In a significant step toward embracing the electric mobility revolution, Yamaha Motor Company is preparing to debut in India’s growing electric two-wheeler market. The Japanese brand, long known for its performance-oriented motorcycles and scooters, is now venturing into the world of electric vehicles with a brand-new e-scooter. This upcoming model is being co-developed in partnership with Indian electric startup River Mobility, signaling Yamaha’s serious intent to make a mark in this competitive and rapidly expanding segment.
Expected to go on sale by the end of 2025, the new electric scooter—codenamed RY01—will not only cater to domestic customers but will also serve international markets. This marks a significant milestone for Yamaha as it eyes the transition from internal combustion engines to zero-emission mobility, tailored specifically for urban riders who seek both performance and sustainability.
Yamaha and River Mobility: A Strategic Alliance
Yamaha’s collaboration with Bengaluru-based River Mobility is a well-thought-out strategy. River, a relatively new player in the Indian EV market, has already garnered attention with its River Indie electric scooter—known for its practical design and utility-centric features. By teaming up with River, Yamaha gains access to local expertise, quicker execution capabilities, and insights into consumer behavior in India’s price-sensitive market.
Under this joint venture, River will take the lead on several key technical aspects such as research and development, powertrain integration, battery assembly, and vehicle production. However, the ownership and product strategy remain in Yamaha’s hands, ensuring that the final product aligns with the company’s global standards and brand DNA.
Interestingly, the new electric scooter is being developed not just for India but as Yamaha’s first global electric scooter offering. The development teams from Yamaha’s international branches in Japan, Europe, and the United States are also involved in shaping the RY01, thereby giving the scooter a truly global character.
What to Expect: Premium Features and Sporty Design
While official specifications are yet to be revealed, early information and logical deductions offer a promising glimpse into what the Yamaha RY01 might bring to the table. Given Yamaha’s reputation for performance and style, the upcoming scooter is expected to carry a bold, dynamic design that reflects the brand’s sporty aesthetics.
Some of the expected features include:
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Fully digital instrument cluster with vibrant graphics
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All-LED lighting system, including headlamp, tail-lamp, and indicators
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Bluetooth smartphone connectivity for navigation, alerts, and calls
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Multiple riding modes for tailored performance and efficiency
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Cruise control for comfortable highway cruising
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Hill hold assist for added safety on inclines
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Regenerative braking system to enhance battery efficiency
In terms of practicality, expect a well-thought-out storage space, comfortable seat height, and rider-friendly ergonomics, designed for both city commuting and weekend getaways.
Powertrain and Performance: Building on River Indie’s Foundation
The Yamaha RY01 is expected to borrow its platform and Battery Management System (BMS) from the River Indie, but with enhancements to meet Yamaha’s performance expectations.
To put things in perspective, the River Indie currently runs on a 4 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a 6.7 kW electric motor. It delivers an impressive claimed IDC (Indian Driving Cycle) range of 161 km on a single charge. The scooter accelerates from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 90 km/h.
However, Yamaha is likely to push the envelope further, tuning the motor for quicker acceleration (possibly 0-60 km/h in under 5 seconds) and a higher top speed, likely crossing the 100 km/h mark. This would help the RY01 stand apart as a performance-oriented e-scooter and justify its positioning in Yamaha’s premium scooter lineup.
Fast charging is also expected to be part of the package, potentially allowing the scooter to go from 0 to 80% in under an hour using DC fast chargers.
Manufacturing and Launch Timeline
Production of the RY01 will take place at River Mobility’s facility in Hoskote, Karnataka, starting sometime between July and September 2025. The scooter will be built for both the domestic Indian market and international export, suggesting Yamaha sees significant potential in electric two-wheelers on a global scale.
As for its official debut, Yamaha is expected to unveil the production-ready version of the RY01 around the same timeline, with launch and deliveries commencing before the end of the year.
Future Plans: A Dedicated Global EV Platform
The RY01 is just the beginning. Yamaha has already hinted at developing a completely new global electric vehicle platform, set to launch between 2026 and 2027. This future-ready architecture will underpin a range of electric scooters tailored to the specific demands of different global markets, including India, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
With electric vehicles gaining traction worldwide, this modular platform is expected to offer greater flexibility, enhanced battery capacity, and cutting-edge digital features, forming the backbone of Yamaha’s EV strategy for years to come.
Market Competition: Who Will Yamaha RY01 Face?
Once launched, Yamaha’s first electric scooter in India will enter a highly competitive arena dominated by:
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Ola S1 Pro
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Ather 450X
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TVS iQube ST
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Bajaj Chetak
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Simple One
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River Indie
To succeed, Yamaha will need to differentiate itself through a combination of design, brand trust, performance, and features. Given Yamaha’s global reputation and the local know-how provided by River, the RY01 could strike the right chord with premium urban buyers looking for a reliable, tech-loaded, and fun-to-ride electric scooter.
Final Thoughts: A Game Changer in the Making?
Yamaha’s entry into India’s EV market couldn’t be more timely. As the country witnesses a shift in mobility preferences, electric two-wheelers are fast becoming mainstream. Yamaha’s blend of international experience and local collaboration through River Mobility could very well deliver an e-scooter that ticks all the right boxes: performance, design, range, reliability, and affordability.
By the time the RY01 hits the streets in late 2025, India’s EV ecosystem will be even more mature, with expanded charging infrastructure, greater consumer awareness, and favorable government policies. If executed right, Yamaha’s first electric scooter could become a trendsetter and pave the way for more electric offerings from the brand.