India’s electric scooter market is on the brink of a major transformation, and the buzz is only getting louder as Yamaha, the iconic Japanese two-wheeler giant, prepares to make its long-awaited entry. For years, Yamaha has been synonymous with sporty, reliable, and innovative motorcycles and scooters, but until now, it has watched from the sidelines as the electric revolution swept across Indian roads.
That’s about to change. With the upcoming launch of its first electric scooter, codenamed RY01, Yamaha is poised to shake up the segment and offer Indian consumers a new benchmark in style, performance, and technology. This move is not just a product launch—it’s a strategic leap, powered by a partnership with Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup River.
As the market leader, Ola Electric faces headwinds, and rivals like TVS and Bajaj gain ground; Yamaha’s entry could not be more timely. In this blog, we explore what makes the Yamaha RY01 electric scooter a potential game-changer, what buyers can expect, and how this launch could reshape the future of urban mobility in India.
Table of Contents
Yamaha Electric Scooter for India Launch This Year: RY01 Set to Redefine Urban Mobility
Yamaha’s foray into the Indian electric scooter market is a story of strategic timing and innovation. While the company has long been admired for its petrol-powered scooters and motorcycles, it has so far held back from entering the electric segment, choosing instead to observe the market’s evolution. Now, with the electric two-wheeler space maturing and consumer preferences shifting rapidly, Yamaha is ready to make its move.
The RY01, developed in collaboration with River, is set to roll out by the end of 2025, with production expected to commence between July and September of the same year. This partnership is more than a simple collaboration; it’s a fusion of Yamaha’s global expertise and River’s local innovation, with River handling engineering, R&D, powertrain, battery, and manufacturing, while Yamaha retains project ownership and ensures the final product meets its renowned quality standards.
The RY01 is expected to be based on the same platform as the River Indie, a scooter that has already made waves for its impressive range and robust performance. The River Indie features a 4 kWh battery pack, delivering an IDC-certified range of 161 km on a single charge, and is powered by a 6.7 kW (about 9 bhp) PMSM electric motor. While Yamaha’s RY01 may use the same or slightly tweaked powertrain components, it will distinguish itself with a unique design language that reflects Yamaha’s sporty and premium DNA. This focus on design is crucial, as Indian consumers increasingly seek electric scooters that not only perform well but also make a statement on the road.
The company’s entry comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian electric scooter market. The segment leader, Ola Electric, has recently experienced a downturn, creating opportunities for established players and new entrants alike. TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto have already capitalized on this shift, and Japanese brands are now eyeing a larger share of the pie. Honda is preparing to launch the Activa e and QC1, while Suzuki is working on the e-Access. Yamaha’s RY01, therefore, is not just another electric scooter—it’s a strategic move to capture the imagination of a new generation of riders and reclaim market share in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The partnership with River is also a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to localization and cost efficiency. By leveraging River’s manufacturing plant in Bengaluru, Yamaha can ensure that the RY01 is not only engineered to global standards but also competitively priced for the Indian market. This approach is further supported by Yamaha’s $40 million investment in River during its Series B fundraising in 2024, underscoring the brand’s long-term vision for electric mobility in India.
Looking ahead, Yamaha’s ambitions extend beyond the RY01. The company is reportedly developing a new global electric two-wheeler platform, set to debut in 2026 or 2027. This signals a broader commitment to electric mobility, with India serving as a key market for future innovations. For now, though, all eyes are on the RY01 and what it promises to deliver: a blend of performance, range, and style that could set a new standard for electric scooters in India.
Yamaha RY01 Electric Scooter vs. River Indie (Expected Specifications)
| Feature | Yamaha RY01 (Expected) | River Indie |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4 kWh (est.) | 4 kWh |
| Range (IDC) | ~161 km | 161 km |
| Motor Power | 6.7 kW (est.) | 6.7 kW |
| Design | Sporty, Premium | Urban, Functional |
| Launch Timeline | End of 2025 | Launched |
| Manufacturing Partner | River (Bengaluru) | River (Bengaluru) |
Also Read: Folks Motor Raises ₹100 Cr for EV Growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will Yamaha launch its first electric scooter in India?
The company is expected to launch its first electric scooter, codenamed RY01, by the end of 2025, with production starting between July and September 2025.
Q2: What are the expected features of the Yamaha RY01 electric scooter?
The company RY01 is likely to feature a 4 kWh battery, a range of around 161 km per charge, a 6.7 kW electric motor, and a sporty, premium design tailored for Indian consumers.
Yamaha’s entry into the Indian electric scooter market with the RY01 is more than just a new product launch—it’s a signal that the electric mobility revolution is entering a new phase. With a blend of Japanese engineering, local innovation, and a keen understanding of Indian consumer needs, Yamaha is set to raise the bar for what electric scooters can offer. As the countdown to the RY01’s launch begins, Indian riders can look forward to a new era of urban mobility—one that promises not just efficiency and sustainability, but also excitement and style on every ride.
