Suzuki enters the EV space with the e-Access, a practical, well-built electric scooter aimed at urban commuters. It offers solid performance and quality but lacks standout design or features
The Suzuki Access has been a game-changer for the brand in India. With its no-nonsense approach, peppy performance, and wallet-friendly pricing, the Access steadily built a strong reputation for being one of the most value-for-money scooters in the country. It carved a niche for itself in Indian households as a reliable, easy-to-ride family scooter. Now, Suzuki is leveraging this brand equity to step into the EV game with its first electric two-wheeler for India – the Suzuki e-Access. While it carries the Access nameplate, it shares absolutely nothing with the ICE version apart from its intended audience – urban commuters looking for dependability and ease of use.
Looks & styling
In typical Suzuki fashion, the e-Access plays it safe with its design. It’s conservative, simple, and largely unassuming. While this design direction might please some family buyers, it misses an opportunity to stand out – especially in a market where new-age EVs are leveraging futuristic styling to attract attention. The e-Access lacks that aspirational pull. It doesn’t have the visual spark that would turn heads or entice younger buyers, many of whom now look at scooters as lifestyle statements. This could be a missed trick from Suzuki – especially when launching something as important as its first electric scooter. The e-Access comes decently equipped, keeping in line with what Suzuki has always done well – offering just enough, without going overboard. It gets a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, ride modes, and LED lighting. While the features aren’t groundbreaking, the overall quality levels are commendable. Suzuki has paid good attention to detail – the switchgear feels tactile, plastics are well-finished, and there’s an overarching sense of solidity. It feels well put together, and that’s something long-time Suzuki buyers will surely appreciate.
Power & ride
The Suzuki e-Access is designed for urban practicality, which is why it is powered by a 3.07kWh LFP battery paired with a 4.1kW electric motor that churns out 15Nm of torque. This setup allows the e-Access to hit a top speed of 71kmph—more than adequate for daily city commutes. The company claims a charging time of zero to 100 per cent in 6 hours 42mins. This could be longer if the ambient temperature exceeds 25 degrees. Fast charging time is 2 hours 12 minutes for zero to 100 per cent.
Our riding session was limited to about 20 minutes on a go-kart track, so impressions are strictly first-cut. That said, the motor’s performance was consistent throughout the ride. Suzuki claims that the e-Access delivers uniform performance until the battery dips below 10 per cent – a clear differentiator from many e-scooters, where performance begins to taper off much earlier. This was quite evident during our test. The e-Access gets three riding modes – Eco, Mode A, and Mode B. Eco mode is tuned for maximum efficiency. Mode A adds some regeneration, while Mode B is the most likeable of the lot. It offers no regen at all, allowing the scooter to coast – a welcome trait for cities with wide roads and less traffic, making it feel more natural to ride. The brakes are decent – nothing spectacular, but they get the job done without fuss. One of e-Access's most impressive traits is its handling. It feels light, nimble, and confident, changing direction quickly and predictably. The seating triangle is well thought-out too, offering comfort and control. It’s evident that Suzuki has carried forward some ergonomic learnings from the Burgman Street, and that’s a good thing. Now, ride quality is an important topic to discuss, and Suzuki clearly knew that. They had laid some rumblers at certain sections of the track. However, the rear ride was quite stiff, which didn’t make for a good experience. That said, we’ll talk more about this when the e-scooter comes to us for longer duration.
Verdict
Pricing will play a crucial role in defining the e-Access’s future. Without it, it’s difficult to determine its value quotient. From our brief stint, it's clear that Suzuki has nailed a few things – build quality, attention to detail, and consistent battery performance. But there’s no “wow” factor. It doesn’t break new ground in styling, nor does it offer any standout features. Initially, it’s likely that loyal Suzuki customers will gravitate toward the e-Access. But in a market brimming with aggressively priced and feature-rich e-scooters, Suzuki will need to be sharp with its pricing strategy. If not, the e-Access risks being just another electric scooter – good, but not memorable.
