Suzuki e-Access First Ride Review: A Solid Offering

When Suzuki invited us to test ride their first electric scooter, the e-Access, I certainly didn’t expect to find myself on a go-kart track. You see, the e-Access is a commuter scooter with a top speed limited to 71km/h, so I was expecting to test it on city streets. But there I was on the go-kart track, zipping around tight corners and short straights, with about 40 minutes to find out just how well Suzuki had engineered their newest two-wheeler.

Suzuki e-Access: Design and Equipment

The design of the e-Access is slightly different from its internal combustion counterpart. While the petrol-powered scooter has a more retro-modern look, the EV leans more towards modern aesthetics. The e-Access features sharper lines on the body panels and sleeker lighting compared to the Access. My favourite design detail is the turbine-like 12-inch alloys – they look rather smart.

Due to the way the battery has been positioned, the boot space in the e-Access is somewhat compromised. You get 17 litres of storage – not a lot, but enough to carry a few groceries. There’s a pocket on the left side of the apron – just big enough to hold a smartphone – with a USB socket conveniently placed next to it.

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The 4.2-inch TFT colour display has a fairly basic design, reminiscent of other Suzuki vehicles. That’s not to say it’s a poor unit. Sure, rival scooters in the segment offer fancier displays, but the e-Access opts for a simple yet effective layout. It shows all the key information in a clear and legible manner. You can even connect your phone to it for call and message alerts, as well as navigation support. Personally, I’ll always take a basic but properly functioning module over something that looks fancy but runs slower than a snail on an incline.

Suzuki e-Access: Riding Dynamics

Our run with the e-Access was limited to a go-kart track, which meant testing aspects like suspension tuning on rough roads and real-world range wasn’t possible. However, I was able to evaluate plenty of other features, including power delivery and acceleration. The scooter is powered by a 5.5bhp motor producing 15Nm of torque. This setup enables a top speed of 71 km/h – it’s not blazing fast, but it’s sufficient for city commutes.

There are three ride modes on offer – Eco, Ride A, and Ride B. Eco mode restricts the top speed to 55 km/h and offers more sedate acceleration. I used this mode briefly and found it suitable for shorter trips. Ride A and Ride B both provide full power but differ in their regenerative braking settings. Ride A features stronger regen braking, while Ride B’s is less intrusive. I think, Ride A will be the most commonly used mode for everyday riding since it doesn’t limit power and the stronger regen braking can help maximise range.

Having been in the two-wheeler business for decades, Suzuki has nailed some basic yet crucial elements. The accelerator calibration is excellent, and the chassis dynamics feel well-balanced. Acceleration is linear and predictable, with smooth modulation that prevents a jerky ride. The 12-inch tyres offer plenty of grip, whether you’re powering down a straight or leaning into a corner. The front disc brake delivers strong, progressive bite as well.

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One area where Suzuki seems to have underdelivered, at least on paper, is the certified range of 95km. This is partly due to the 3kWh LFP battery. While LFP batteries have lower energy density compared to NMC cells, they offer superior safety and reliability. It appears Suzuki has prioritised providing a limited but reliable and worry-free experience over pushing for maximum range.

Suzuki e-Access: Recipe for Success?

I must say I was very impressed by how the e-Access rides. The throttle calibration and tyre grip are definite highlights. It is also a well-built scooter with a design that grows on you. What will ultimately determine its fate is the price. Considering the specifications and the competitive landscape of the e-scooter market, Suzuki will need to price their challenger between ₹1 and 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom) if they want to compete with established players in this space. So, now the ball is firmly in Suzuki’s court.