Spec comparison: River Indie vs Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450X

The Bangalore-based electric vehicle start-up recently launched its first-ever offering, the Indie, in India at Rs 1.25 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). It features the largest-capacity under-seat storage, unique design, saddle stays, front foot pegs, crash guards, and 14-inch wheels. Customers can also purchase various accessories, such as panniers, a windscreen, a pair of floor cages, a phone holder, and a 25-litre top box. Here we compare the new Indie with the Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro.

River Indie vs Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450X: Design

The recently launched Indie stands out in the crowd with its unique styling that includes twin-pod boxy LED headlights, square-shaped LED daytime running lights, a rectangular-shaped taillamp, a motorcycle-inspired clip-on style handlebar, and vivid colours. Additionally, it gets frame-integrated front crash guards, front foot pegs, rear pannier mounts, and a luggage rack. River offers three paint options: Summer Red, Monsoon Blue, and Spring Yellow.

The Ather 450X, on the other hand, bears sporty bodywork comprising a few cuts and creases and a design of large angular shapes. This electric scooter comes with a variety of colours, such as True Red, Space Grey, Cosmic Black, Still White, Lunar Grey, and Salt Green.

Furthermore, the Ola S1 Pro has a smoothed surface and minimalist design language. Unlike the Indie and 450X, it is available in a choice of 13 colour options: Gerua, Coral Glam, Marshmallow, Millennial Pink, Neo Mint, Porcelain White, Khaki, Jet Black, Liquid Silver, Anthracite Grey, Midnight Blue, and Matt Black.

River Indie vs Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450X: Specifications and Mechanicals

To begin with, the Indie features a set of 14-inch wheels at the front and rear. With this, it has a ground clearance of 165mm. However, the highlight of the River's electric scooter is its 55 litres storage capacity. This 55 litres of space consists of 43 litres of under-seat storage and 12 litres of lockable front glove box storage. The former is claimed to be the largest under-seat storage capacity available on any scooter to date. Notably, the glove box also features a USB charging port. Moreover, the Indie gets a 240mm front disc and 200mm rear disc, telescopic front forks, and a dual-spring rear suspension.

Ather offers the 450X with a pair of 12-inch alloy wheels at both ends with a 200mm disc at the front and a 190mm disc at the rear. In addition, the brand has used a twin front fork setup and a monoshock in the electric scooter. Meanwhile, it has a ground clearance of 153mm. Whereas, the Ola S1 Pro features a single telescopic front fork, a monoshock at the rear, a 220mm front disc, and a 180mm rear disc. It has an under-seat storage capacity of 36 litres, while the ground clearance is rated at 165mm.

River Indie vs Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450X: Features

Regarding features, the Indie offers a six-inch instrument console, a hazard light switch, app connectivity, three riding modes (Eco, Ride, and Rush), two USB ports, and reverse park assist.

On the other hand, the Ather 450X is equipped with an Android-based seven-inch TFT touchscreen, onboard maps and navigation, guide-me-home light, smartphone connectivity, OTA software updates, hill hold assist, reverse assist, and five riding modes: Smart Eco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp. 

Ola's S1 Pro features a seven-inch touchscreen instrument cluster, reverse park assist, OTA software updates, remote boot opening, Bluetooth and GPS connectivity, navigation, and cruise control. Meanwhile, all electric scooter features LED lights at the front and rear.

River Indie vs Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450X: Range, charging, and power output

The River Indie and Ola S1 Pro are powered by a 4kWh battery pack. However, the former's electric motor produces 6.7kW (9.1PS) and 26Nm of torque, while the latter's electric motor generates 8.5kW (11.55PS) and 58Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Ather 450X has a 3.7kW battery pack paired with an electric motor that makes 6.2kW (8.42PS) and 26Nm of torque.

The Indie, 450X, and S1 Pro promise a range of 120km, 105km, and 170km in the Eco mode. While the top speed of the Indie and 450X is rated at 90kmph, the S1 Pro top out at 116kmph.

The River claims that the Indie can be charged from zero to 80 per cent in five hours, whereas the 450X takes four and a half hours. The S1 Pro promises 0-100 per full charge in six and a half hours, while the 450X can be charged to full in five hours and forty minutes. Notably, the Ather 450X and River Indie also support fast charging. Meanwhile, the company provides five years/50,000km warranty on the Indie and its battery pack.