If you’re tired of the same old cookie-cutter scooters, then Honda’s new Motocompacto might be the breath of fresh air you’ve been waiting for. The brand-new Motocompacto Electric takes its style cues from Honda’s 1980s classic, the Motocompo, which gained fame for its foldable design but was powered by an internal combustion engine. As Honda aggressively enters the electric vehicle market, this foldable electric scooter isn’t just a nostalgic throwback but a well-timed and sensible play towards making green and efficient last-mile commuting.
Designed for effortless last-mile travel, the new Honda Motocompacto excels in compact design and is an ideal solution for short-distance electric commuting/travel. Whether you’re catching public transit or storing it in your car, this scooter can be easily folded and carried, eliminating any parking concerns and presenting itself as a perfect last-mile companion in and around the city.
Weighing in at 18.7 kgs, the Motocompacto carries a bit of heft, which might place it on the weightier side among electric scooters. The scooter boasts an aluminium frame, front and rear LED lights for improved visibility, a convenient kickstand, and a sturdy welded steel hoop for added security. The Motocompacto also doesn’t skimp on convenience, offering foot pegs, practical onboard storage, a sleek digital speedometer, and a handy charge gauge.
Honda has even thrown in a plush cushioned seat, sitting at a comfortable 24.5 inches high, for those leisurely rides. As for power and range, the scooter has a decent 12-mile (or 11.37 km) claimed range and can reach a maximum speed of 15 mph with a peak output of 490W.
It offers a moderate 11.8 lb-ft of torque. The company claims that the scooter can go from zero to full charge in around 3.5 hours, irrespective of whether you use the onboard charger or a standard 110v outlet.
Another great thing about this scooter is its smart integration. You can fine-tune your experience by connecting your smartphone via Bluetooth to Motocompacto’s app, allowing you to customise lighting options and choose your preferred riding modes. While announcing the new scooter, Nick Ziraldo, project lead and design engineering unit leader at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, confirmed that while Motocompacto was designed for fun, safety remained paramount.
“Motocompacto is easy to use and fun to ride, but was also designed with safety, durability, and security in mind,” he said. “It uses a robust heat-treated aluminium frame and wheels, bright LED headlight and taillight, side reflectors, and a welded steel lock loop on the kickstand that is compatible with most bike locks.”
For those interested, Honda plans to release the Motocompacto exclusively through its website and select Honda and Acura dealerships in the US, starting in November. The scooter will be competitively priced at just USD$995 or AUD$1,545. Currently, there is no information available regarding pricing or release dates for Australia.
You’ll also like: