India's Growing Electric Motorcycle and Scooter Market

India is a major player in the global motorcycle market due to its large population and crowded urban environment. This, along with other factors, has led to a rise in the popularity of electric two-wheelers in the country.

One Indian startup, World of River, has recently received a significant investment from Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. This investment is part of River's Series B funding campaign and shows Yamaha's interest in strengthening its presence in the Indian market.

River currently sells the Indie electric scooter in India, which is marketed as the "SUV of Scooters." The scooter features a rugged design with boxy bodywork and high ground clearance. It also offers ample storage space, including a 55-liter cargo space under the saddle and a front glove compartment for quick-access items. Luggage racks on the sides of the scooter allow for additional storage options.

The Indie scooter is powered by a 6.7-kilowatt electric motor, producing around nine horsepower and reaching a top speed of 56 miles per hour. It is equipped with a 4kWh battery, providing a single-charge range of 75 miles.

Yamaha's investment in River aligns with its goals of expanding into greener mobility and India's push for electrification. The country is incentivizing companies for domestic production, and Yamaha aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050.