Ola Sees Sales Slump as Buyers Rush Toward River Indie’s Stylish New EV Scooter

Updated: 19-06-2025, 08.30 PM

India’s electric two-wheeler market is witnessing a surprising shift. While established player Ola Electric is seeing a dip in its EV sales, a lesser-known Bengaluru-based startup is rapidly gaining traction. River Mobility’s flagship product — the Indie electric scooter — is not only turning heads with its stylish design and practical features but is also setting new sales records.

Ola Electric

Rapid Sales Growth and Strong Market Response

River Mobility’s breakthrough moment came in January 2025, when the Indie scooter crossed 600 units in monthly sales for the first time. Since then, the company has been on a consistent growth trajectory. Year-to-date sales in 2025 have already surpassed 2024’s total by an impressive 77%. With cumulative sales exceeding 7,000 units, the River Indie is becoming a serious contender in India’s premium electric scooter segment.

Interestingly, part of this success comes at Ola’s expense. As some Ola customers express dissatisfaction and look for alternatives, the River Indie is emerging as a preferred choice, thanks to its solid build quality and commuter-friendly features.

Production Expansion and Manufacturing Capabilities

River Mobility began manufacturing the Indie at its state-of-the-art facility in Hoskote, Karnataka, in August 2023. The 1.2 lakh sq. ft. factory — featuring advanced automated assembly and battery lines — boasts an annual production capacity of 1 lakh units.

While 2024 saw modest demand, the launch of an upgraded Indie model in October 2024 drove a surge in sales, hitting 370 units that month. Since then, the sales momentum has only accelerated.

Upgraded Model with Segment-First Features

In November 2024, River Mobility introduced a new version of the Indie featuring a chain-driven final drive system — a first in this segment — aimed at improving durability and lowering long-term ownership costs. Priced at Rs 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom), the new variant is slightly more expensive than the base model, but customers seem happy to pay the premium for added value.

Battery, Range, and Performance

Powering the Indie is a 4kWh battery pack offering an IDC-certified range of 161 km per charge — ideal for urban commuting. The scooter’s motor delivers a peak power of 6.7kW and torque of 26 Nm, giving it brisk performance for city traffic conditions.

Utility-First Design and Segment-Leading Storage

One of the standout features of the River Indie is its class-leading storage capacity — an impressive 55 litres of lockable space. This includes a 12-litre glovebox and a massive 43 litres under the seat, the largest in India’s electric scooter category. Practical design touches such as 14-inch wheels front and rear, foldable footpegs, and three riding modes — Eco, Ride, and Rush — make it an appealing option for urban riders.

Retail Presence and Expansion Plans

Currently, River Indie scooters are available in major South Indian cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Hubli, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Coimbatore, Vellore, Tirupati, and Mysuru. The company is eyeing rapid expansion, with plans to enter markets like Trivandrum, Vijayawada, and Pune soon. River Mobility aims to establish a presence in over 100 Indian cities by 2026 through a combination of company-owned showrooms and strategic partnerships.

With its rising popularity, customer-focused features, and aggressive expansion strategy, the River Indie is fast becoming a serious challenger in India’s highly competitive electric two-wheeler market.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.