In a bold move that’s shaking up India’s electric two-wheeler landscape, Bengaluru-based EV startup River has announced an 8-year or 80,000-kilometer extended warranty for its flagship electric scooter, the River Indie. This isn’t just a warranty update—it’s a strategic leap toward building long-term trust in electric mobility, addressing one of the biggest concerns for EV buyers: battery longevity and replacement costs.
⚡ Why This Matters
Electric scooters are gaining traction across Indian cities, thanks to rising fuel prices, environmental awareness, and improved infrastructure. But one lingering hesitation among buyers has been the cost and reliability of EV batteries. Replacing a battery can be expensive—sometimes as much as buying a used petrol scooter. River’s new warranty directly tackles this fear, offering peace of mind for nearly a decade.
Starting October 1, 2025, the 8-year warranty will be available to both new and existing customers, including those who previously opted for River’s 5-year extended warranty. The plan covers not just the battery but also the electric motor, making it one of the most comprehensive warranty programs in India’s EV two-wheeler segment2.
🔋 What’s Covered
The extended warranty includes:
- Battery health guarantee: If the battery’s State of Health (SOH) drops below 70% during the warranty period, customers are eligible for a replacement or repair.
- Motor protection: If the motor fails and cannot be repaired, it’s covered under the plan.
- Upgrade options: Existing customers with the 5-year warranty can upgrade to the 8-year plan for ₹3,399 + GST. New buyers post-April 1, 2025, can opt in for ₹8,399 + GST3.
This level of coverage is rare in the Indian EV market, where most warranties max out at 3 to 5 years. River’s move sets a new benchmark and signals strong confidence in its engineering and product durability.
🛵 Meet the River Indie
The River Indie isn’t just another electric scooter—it’s a thoughtfully designed urban mobility solution. With a 4 kWh battery pack and a 6.7 kW motor delivering 4.5 kW of continuous power and 26 Nm of torque, the Indie offers a range of up to 161 km on a single charge. That’s more than enough for daily commutes, errands, and even short weekend getaways.
Its design is rugged yet modern, with wide footboards, ample under-seat storage, and a comfortable riding posture. River has focused on rider-first features, including:
- Dual USB charging ports
- LED lighting
- Smartphone connectivity
- Large digital display
The Indie is built for Indian roads and riders, combining practicality with style.
🏙️ Expanding Footprint
River currently operates 32 stores across 15 cities, with a strong presence in southern India—Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi. Expansion is underway in cities like Pune, Vijayawada, and Trivandrum, with plans to cover all major metros by 2026 through a mix of company-owned outlets and dealerships3.
This growing network ensures that customers have access to service, support, and test rides, making the Indie more accessible than ever.
💬 Industry Impact
River’s 8-year warranty isn’t just good news for its customers—it’s a challenge to the rest of the industry. As EV adoption accelerates, consumers are demanding long-term reliability, transparent ownership costs, and better after-sales support. By offering one of the longest warranties in the segment, River is pushing competitors to rethink their own offerings.
Sachin Patial, River’s Service Head, summed it up well: “Today’s consumers expect reliability and long-term trust. With this 8-year warranty covering both the battery and motor, we aim to go beyond expectations by reinforcing our promise of durable and dependable mobility solutions”.
🌱 Building Trust in Electric Mobility
Trust is the cornerstone of any major shift in consumer behavior. For EVs, that trust hinges on battery performance and cost of ownership. River’s extended warranty is a strategic move to build that trust, especially among first-time EV buyers who are still weighing the pros and cons of going electric.
It also reflects a broader trend: EV manufacturers are no longer just selling vehicles—they’re selling confidence. And in a market as price-sensitive and performance-driven as India, that confidence can make all the difference.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The River Indie’s 8-year battery and motor warranty is more than a marketing gimmick—it’s a meaningful promise to consumers. It shows that River is serious about long-term ownership, product quality, and customer satisfaction. For buyers sitting on the fence, this could be the nudge they need to make the switch to electric.
As India races toward a cleaner, greener future, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and accelerating EV adoption. River isn’t just building scooters—it’s building trust, one ride at a time.
