Suzuki e-Access First Ride Review: Suzuki’s first electric two-wheeler for India, the e-Access, has finally been ridden, and it’s clear – this electric scooter is refreshingly normal. Now, after several years of waiting for the big day, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has finally given us what feels like an actual electric scooter that is not just a tech experiment on two wheels.
We were able to lay our hands on the e-Access at a go-kart track in Bengaluru, and while that’s not exactly real-world testing, the controlled environment provided just about enough to help us understand what Suzuki’s first electric vehicle has to offer. The company is of course hiding prices at the moment, though word is they’ll let it be known in a few days.
Design That Makes Sense
The e-Access doesn’t attempt to re-invent the wheel – or the scooter. Suzuki has opted for a clutter-free, no-nonsense look that stands in stark contrast to the petrol Access 125. Up front, the styling is snazzier with a futuristic LED headlamp being made available and a vertical DRL on the front apron. It has neater, tidier proportions than its petrol brother – and actually the dual-tone with fibroin grey and pearl jade green works quite well together.
This isn’t one of those futuristic-looking EVs that appears to have landed from Mars. Instead, this thing’s a slow-burner that’ll date very well and should have broad appeal – just what Suzuki needed for their EV (electric vehicle) debut.
Specs That Don’t Overwhelm
The 3.072 kWh battery pack that powers this motor is LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and it is located beneath the seat and gives 95 km of range according to Suzuki. In reality, a round trip of 75-80 km would make a safe range which is fair for daily commuting. The fact that the Libratone has opted for the usual NMC batteries as opposed to solid, enduring LFPs is great — these will last for approximately twice as long, so worries of your battery bonking are a long, long way off.
The motor produces 4.1 kW of power and 15 Nm of torque which doesn’t seem like very much in outright figures, but it’s how the power is delivered that matters. Top speed climbs to 71 kmph in the sportier modes but is limited to 55 kmph in Eco mode. Charging time is 4 hours 30 minutes from 0-80%, or just over a hour with the fast charger that will be made available at dealerships.
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Three Evening Modes, Three Personalities
Suzuki has given the e-Access three riding modes, and they’ve really thought about this properly. Eco mode makes things a sedate 55 kmph with strong regen for best range. On Mode A, top speed rises to 71 kmph but regen is still punchy at 2kW. That’s when things get interesting because the identical 71kmph top speed is accompanied by minimum regen, just 1kW that makes it ride like a conventional scooter.
Throttle calibration is also worth noting. There are no surprises as you modulate throttle control, unlike some electric two-wheelers that suddenly kick on with a jerky or overly aggressive response. It’s not going to set your ears back with acceleration, but that’s the point – it’s supposed to be friendly and rideable by everyone.
Handling That Impresses
This is also a point where the e-Access really shines. For a 122 kg scoot, it feels pretty light on its feet right around the corners. Tyres grip well and that gives you confidence, and the scooter turns in where you point it. We were grinding center stands away on the track left and right, a good indication of how willing to lean it is.
The riding position is perfect with a 765 mm seat height and it is adapted to a wide range of riders. At 160 mm, ground clearance isn’t too bad and the ergonomics feel well laid out – some of the lessons learnt from the Burgman Street have obviously trickled into the new setup.
Features That Actually Matter
Not despite it but specifically because of it, the 4.2-inch TFT screen is clear, crisp, easily read and has great smartphone connectivity, showing everything and anything you could ever wish to know. The seat flips up at an angle and stays put — a good thing for getting into the under-seat storage, though it’s rather tight compared with competitors’. You also get a reverse mode, although on a scooter this light, it feels unnecessary.
The Reality Check
If we can be real for a sec — an electric scooter tested on a go-kart track is not the best. We were unable to properly assess its range, real world charging times, or how it handles on typical Indian roads. The suspension was a little stiff over the simulated track bumps, but we’ll hold out judgment until we get some real road time.
What we can tell you is that Suzuki hasn’t gone mad with it. They have not pursued headline-grabbing numbers or gimmicky features. Instead, they’ve developed what feels like a real-deal scooter, just an electric one.
The Bottom Line
The e-Access is Suzuki being Suzuki at its best—creating practical, reliable machines that simply work. It’s not the fastest electric scooter or the most feature-filled one available, but it may be the most sensible. When pricing is announced, it’ll be in direct competition with the Honda Activa e:, TVS iQube and Ather Rizta.
For its first electric attempt, Suzuki appears to have nailed the basics. What the real-world test would look and feel like would actually be able to ride it in real traffic, deal with real charge situations and see how it holds up that will be the real test. But if this initial sip is any indication, the e-Access seems like it could be the electric scooter for folks who simply want to go from A to B without any unnecessary drama.
And sometimes, that’s just what the market wants.