River recently launched its first product in the electric two-wheeler segment of India, the Indie e-scooter. It marks the Bengaluru-based startup’s debut with the Indie priced at Rs 1,25,000 (ex-showroom Bengaluru inclusive FAME II). However, if you are looking for other options in the same price range, then here’s a list of five alternatives to the River Indie.
Bajaj Avenger Street 160
The options you get in this price range are from both segments: petrol two-wheelers as well as electric. And the first one on the list is the Bajaj Avenger Street 160 with an asking price of Rs 1,12,275 (ex-showroom Chandigarh). The Avenger line from Bajaj has been on sale for a while and witnessed heavy sales courtesy of its cruiser nature. The laid-back riding stance, with the low seat height, wide handlebar, and an overall comfortable rider triangle work in the Avenger’s favour. It’s powered by a 160cc single-cylinder motor with output rated at 14.79bhp and 13.9Nm. Bajaj has equipped its cruiser with conventional telescopic front forks, dual rear springs, and a front disc and rear drum brake setup.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Priced at Rs 1,22,750 (ex-showroom Chandigarh), the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is also a viable option. It gets a 159.7cc single-cylinder mill mated to a five-speed gearbox. The output is rated at 17.31bhp and 14.3Nm. Moreover, the Apache 160 4V is also the most feature-rich motorcycle of its class. From LED illumination to a fully digital console, three ride modes (Urban, Rain, and Sport), smartphone connectivity via the TVS SmartXonnect, and adjustable clutch and front brake lever, the Apache comes loaded with nifty tech. It rides on telescopic front forks and a preload-adjustable mono-shock. Meanwhile, the braking hardware comprises a front disc and rear drum for the base model and a single disc at both ends for the higher-spec model.
Bajaj Chetak
When it comes to the alternatives from the EV section, the Bajaj Chetak is also priced quite close. It retails at Rs 1,27,434 (ex-showroom Chandigarh) and looks like a conventional petrol scooter from its dimensions. Bajaj has powered the Chetak with a 4kW (peak power) motor linked to a 3kWh battery. It gets a claimed range of 95km and a top speed of 70kmph. But during our range test, we managed to get 107km from the Chetak e-scooter. It also gets two ride modes, LED illumination, a digital console, and smartphone connectivity. It gives you access to the scooter’s location, distance travelled, routes taken, and more.
Tork Kratos
The Tork Kratos costs Rs 1,31,070 (ex-showroom Chandigarh) and is one of the few electric motorcycles on sale in India. It gets 7 kW of peak power and a 4kWh battery. The Kratos’ range is limited to 120km and it gets a top speed of 100kmph. Tork has equipped the Kratos with LED illumination, a fully-digital instrument cluster, multiple ride modes, regenerative braking, reverse mode, mobile connectivity, USB charging, anti-theft, a front storage box, and OTA updates as well. It rides on telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock while the braking hardware comprises a front and rear disc brake setup mounted on alloy wheels.
Vida V1
Last but not least, the Vida V1 with an asking price of Rs 1,33,703 (ex-showroom Chandigarh) is also an alternative to Indie in terms of pricing. It’s Hero MotoCorp’s electric mobility arm and is the first product from the new venture. Vida has equipped the V1 with a 3.9kWh motor linked to a 3.44kWh battery with a range of 142km. The top speed for the V1 is limited to 80kmph and it gets a bunch of features as well. For instance, the V1 comes with LED illumination, a seven-inch TFT touchscreen, riding modes (sport, ride, eco, and custom), cruise control, two-way throttle, keyless control, smartphone connectivity, geo-fencing, OTA, regenerative braking, reverse mode, and an S.O.S. switch.
