Japanese Motorcycle giant Yamaha has formally entered India’s electric scooter space with the unveiling of the EC-06 in collaboration with Bengaluru-based EV startup River Mobility Private Limited.
Announced on 12 November 2025, this model marks a strategic pivot in Yamaha’s Indian Business, moving beyond internal-combustion two-wheelers to electrified mobility.
Origins & Collaboration
Yamaha invested in River in January 2024, and the EC-06 is the first product of that alliance. The underpinning hardware is based on River’s own model, the River Indie, albeit with bespoke styling, bodywork, and Yamaha branding. The production will be handled by River in Hoskote, Karnataka.
Key Specifications & Features
Here’s what the EC-06 brings to the table:
- Battery & motor: It uses a 4.0 kWh fixed battery pack powering an electric motor rated at 4.5 kW continuous (6.7 kW peak) per Yamaha’s specification.
- Range: The certified range stands at around 160 km (IDC cycle) on a single charge.
- Charging: Home-plug charging is the standard; a full charge takes about 9 hours.
- Top speed: While Yamaha hasn’t explicitly revealed a top speed, sources indicate the EC-06 shares the River Indie’s capability (approx. 90 km/h) since the mechanicals are largely the same.
- Storage & practicality: Under-seat storage of 24.5 litres is provided.
- Features: Equipped with a colour LCD, three ride modes plus reverse assist, full LED lighting, disc brakes front & rear, and a built-in telematics unit with SIM for connectivity.
Design & Positioning
Yamaha describes the EC-06 as tailored for inter-urban commuting — “first- and last-mile connectivity” for active, young riders. The design language emphasises a stable, high-centred stance and sharp body lines to convey both agility and modern style.
The collaboration with River gives Yamaha access to a more youthful aesthetic, departing from purely traditional Yamaha scooter styling. The EC-06 thus positions itself in the burgeoning premium electric-scooter segment rather than purely the budget commuter category.
Market Context in India
India’s electric two-wheeler market is rapidly evolving, especially in urban centres. With models from companies like Ather, Bajaj (Chetak), and TVS (iQube) already present, Yamaha is entering a competitive but high-potential space. The offer of 160 km of range, along with brand heritage, gives the EC-06 a credible value proposition for premium EV-scooter buyers in India.
Pricing & Launch Outlook
Official pricing has not yet been disclosed. Industry guesses place it in the neighbourhood of ₹1.45-1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), given its relation to the River Indie, which is priced around that range. Yamaha has indicated a targeted launch in Q1 2026.
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
- Strong brand backing (Yamaha) with local manufacturing/collaboration (River)
- Competitive range of 160 km – very relevant in Indian urban and semi-urban use
- Styling and premium features that may appeal to younger buyers seeking more than just utility
- Fixed battery pack simplifies usage and may reduce maintenance concerns
Considerations
- The charging time of 9 hours is comparatively long in a market where fast-charge or swappable battery options are beginning to feature.
- Under-seat storage is moderate (24.5 litres) compared to some rivals, which may offer larger capacity.
- Final pricing and availability details will be key: premium pricing may limit reach in cost-sensitive segments.
- Infrastructure (charging support) and service network for EVs remain a challenge in many Indian cities/metros.
Why It Matters
The Yamaha EC-06 represents a strategic shift for Yamaha in India: from conventional ICE scooters to electrified mobility solutions. This move aligns with global trends of OEMs committing to EVs and with Yamaha’s own environmental goals around Scope 3 emissions. Moreover, by collaborating with a local EV startup, Yamaha is leveraging Indian EV expertise and manufacturing footprint; this mix of global brand strength + local agility is increasingly the blueprint for two-wheeler EV success in India.
Conclusion
For buyers seeking a stylish, premium electric scooter with a credible range and backed by a major brand, the Yamaha EC-06 is a compelling upcoming entrant.
The edge will be in how Yamaha executes on pricing, service reach, and how it positions the EC-06 relative to other offerings. With a launch slated for early 2026, the EC-06 is one to watch in India’s fast-moving EV-scooter market.