OPINION: The Suzuki e-Access’s Asking Price Makes The iPhone 17 Pro Max Feel Reasonably Priced

Rs 1.88 lakh for this? We’re not convinced

12 months since its maiden appearance, countless years of testing and the statement that Suzuki’s first electric scooter is making is that it is not worth it. The Suzuki e-Access has finally gone on sale at Rs 1,88,490 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is pretty normal for sporty electric scooters like the Ather 450 Apex or the Simple One Gen 2, not for an entry-level family-centric option. In a segment where value is king, Suzuki’s numbers just don’t add up.

We Expected Wanted vs What We Received

Let’s get straight to the point. We had earlier said that the Suzuki e-Access would be fantastic if it was around Rs 80,000, sensible at Rs 1,00,000 and difficult to justify at Rs 1.2 lakh. Considering its conservative approach, familiar design and no-nonsense performance, the price estimations seemed fair. Instead, Suzuki has priced it nearly Rs 80,000 higher than that estimate, pushing it straight into premium territory without giving buyers a strong enough reason to pay that premium.

At this price, expectations naturally rise. Buyers start looking for standout performance, class-leading range, cutting-edge features and strong tech integration. Unfortunately, the e-Access doesn’t tick enough of these boxes to warrant its asking price.

Too Expensive For What It Offers

There’s no denying that the e-Access is a well-built scooter. It feels solid, has typical Japanese fit-and-finish, and should carry Suzuki’s reputation for reliability. But beyond that, the value proposition starts to fall apart. The claimed range of 95km and performance figures (claimed top-speed of 71kmph) are acceptable at best, but nothing that sets new benchmarks, especially when you look at what’s available for much less money.

What makes things worse is that several electric scooters that cost nearly half as much manage to offer far better real-world usability. When buyers realise they’re paying a massive premium without getting a proportionate upgrade in performance or features, the price gap becomes very hard to justify.

Ather 450 Apex Makes The Suzuki Look Overpriced

At nearly the same price as the e-Access, you can get the Ather 450 Apex (Rs 1,86,311 ex-showroom, Delhi), and that comparison is not kind to Suzuki. The Ather offers significantly better performance, more engaging ride experience, superior software, richer features and a more modern overall experience. It feels every bit like a premium electric scooter, whereas the e-Access feels more like a safe, conservative product wearing a premium price tag.

Sure, Suzuki’s build quality is commendable, and long-term reliability could work in its favour. But in today’s electric scooter market, that alone isn’t enough to convince buyers to spend close to Rs 2 lakh.

BikeDekho Says

Suzuki may be late to the electric two-wheeler party, but being late doesn’t excuse being overpriced. The e-Access isn’t a bad scooter; it’s just priced way higher than what it offers. Had Suzuki played it smart and priced it closer to Rs 1.1 lakh, the e-Access could have been a sort of sensible, mass-market electric scooter. At Rs 1.88 lakh, however, it’s a tough sell in a segment filled with better-equipped, better-performing and more value-driven rivals.