The Yamaha RY01 is an upcoming electric scooter, a performance‑focused model developed jointly with Bengaluru-based startup River. It’s essentially Yamaha’s take on the River Indie, but with distinct Yamaha design and sporty intent. Here’s what we know so far:
🔧 Yamaha RY01 – Key Specs & Performance
- Platform & Powertrain
- Shares River Indie’s 4 kWh battery and ~6.7 kW (9 BHP) motor.
- Top speed around 90 km/h, with a quick 0–40 km/h sprint in 3.7 – 3.9 s.
- Range & Charging
- IDC-certified range ~161 km. Fast-charging (0–80%) in about 5 hours. Features IP67 water/dust protection.
- Chassis & Storage
- Steel tubular frame, telescopic front fork, twin hydraulic rear shocks, 14″ wheels.
- Same storage setup as Indie: ~12 L glove box up front, ~43 L underseat.
🎨 Yamaha Styling Touches
- Sharper, more aggressive styling (versus the Indie): vertically stacked dual LED headlights, redesigned front apron, higher-positioned tail lamp, and reworked side panels.
🗓️ Yamaha RY01 – Production & Launch
- Codenamed RY01, slated to enter production between July–September 2025, with launch expected by end of 2025 or early FY26.
- Manufactured by River in Karnataka, with intentions to export to ~11 international markets.
🛵 Competitor Comparison
1. Projected Yamaha RY01
- Platform & Performance: 6.7 kW motor, ~90 km/h top speed, 0–40 km/h in ~3.8 s, ~161 km range.
- Battery: 4 kWh NMC, fast-charging (~5 hrs to 80%), IP67 ingress.
- Features: 43 L under-seat boot, Yamaha-styled LEDs, connected features.
- Price Estimate: ₹1.5–1.7 lakh (ex‑showroom) — ~10–20% premium over River Indie.
2. Ola S1 Pro
- Spec Highlights: ~8.5 kW motor, ~15.7 kWh battery options, ~150 km range.
- Ex‑Showroom Price: ~₹1.29 lakh with pricier higher model.
- Positioning: High power, sporty ride, rich features (cruise control, TFT, swappable packs).
3. Ather 450X
- Spec Highlights: ~6 kW motor, ~2.9 kWh pack, ~70 km real-world range (~145 km IDC).
- Ex‑Showroom Price: ~₹1.57 lakh
- Positioning: Premium ride quality, fast charging, rich connected systems.
4. TVS iQube
- Spec Highlights:
- 2.2 kWh: 94 Km range (₹0.94 – 1.60 lakh ex-showroom).
- Positioning: Practical family scooter with budget trims and long-range ST version.
📊 Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Feature | Yamaha RY01 (est.) | Ola S1 Pro | Ather 450X | TVS iQube ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 6.7 kW | 8 – 9 kW | ~6 kW | ~4 kW |
| Top Speed | ~90 km/h | ~115 km/h | ~90 km/h | ~78 km/h |
| Range (IDC/Batt.) | ~160 km (4 kWh) | ~150 km (10 kWh+) | ~145 km (2.9 kWh) | ~212 km (5.3 kWh) |
| Price (Ex‑Showroom) | ₹1.5 – 1.7 lakh | ~₹1.29 lakh | ₹1.38 – 1.57 lakh | ₹0.94 – 1.60 lakh |
| Highlights | Performance + boot | Fast, sporty, features | Connected rider experience | Practical & long-road |
💡 Key Takeaways
- Yamaha RY01 aims to combine sporty ride with practicality and unique Yamaha design – slotted between Ather and Ola in terms of power and price.
- Ola S1 Pro remains the fastest but pricier for higher model (~₹1.5- 1.7 lakh on-road).
- Ather 450X appeals with premium connected experience at ~₹1.38 – 1.57 lakh.
- TVS iQube ST is value-driven with maximum range (~₹0.94 – 1.60 lakh on road).
🎯 Yamaha RY01 – Final Thoughts
The RY01 blends proven hardware (River Indie platform) with Yamaha DNA: sportier looks, aggressive LED lighting, and performance tweaks. It targets riders seeking more pace and panache than typical commuters, without compromising on storage or practical usability. Expected to debut in India by late 2025, it’s poised to shake up the mid‑premium EV scooter segment. If you’re looking for a sporty-yet-practical electric scooter in the ₹1.5 – 1.7 lakh segment, the RY01 appears to hit a sweet spot: quicker than a typical iQube, elegant and connected, yet with real world boot space and Yamaha’s brand cachet.
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