Suzuki e Access vs Ather Rizta: The electric scooter market just got a whole lot spicier. Suzuki’s e Access has rolled into town, ready to duke it out with Ather’s well-established Rizta in what’s shaping up to be the family segment fight of the year.
Here’s the kicker – both these machines are priced almost neck-and-neck at ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom). That means your choice isn’t going to be dictated by your wallet alone. Instead, it’s about figuring out which scooter actually fits your daily grind better. And trust me, after spending time with both, the answer isn’t as obvious as you’d think.
Design and Styling
Let’s be honest – the Suzuki e Access won’t win any beauty contests. It’s got that “designed by committee” vibe that screams safe rather than stunning. Think of it as the scooter equivalent of your dad’s favorite white shirt – perfectly functional, utterly reliable, but hardly the conversation starter at the office parking lot. The front end is slim, almost delicate, and frankly reminds me of those budget scooters from the early 2000s.
Now, the Ather Rizta? That’s a different beast altogether. This thing looks like it means business – chunky, substantial, with design cues that actually make you feel like you’re riding something from this decade. Plus, Ather’s thrown in 11 color options because, apparently, they understand that not everyone wants to ride around on a white or black scooter. The e Access? You get three choices. Take it or leave it.
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Performance and Range
Here’s where the rubber meets the road, literally. The Ather Rizta absolutely demolishes the e Access in the range department – 123 km versus a rather modest 95 km. That 28 km difference? It’s the gap between confidently planning weekend trips and constantly hunting for charging points like you’re playing some twisted treasure hunt.
The Rizta also packs more punch with its 4.3 kW motor (versus the e Access’s 4.1 kW), which translates to a top speed of 80 kmph. The e Access tops out at 71 kmph – perfectly adequate for city riding, but you’ll feel the difference on highway stretches.
But here’s where Suzuki fights back – charging times. The e Access juices up completely in 6.42 hours compared to the Rizta’s rather leisurely 8.3 hours. For fast charging, the e Access needs just 2.12 hours to get back in action. That’s the kind of practicality that matters when you’re dealing with India’s still-developing charging infrastructure.
Features and Technology
This is where Ather flexes like a bodybuilder at the beach. The Rizta is basically a smartphone that happens to have two wheels. Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp alerts, OTA updates, Alexa skills – it’s got more tech than some cars I’ve driven. That 7-inch DeepView display is crisp, responsive, and makes the e Access’s 4.2-inch screen look positively ancient.
The e Access keeps things refreshingly simple. Keyless start, basic navigation, call and SMS alerts – it’s like using a well-designed feature phone in a smartphone world. Not necessarily worse, just… different. Some folks actually prefer this approach, especially if you’re the type who gets overwhelmed by too many beeps and notifications.
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Comfort and Practicality
If you’re someone who regularly carries more than just your phone and wallet, the Ather Rizta is your friend. That 34-liter underseat storage is genuinely massive – I managed to stuff a laptop bag, groceries, and a small toolkit in there without breaking a sweat. The seat’s also properly wide, making pillion rides less of an endurance test.
The e Access, being 3 kg lighter at 122 kg, feels more nimble when you’re threading through Mumbai traffic or navigating those impossibly narrow Bangalore lanes. The lower seat height (765 mm) is also a blessing if you’re not particularly tall – no more tiptoeing at traffic lights. But that storage space? Let’s just say you’ll need to pack light.
Ride Quality and Handling
Both scooters handle well, but they’ve got completely different personalities. The e Access is like that friend who’s always ready for an impromptu ride – light, flickable, and genuinely fun in stop-and-go traffic. However, the suspension’s tuned on the firmer side, especially at the rear. Hit a pothole at speed, and you’ll know about it.
The Rizta takes the comfort route. That well-padded seat and softer suspension setup make it the better choice for longer rides, especially with a pillion. It’s more like a comfortable armchair on wheels rather than a sporty café racer.
Price and Value
Feature | Suzuki e Access | Ather Rizta |
---|---|---|
Ex-showroom Price | ₹1.10 lakh | ₹1.10-1.49 lakh |
Range | 95 km | 123 km |
Charging Time | 6.42 hours | 8.3 hours |
Storage | Limited | 34 liters |
Display | 4.2-inch TFT | 7-inch DeepView |
Weight | 122 kg | 125 kg |
The Verdict
Look, both these scooters are solid choices, but they’re aimed at slightly different people. The Suzuki e Access makes perfect sense if you’re someone who just wants to get from Point A to Point B without any fuss. It’s reliable, simple, and won’t overwhelm you with features you’ll never use. Perfect for that uncle who’s finally ready to go electric but doesn’t want to deal with smartphone-level complexity.
The Ather Rizta, on the other hand, is for folks who want their scooter to be as smart as their phone. The superior range, massive storage, and tech features make it the better choice for most Indian families – especially if you’ve got teenagers who’ll appreciate the connected features.
If I had to pick one with my own money? The Rizta edges ahead, mainly because that extra range and storage space solve real-world problems. Sure, it takes longer to charge and costs a bit more for the higher variants, but the peace of mind is worth it. The e Access isn’t a bad choice by any stretch – it’s just that the Rizta offers more scooter for roughly the same money.