In the 1980s, Honda introduced the Motocompo, a foldable gas-powered scooter that could fit into the trunk of the Honda City. While it was never sold in the US, Honda labeled it as a “trunk bike” designed to provide last-mile transportation after parking the City in a designated spot.
With the growing focus on electric vehicles, Honda has now come up with the Motocompacto, an electric version inspired by the original. The Motocompacto features a small battery that offers a range of up to 12 miles and a top speed of 12 miles per hour. While these specifications may not seem impressive, the advantage lies in the fact that the battery can be fully recharged in just 3.5 hours. Imagine riding the Motocompacto to your office a few miles away, and while you work, it can be easily recharged from a nearby 110-volt outlet, ensuring a full charge for your ride back home.
The Motocompacto has a compact design, measuring just over 38 inches in length, 35 inches in height, and with a seat height of 24.5 inches. When folded, its dimensions are reduced to 21.1 inches in height, 3.7 inches in width, and 29.2 inches in length. With a weight of only 41.3 pounds, it is effortlessly portable and can easily fit into the trunk of your car.
[See image gallery at www.thetorquereport.com]
Getting the Motocompacto ready for a ride is a simple process. From its folded state, you just need to attach the seat, extend the handbars, and pull out the rear wheel, which can be done in less than a minute. It also features a small brake light and headlight to enhance visibility on the road.
As a Honda product, the Motocompacto efficiently utilizes its limited space. When unfolded, it offers a small slot in the middle, perfect for holding a laptop or a small bag. Additionally, it is equipped with a digital screen that enables easy startup and allows you to choose between two drive modes. Mode 1 limits the speed to a walking pace and requires you to kick off before the throttle engages, while Mode 2 allows for direct acceleration from a standstill to its top speed of 15 mph.
The Motocompacto is equipped with a single electric motor at the front, delivering peak output of 490 watts and 11.8 pound-feet of torque. Although this may not sound like a lot of power, during a test ride around Honda’s corporate office in Torrance, CA, the Motocompacto proved to be a thrilling and enjoyable experience. Its low ride height adds to the fun factor and provides a sense of security compared to standing scooters since you can easily place your feet on the ground in case of any issues.
While we primarily rode the Motocompacto on smooth pavement, rougher roads may feel bumpier due to the lack of suspension. However, this is a common trait among electric scooters and should come as no surprise.
One of the best aspects of the Honda Motocompacto is its affordability, priced at just $995. This makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers. Honda aims to attract younger customers with the Motocompacto, while also catering to commuters who rely on public transportation within the city. Imagine riding the Motocompacto to a train or subway station, folding it up, and effortlessly continuing your journey. This eliminates the need for walking and further enhances convenience.
Image Source: TFLbike / YouTube
