Introduction
The Indian electric scooter market has a new heavyweight contender. Yamaha has officially launched the Yamaha EC-06 in India, marking its most serious step yet into the EV space. Priced at ₹1.67 lakh (ex-showroom), this scooter is not a rushed experiment—it is the first production model after Yamaha’s $40 million strategic investment in River Mobility.
That investment explains everything: the platform, the engineering focus, and the long-term intent. With a claimed 169 km range, premium hardware, and Yamaha’s reliability-first philosophy, the EC-06 is clearly aimed at buyers who want refinement over raw hype. The big question: can it take on India’s EV leaders like Ola Electric and Ather Energy? Let’s find out.
Design: Sporty Yamaha DNA Meets “SUV Scooter” Practicality
The Yamaha EC-06 is based on the rugged River Indie platform, but visually, it’s a very different machine.
Aggressive Maxi-Scooter Styling
Sharp, clean body lines
Muscular stance inspired by Yamaha’s global designs
Looks more like a “proper motorcycle brand EV” than a gadget
Signature “Bluish White” Launch Color
At launch, the EC-06 debuts in an exclusive Bluish White shade
This color is part of Yamaha’s global EV identity
Subtle, premium, and instantly recognizable on the road
LED Lighting & Road Presence
Vertically stacked LED headlamp
Sleek LED tail-lamps for a futuristic look
Best-in-Class Stability
14-inch alloy wheels
Larger than most competitors
Offers superior balance on potholes, broken roads, and high-speed turns
This design clearly targets mature urban riders who value confidence and durability.
Performance: Built for the Urban Sprint, Not Speed Records
Yamaha’s philosophy here is clear: smooth, predictable performance over headline-grabbing top speeds.
Motor & Output
IPMSM motor (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor)
6.7 kW (9.1 PS) peak power
26 Nm torque for strong low-end acceleration
Top Speed
79 km/h, perfectly tuned for city commuting and flyovers
Riding & Utility Modes
Eco
Standard
Power
Reverse mode for tight parking situations
The EC-06 feels engineered for daily reliability, not drag-strip bragging rights.
Battery & Range: The 169 km Advantage (With a Clear Strategy)
Range anxiety is where Yamaha makes its strongest statement.
Certified Range
169 km (IDC) on a single charge
One of the most practical long-range scooters in its segment
Battery Pack Details
4 kWh fixed lithium-ion battery
IP67-rated (dustproof and water-resistant)
Why a Fixed Battery?
Unlike brands such as Vida (Hero), which offer swappable batteries, Yamaha has intentionally chosen a fixed battery design:
Better structural rigidity
Improved crash safety
Enhanced long-term reliability
This decision aligns with Yamaha’s global safety-first engineering philosophy.
Charging & Warranty
0–100% charging time: ~8–10 hours
Uses a standard 15A home socket
Battery warranty: 3 years or 30,000 km
Smart Features & Practical Storage
Yamaha has focused on features that actually matter in daily use.
Connected Technology
Colored LCD instrument cluster
Yamaha Motor Connect R app support
Call alerts, SMS notifications, navigation assistance
Storage & Convenience
24.5 litres under-seat storage
Easily fits a helmet and daily essentials
Safety Hardware
200 mm disc brakes at both ends
Combi Brake System (CBS) for stable braking
Price & Availability: Where and How to Buy
Ex-Showroom Price
₹1,67,600 (Delhi)
Launch Cities (Phase 1)
Bengaluru
Pune
Ahmedabad
Dealership Network
Sold exclusively via Yamaha Blue Square premium showrooms
This controlled rollout reflects Yamaha’s focus on quality ownership experience rather than mass-volume expansion.
Quick Comparison: Yamaha EC-06 vs Ola S1 Pro (Gen 2)
| Feature | Yamaha EC-06 | Ola S1 Pro (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Size | 14-inch (Best in Class) | 12-inch |
| Certified Range | 169 km | 195 km |
| Top Speed | 79 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Battery Pack | 4 kWh (Fixed) | 4 kWh (Fixed) |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹1.67 Lakh | ₹1.30–1.40 Lakh |
Final Verdict: Is the Yamaha EC-06 Worth It in 2026?
If your priority is speed and aggressive pricing, Ola still dominates. But if you value:
Long-term reliability
Superior ride stability
Premium build quality
Japanese engineering discipline
…the Yamaha EC-06 makes a compelling case. It feels less like a startup experiment and more like a well-thought-out, long-life electric scooter.
With the backing of its investment in River Mobility, Yamaha is clearly playing the long game—and the EC-06 is just the beginning.