Honda Brings Back Motocompo as Collapsible Electric Scooter Offering 12-Mile Range

In a similar vein as its predecessor, the Motocompacto is envisioned as a solution for the first and final miles of a journey. Picture it as a convenient method to traverse between a less-than-ideal city parking spot and your intended destination. The Motocompacto promises a range of 12 miles on a single charge and a maximum speed of 15 mph. It will be priced at $995, up for online purchase or available through Honda and Acura dealerships starting November this year.

The scooter is driven by a solitary permanent-magnet motor, providing 0.65 horsepower to the front wheel and 11.8 lb-ft of torque. The electric scooter can be charged from a standard 110-volt outlet in just 3.5 hours, both while folded and unfolded. It weighs 41 pounds in total, hefty yet feasible to transport.

In contrast to stand-up electric scooter configurations, the Motocompacto boasts a seat and foot pegs for a conventional riding encounter. The ingenious folding mechanism permits the scooter to swiftly convert into a compact stackable case, ideal for transportation on public transit or storage in a luggage compartment. When folded, it measures a mere 29.2 by 21.1 by 3.7 inches, simplifying storage and mobility. The artisans behind the Motocompacto are Honda engineers from Ohio and California, who secured 32 patents during the development phase.

Regarding features, the scooter comes equipped with front and rear lights, a charging indicator, and a digital speedometer. It also offers limited onboard storage, with settings modifiable via Bluetooth and a smartphone application. The scooter’s charger can be stored on the vehicle for convenient on-the-go recharging. Additionally, it boasts a welded steel loop on the kickstand for secure public locking. Honda intends to introduce a range of accessories, including a helmet, backpack, and apparel, for those desiring a coordinated appearance with their sleek foldable scooter. Entertaining!

The primary quandary surrounding the Motocompacto is determining where and how to utilize it. With a top speed of 15 mph, it’s not particularly suited for street travel, yet a seated scooter seems out of place on the sidewalk as well. Honda recommends it as the ideal mode of transport for navigating “urban landscapes and university campuses.” In those roles, its utility is evident.

Honda isn’t the sole car manufacturer intrigued by the advantages of electric scooters. Hyundai recently patented a similar concept, although no observable evidence of a production model has surfaced. Nevertheless, the electric scooter market has burgeoned in recent times, with even Bugatti affixing its emblem to a notably stylish specimen.

In contrast to the Motocompo, it seems that Honda hasn’t designed the Motocompacto to specifically complement any particular Honda or Acura model. Nevertheless, its compact dimensions make it a harmonious fit and effortlessly storable in virtually any model within the lineup. If you seek a trendy scooter for stylish urban commuting, Honda’s new collapsible gem might just be the ideal choice.

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