Suzuki is on its way in terms of electric development. Where it will lead is still unclear, of course, but the initial process of electrification for the Hamamatsu brand has begun, as shown by patent drawings of an electric scooter.
The drawings, published in Cycle World, appear to show an electric version of Suzuki’s Burgman scooter. Not as a 400, though, rather a more common 125-equivalent would be the solution here for Suzuki.
The realm of the electric remains in convenience rather than performance, of course, especially with respect to two wheels, and for a manufacturer like Suzuki, which for now has left almost all competition - with the limited exception of US motocross, and that of the Endurance World Championship - behind, practicality is vitality.
It is worth remembering, with competition still in mind, that one of the reasons behind Suzuki’s withdrawal from MotoGP is to push more money into the development of electric power. In this area, it is notably behind some of its rivals, including those also from Japan.
Honda has launched its electric PCX scooter, as well as electric motocross bikes for kids. Additionally, it has a full-sized electric motocross prototype, as does KTM, who also have the E-Duke on the way, and the E-Pilen from Husqvarna. Back to Japan, though, and we find Kawasaki has recently launched an electric balance bike for kids, and Yamaha has a selection of electric scooters in both Europe and Asia. Suzuki needs to catch up, and this ‘E-Burgman’ - to hypothesise a naming convention - appears to be the beginning of that.
Images courtesy of Cycle World.
