daily commuting.

The EC-06 features a colour LCD instrument cluster, reverse assist, and multiple riding modes. The display layout resembles the earlier-generation River Indie, offering clear readouts for speed, range, battery status, and riding mode.

Unlike the River Indie’s class-leading storage, the EC-06 features 24.5 litres of underseat storage along with a small open cubby in the front apron. While this is less practical than the Indie’s setup, it contributes to a 3kg weight reduction, bringing the EC-06’s kerb weight down to 132kg.

CLEANER, SHARPER YAMAHA STYLING

The EC-06 sports a sleeker and sharper design compared to the Indie’s boxy and utilitarian styling. The headlamp and tail-lamp design are more conventional, making the scooter visually closer to traditional Yamaha products.

MANUFACTURING AND MARKET STRATEGY

Despite wearing a Yamaha badge, the EC-06 will be manufactured entirely at River’s Hoskote facility in Karnataka. This partnership allows Yamaha to enter the EV space efficiently while leveraging River’s established EV platform.