Highlights

• Yamaha EC‑06 marks the brand’s debut in the electric scooter segment
• Production began in early 2026 at the River plant in Hosakote, Karnataka
• 4 kWh battery, 6.7 kW motor, 160 km claimed range, 90 km/h top speed
• Expected price around INR 1.25 lakh, positioned between TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak
• Pre‑launch interest surged, with over 5,000 online enquiries in the first week
• Direct rivals include TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Photon and Ather 450X
• Yamaha hopes the EC‑06 will push EV two‑wheel adoption beyond metro cities

Yamaha EC‑06 the brand’s first electric scooter

Yamaha has been a household name in India for more than three decades, but until now the company has only offered petrol‑powered mopeds and sport bikes. The EC‑06 is the first step into the rapidly growing electric two‑wheel market. Why now? India’s electric‑vehicle push, generous subsidies and a tightening emissions regime have turned the scooter segment into a hot playground for manufacturers. Yamaha’s decision to build the bike in‑house at its River plant in Hosakote signals confidence – the same facility that produces the popular Yamaha Saluto and Fascino.

Production kickoff in Karnataka

The River plant, originally a joint venture with Honda, was repurposed in early 2026 to accommodate a 4 kW h battery assembly line. The first batch of EC‑06 units rolled off the line in February, and the company announced a tentative launch for the summer of 2026. Local suppliers provide the lithium‑ion cells, while the motor is sourced from Yamaha’s own R&D centre in Japan. This vertical integration should keep costs in check and allow quick updates based on rider feedback.

Powertrain and performance

Yamaha equips the EC‑06 with a 6.7 kW (9 hp) brushless motor that delivers instant torque. The 4 kWh battery pack sits under the footboard, giving the scooter a low centre of gravity and a claimed 160 km range under mixed‑city riding. In real‑world tests, the range is expected to settle around 130 km, which still beats most competitors. The top speed of 90 km/h is more than enough for Indian highways while keeping the scooter in the 50 km/h limited‑speed class for city‑only licences.

Specs at a glance

Spec	Detail
Battery	4 kWh lithium‑ion, removable
Motor	6.7 kW (9 hp) brushless
Range	160 km (claimed) / ~130 km realistic
Top speed	90 km/h
Charging	Fast charge 0‑80 % in 2 h, standard 4 h
Storage	24.5 L under seat
Dimensions	1,750 mm L × 680 mm W × 1,110 mm H
Weight	115 kg (incl. battery)
Features	LCD console, riding modes, reverse assist, rectangular headlamp

Pricing and market positioning

Yamaha has not released an official price, but industry analysts peg the EC‑06 at roughly INR 1.25 lakh (including GST). That places it slightly above the TVS iQube (INR 1.08 lakh) and just below the Bajaj Chetak (INR 1.40 lakh). By pricing the scooter in the mid‑range, Yamaha aims to attract both first‑time EV buyers and loyal Yamaha fans who want a familiar brand without paying a premium.

Who are the rivals?

Competitor	Battery	Range	Top speed	Price
TVS iQube	2.25 kWh	100 km	78 km/h	INR 1.08 L
Bajaj Chetak	3 kWh	95 km	85 km/h	INR 1.40 L
Hero Photon	2.9 kWh	110 km	85 km/h	INR 1.20 L
Ather 450X	3.3 kWh	146 km	80 km/h	INR 1.55 L

The EC‑06’s larger battery and longer claimed range give it an edge, while its 90 km/h top speed nudges it into the “high‑speed scooter” niche. Yamaha also leverages its strong dealer network, which could translate into faster service and better resale values.

What this means for Indian EV two‑wheelers

The EC‑06 adds a fresh voice to a segment that has been dominated by TVS, Bajaj and Hero for the past three years. Yamaha’s entry could accelerate consumer confidence, especially among riders who have traditionally associated the brand with performance and reliability. If the scooter lives up to its range claim, it could push the average daily commute distance for EV scooters above the 80 km mark, making electric mobility a realistic option for many tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities.

Looking ahead

Yamaha has hinted at a family of electric two‑wheelers, including a sport‑bike variant slated for 2027. The EC‑06 will act as a testbed for battery management software and fast‑charging infrastructure partnerships. In a market where subsidies are set to phase out by 2028, early movers like Yamaha may enjoy a first‑mover advantage that translates into brand loyalty for future models.

Will the EC‑06 rewrite the rules of Indian two‑wheel mobility? Only time and the next charging station will tell.