River Indie: Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup River has stepped up its game by launching an 8-year / 80,000 km extended warranty for its flagship electric scooter, the River Indie. This new program—effective from October 1, 2025—is designed to strengthen customer confidence, reduce ownership worries, and set a new benchmark in India’s competitive EV market.
Key Highlights of River Indie
- Coverage duration: 8 years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first.
- Applies to: Battery pack and drive motor, the two most expensive EV components.
- Eligibility: Available for both new bookings and existing Indie owners.
- Activation date: Starts from October 1, 2025.
- Protection clause:
- Battery replacement if its State of Health (SOH) drops below 70%.
- Motor replacement if it becomes irreparable after official repair attempts.
Pricing Structure of River Indie
River has designed the warranty plan to be flexible and accessible:
- New buyers (after April 1, 2025): ₹8,399 + GST.
- Existing customers with 5-year warranty: Can upgrade to 8 years by paying just ₹3,399 + GST.
- Enrollment window: A special one-month period for upgrades after the rollout date.
This tiered approach ensures affordability for existing riders while keeping costs predictable for new buyers.
Why It Stands Out in the Market
Most electric two-wheeler brands in India, such as Ola Electric and Ather Energy, offer long battery warranties but limit motor coverage to 3–5 years. River’s move is unique because:
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- Battery + Motor both covered for 8 years.
- Protects customers from high repair costs—battery replacements can cross ₹40,000, while motor issues are equally expensive.
- Sets a new industry benchmark for long-term EV dependability.
River Indie – What You Get with the Scooter
The Indie isn’t just about the warranty; it’s a feature-rich, practical, and rugged EV scooter built for daily use.
- Powertrain & Range
- 6.7 kW motor producing 26 Nm torque.
- 4 kWh lithium-ion battery (IP67-rated).
- Delivers 120 km real-world range.
- Top speed of 90 kmph.
- Fast charging: 0–80% in 4 hours, full charge in ~5.5 hours using a standard 5A socket.
- Utility & Design
- Rugged, lifestyle-oriented styling with twin LED headlamps.
- Crash guards and alloy wheels for durability.
- 55 litres of storage (split between under-seat compartment and glovebox).
- Wide footboard for extra practicality.
- 14-inch wheels for better stability on varied Indian roads.
- Offered in five attractive colours: Monsoon Blue, Summer Red, Spring Yellow, Winter White, and Storm Grey.
Expansion Plans and Market Presence
- Currently, River operates 32 outlets across 15 cities, including:
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kochi
- Mysuru
- Visakhapatnam
- Recently expanded to:
- Pune
- Vijayawada
- Trivandrum
- By 2026, River aims for nationwide coverage, leveraging both company-owned stores and dealership networks.
Why This Warranty Matters
For many buyers, the battery and motor represent the highest ownership risks in an EV. River’s warranty addresses these concerns directly:
- Peace of mind: Long-term reliability guarantees for up to 8 years.
- Lower running costs: Protection against expensive replacements.
- Customer trust: Signals River’s confidence in its engineering and build quality.
- Competitive edge: Rivals like Ola and Ather cover batteries for 8 years but not motors—River now offers both.
Final Verdict
The River Indie already stood out for its practicality, rugged design, and everyday usability. With the new 8-year/80,000 km extended warranty, it becomes an even more compelling choice for Indian EV buyers who prioritize long-term value and dependability. By covering both the battery and motor, River has not only boosted buyer confidence but also challenged bigger EV players to rethink their warranty strategies. For prospective scooter owners looking for a reliable, practical, and future-proof EV, the River Indie just became a far safer bet.
