First Flight

Suzuki brings its first e-scooter to the Indian market, but can it live up to the expectations?

- AAKASH A PAUL

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.

LOOKS & KIT

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.