🛵 Yamaha Enters the Electric Scooter Market in India

Balasahana Suresh
Japan’s Yamaha has officially launched its first electric scooter in India, called the EC-06 — marking a big step as the company enters the rapidly growing electric two-wheeler segment. This is the first Yamaha-branded EV available here, signalling the brand’s intent to compete with other leading electric scooters.

📌 Price & Availability

  • Price: Around ₹1.67–1.68 lakh (ex-showroom).
  • Initially offered in select states — such as Maharashtra, karnataka and tamil Nadu — through Yamaha’s premium Blue Square dealerships.
This pricing places the EC-06 in the premium electric scooter segment — more expensive than some rivals but aiming for a higher build quality and brand appeal.

🔋 Powertrain & Performance

🚀 Key Specs

  • Range: Claimed 169 km (IDC certified) on a full charge — competitive for city commuters.
  • Top Speed: 79 km/h, which is suitable for urban riding.
  • Motor & Battery: Uses a 4 kWh fixed lithium-ion battery with an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) producing about *6.7 kW (≈9 PS) and 26 Nm torque.
  • Charging: From 0–80% in about 8 hours using a standard home socket.
The scooter targets everyday urban commuting — not racing performance. Its range and speed are tuned for city traffic and regular usage.

🧰 Features & Practicality

The EC-06 blends useful tech and comfort features with daily convenience:

📱 Tech & Ride Modes

  • Three riding modes: Eco, Standard, and Power.
  • Reverse mode to ease parking in tight spaces.
  • Colour LCD instrument panel with key information.
  • Yamaha Motor Connect R app connectivity for smartphone integration.
🛡️ Safety & Ride Comfort

  • Disc brakes with Combi Brake System (CBS) front and rear.
  • Telescopic front forks and rear coil suspension adapted for urban roads.
  • Motor & battery carry IP67 water/dust protection (electronics IP65).
🎒 Storage & Practicality

  • 24.5 litres under-seat storage — enough for a helmet or daily essentials.
Overall, the EC-06 focuses on balanced practicality, offering valuable everyday features without overly complex gadgets.

🤝 What It’s Based On

Interestingly, the EC-06 is developed in collaboration with Bengaluru-based startup River, and it is built on the River Indie platform.
This means Yamaha leveraged an existing, tested EV base, but retuned and refined it with its own design and feature touches — a strategic way to enter the EV space quickly.

💡 Is ₹1.68 Lakh Worth It? — Pros & Cons

👍 Why It May Be Worth It

  • Strong brand reliability and sales network via Yamaha dealers is a big plus.
  • Well-rounded specs for city commuting — reliable range, solid feature list, and connectivity.
  • Good safety and protection standards for indian weather and traffic conditions.
👎 Things to Consider

  • Price is on the premium side compared with some rivals like Ather, ola S1 Pro, Chetak, or TVS iQube — most of which start lower or offer aggressive pricing.
  • Based on Reddit discussions, some enthusiasts feel the Yamaha version might cost a little more than the base product it’s built on, mainly for the brand badge and dealer trust rather than extra hardware.
  • Limited initial availability means riders outside the select states may have to wait longer.
📌 Final Takeaway

The Yamaha EC-06 is a solid first step for Yamaha into India’s EV scooter market — offering good range, useful features, and Yamaha’s reputation for reliability. It’s priced at a premium, but for riders prioritising brand trust, dealer support, and balanced daily performance, it could be worth considering.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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