Watch Video: Ather Rizta VS River Indie Electric Scooters: Storage Comparison

Storage showdown between the Ather Rizta and River Indie scooters, here’s what the electric scooters have to offer:

Picture this: You go out to replenish groceries for your house, and as you stock up you realise there is no more space on your scooter and end up hanging the bags on your hand and handlebar. It is uncomfortable but you don’t have an option. This scenario begs the question of which scooter will fulfil your need for more storage capacity: the Ather Rizta or the River Indie. We compare their storage space so you don’t have to go through the hassle: 

Ather Rizta 

Battery Capacity: 2.9kWh / 3.7kWh

Range: 123km / 159km (claimed)

Top Speed: 80kmph

The Ather Rizta is a family-oriented scooter that offers something for everyone in the family. The Rizta has a boxy design approach than its more sporty-looking cousin, the Ather 450X. The Rizta is available in 2 variants: The Rizta S with a 2.9 kWh Battery priced at Rs 1,09,999 (ex-showroom, Bangalore), Rizta Z is available with two battery options: the 2.9kWh battery, priced at Rs 1,24,999 and the 3.7kWh battery, priced at Rs 1,44,999 (ex-showroom Bangalore).

The Rizta has a 4.3kW motor with a claimed top speed of 80kmph. The 2.9kWh battery pack has a  claimed IDC (Indian Driving Conditions) range of 123km, and the larger 3.7kWh pack has a range of 160km. It has two riding modes to choose from: Smart Eco and Zip. Both 2.9kWh variants come with a 350W portable charger that takes around 6 hours and 40 minutes to charge from 0-80 percent. The 3.7kWh battery comes with an Ather Duo 700W charger that takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to charge its battery from 0-80 percent.

In terms of tech, the Ather Z gets a 7-inch TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and Google Maps navigation. While the Ather S gets a 7-inch LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Additionally, it gets AtherSkidControl (traction control), Magic Twist (negative throttle for regen braking), integrated WhatsApp and Alexa, tow & theft alerts, live location sharing and more.

Storage Kitna Hai? 

Answering your question of how much storage space it has, the Rizta offers a massive 56L of storage space with a boot space of 34L and more 22L in the Frunk (additional accessory). By ‘massive’ we don’t mean you can fit an elephant but you keep a lot of stuff in the main compartment like a full-face helmet, a backpack, groceries, and more. 

River Indie

Battery Capacity: 4kWh

Range: 161km (claimed)

Top Speed: 90kmph

The River Indie is tagged as the ‘SUV of Scooters’ and has a rugged yet funky design that is extremely utilitarian. The Indie is priced at Rs 1,38,000 (ex-showroom Bangalore). It is equipped with a 4kWh battery pack which gives an IDC (Indian Driving Cycle) range of 161km and it has three riding modes: Eco, Ride, and Rush. It takes around 5 hours for the battery to charge from 0-80% using the standard charger.

Feature-wise, the Indie is not tech-savvy, it gets a 6-colour digital LCD instrument cluster that shows speed, battery level, range, riding mode, two trip metres, an odometer, and information. Moreover, it doesn’t come with Bluetooth so SMS/call alerts, navigation, etc are out of the question. To make up for that, a bolt-on mobile phone holder is offered as an accessory. However, it comes with more utility features like a pair of rider footpegs, crash bars integrated into the apron, saddle stays, raised clip-on handlebars, hazard lights, and a side-stand motor cut-off function. 

How much space does it offer?

The River Indie has a 43L underseat storage, which the company says can easily store two helmets, a 12L lockable glove box with a USB Charger and a huge flat floor bed. River also offers plenty of accessories to increase storage space like a 25L top box, 40L pannier boxes and a detachable floor cage. All things mentioned, the tag ‘SUV of Scooters’ suits it. 

Is it available in your city?

The Ather Rizta is finally off the production line and its deliveries have begun in Ahmedabad, Pune, Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Jaipur, Nagpur, and across Andhra Pradesh. Ather says other cities will get it soon.

While the River Indie is currently available in Bangalore and Hyderabad only. Earlier this year, the startup got funding of Rs 335 crore, which they plan to utilise for expanding their network in the country and undertaking development for more products.

Which one should you choose?

Having put the two out there, the Ather Rizta has a modern approach with a lot of tech sandwiched in it, while the River Indie has a more radical approach with its focus on utility. If you are looking for a scooter that everyone in the family will love riding, it is the Ather Rizta. However, if you want something ‘hatke’ the River Indie is the one for you. Both scooters do well in terms of seating, with plenty of room for the rider and pillion to sit comfortably. In the end, it all boils down to if either of the scooters is available in your city.