Suzuki Ventures into Electric Scooters with the e-Address: A Risky Gamble or a Smart Move
Suzuki, the Japanese motorcycle giant, is on the brink of a significant milestone by entering the electric scooter market. Its model, the e-Address, is a scooter equivalent to a 50cc that might just shake things up. But, on closer inspection, has Suzuki fallen a bit behind? In this article, we’ll take a look at this scooter, its features, its equipment, and of course, we’ll give our take on its future on American roads. If you’re into bikes and innovation, this article is for you!
An Electric Scooter Equivalent to 50cc, But Not Without Its Flaws
The e-Address is the electric little brother of the Suzuki Address 125, a model well-known for its presence in the European market with its gas engine. However, Suzuki is making a bold move by going electric, and it’s safe to say the transition isn’t entirely seamless.
The engine, with its 5.4 hp (4 kW) and 15 Nm of torque, while charming, doesn’t quite stack up against other 50cc electric scooters already on the market. It might be enough for a relaxed city ride, but it’s no firecracker in terms of performance. For perspective, the Yamaha Neo’s seems more powerful in this category, so Suzuki will need to up its game to secure a spot.
The Battery and Range: More of a Drawback?
Now, the battery is key here. The e-Address comes with a 3.07 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. While this tech is cool for its longevity and safety—great for reassuring long-term use—it has a big downside: a lower energy density compared to classic lithium-ion batteries.
In practical terms, this means a range of 54 miles. Not bad, but still far from more powerful models. Plus, charging isn’t exactly quick! It’ll take about 6 hours and 40 minutes to fully charge via a regular outlet. Not exactly a recipe for a road trip, right? And that might give potential buyers pause.
Modern Equipment, But Nothing Too Remarkable
On the equipment front, the e-Address is fairly standard for an electric scooter in this category. The model features a 4.2-inch color TFT display with smartphone connectivity, which is neat for practicality. You even get turn-by-turn navigation. A nice bonus is the keyless ignition. No turning keys, it’s all about that modern feel!
And wait for it, the standout feature is the reverse mode. Still pretty rare in electric scooters. For a scooter at 265 lbs, you have to wonder if it’s really necessary. Unless you’re in an incredibly tight space, then maybe.
Speaking of modes, the e-Address offers three:
- Eco: great for maximizing range, though you do sacrifice a bit of power.
- Mode A: enhances regenerative braking and thus the engine braking. Handy for conserving battery.
- Mode B: offers a ride close to that of a traditional gas scooter, with less engine braking.
So, we’re looking at a well-equipped scooter, but it lacks that extra bit of innovation to truly set it apart in a competitive market.
The e-Address: A Scooter for the Smaller Builds?
Suzuki seems to have everyone in mind with the e-Address, as it’s super accessible for smaller riders. With a weight of 269 lbs and a seat height of 30 inches, it’s easy to handle and ideal for those who may not have the stature of a seasoned biker. When it comes to braking, it’s pretty basic with a disc at the front and a drum at the rear. Not the most impressive setup out there, but for a 50cc equivalent electric scooter, we weren’t expecting miracles either.
