Yamaha Motor India recently lifted the veil on the EC-06 electric scooter, aiming squarely at urban commuters who want style, utility and green credentials. Developed in partnership with Bengaluru-based startup River, this model premieres with serious ambition in a growing electric two-wheeler market. The EC-06 draws attention first with its powertrain. It uses a 4.5 kW electric motor capable of 6.7 kW peak output, paired with a 4 kWh fixed lithium-ion battery. Yamaha claims a certified range of 160 km under Indian Driving Cycle test conditions. A full charge using a home plug-in charger takes approximately nine hours a figure that should work for overnight replenishing.
Handling and form factor also get a makeover. Yamaha describes the EC-06 as designed for inter-urban mobility, blending agile manoeuvrability with a high-centered frame that gives it a bold road presence. Sharp body lines, LED lighting all around, and a colour LCD display with built-in telematics are part of the equipment. Under-seat storage comes in at 24.5 litres—large enough for daily essentials or a helmet.
Three selectable riding modes help users tailor performance and efficiency, and a reverse gear adds convenience in tight parking spots. Disc brakes on both ends provide stopping power aligned with modern expectations. The top speed sits at about 90 km/h, positioning the EC-06 as a commuter-focused EV rather than a sport model. Yamaha timing and strategy suggest it sees India as central to its electric mobility push. The company showcased the EC-06 alongside other models, signalling its intent to cover both value and performance segments. For attractively priced electric options the EC-06 enters as a compelling contender.
On the flip side some challenges remain. The announced range and charging time assume ideal conditions; real-world use may vary depending on terrain, load and battery health. Infrastructure for EV charging in many cities still lags, which means ownership depends as much on location and support as on vehicle specs. Additionally pricing details remain vague, though some early commentary places the scooter in the Rs 1.5-1.6 lakh ex-showroom range.
In summary, the EC-06 projects a strong blend of design, technology and practicality. Yamaha has crafted a scooter that looks ready for the daily urban grind while embracing electric mobility. Whether users across India will embrace it will depend on how the ownership experience stacks up but for now, the EC-06 sets a benchmark that others will likely measure against.
