River Indie Bookings Now Open, Price Gets Upward Revision

Bengaluru-based ev startup River has relaunched bookings for its debut product at a new higher price of Rs 1.38 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru).

• Bookings reopened after initial batch sold out in October 2023
• Price increased by Rs 13,000 over introductory pricing
• Showroom launched in Bengaluru for on-site bookings

Customers can book the Indie for a token amount of Rs 2,500 either online or at River's newly opened showroom in Bengaluru. The company had suspended bookings after receiving over 200 orders for the initial batch of scooters delivered in October 2023. The reopened bookings indicate River is ready to ramp up production and deliveries across India. The Indie is pitted against the likes of TVS iQube S and Bajaj Chetak.

Features and Specifications

Increased Price

The new ex-showroom price in Bengaluru is Rs 1.38 lakh, up by Rs 13,000 from the introductory price. River has attributed the price hike to rising input costs and fluctuations in exchange rates. The revised pricing places the Indie at a premium over rivals like the Ather 450X, TVS iQube S and Bajaj Chetak.

Recent Funding and Production Plans

River secured investments from the Al Futtiam Group and other investors in 2022. The company has set up a manufacturing facility in Hoskote on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The first batch of Indie scooters was produced at this plant in August 2023.

River is expected to scale up production rapidly to meet demand from the reopened bookings. The company aims to establish the Indie as a premium electric scooter option through its design, features and ownership experience. However, the higher pricing may limit its appeal amongst urban consumers seeking affordable electric mobility.