Honda Motocompacto Electric Scooter
Please excuse this completely biased blog entry, I will do my best to maintain my composure in future articles. In the meantime, I am not sure where to begin today! With a brief history lesson? Or by letting my inner fanboy out? Maybe a bit of both?
In the early 1980s, Honda created a 50cc scooter that could fold it’s seat and handlebars so that it would fit in the trunk of several of it kei-class cars (which were only sold in Japan). At some point in my childhood, I managed to see one of these bikes in person, in Michigan. Ever since that day, I have longed for one, but have never been in a position to pick one up. Heart’s desire + inability to acquire = Fanboydom! All the 1980s Honda scooter commercials featuring ska band Madness! certainly didn’t help.
But here we are, 40 plus years later, and lo and behold, Honda has seen fit to create an electric foldable scooter that will fit in the trunk of a car, and they are planning to sell it in the US! It is called the Honda Motocompacto, and is glorious! Don’t even bother trying to tell me otherwise, I am not listening!! It features a top speed of 15 MPH, a range of up to 12 miles, and will start under $1,000. Sign me up! When I do get one, I promise to fill you in on its awesomeness in GREAT detail. Until then, enjoy!
1980s Honda Motocompo
2024 Honda Motocompacto
2024 Honda Motocompacto folded down.
2024 Honda Prologue Elite with Folded Motocompacto
Press Release:
New Honda Motocompacto e-Scooter Redefines Personal Urban Mobility as Sleek, Simple and Uniquely Foldable
September 14, 2023 — TORRANCE, Calif.
Motocompacto is a modern, all-electric take on early '80s Honda Motocompo
Fun-to-ride "first and last mile" solution designed for the new realities of urban mobility with zero-emissions range up to 12 miles
Ultra-compact design becomes its own lightweight, compact and stackable carrying case
Charges in just 3.5 hours with on-board charger
Priced under $1,000, Motocompacto is available for purchase starting in November through Motocompacto.honda.com or Honda and Acura dealers
A fresh take on e-scooters that was inspired by the Honda Motocompo of the early '80s, the all-new Honda Motocompacto redefines affordable all-electric personal transportation with sleek and simple styling and an innovative, ultra-compact foldable design. Sales will begin exclusively at Motocompacto.honda.com, and at Honda and Acura automobile dealers in November with an MSRP of just $995.
The zero-emissions Motocompacto is designed for the modern realities of urban mobility, providing riders with an easy and fun-to-ride alternative transport that greatly reduces their carbon footprint while offering great convenience. With a maximum speed of 15 mph and zero-emissions range of up to 12 miles, Motocompacto can be fully charged in just 3.5 hours in both the folded and ready-to-ride configuration using a common 110 v outlet.
"Motocompacto is uniquely Honda – a fun, innovative and unexpected facet of our larger electrification strategy," said Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the R&D Business Unit at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Sold in conjunction with our new all-electric SUVs, Motocompacto supports our goal of carbon neutrality by helping customers with end-to-end zero-emissions transport."
Motocompacto was designed and developed by Honda engineers in Ohio and California as an innovative approach to personal electric transportation that has earned 32 patents. Uniquely foldable, Motocompacto quickly transforms into its own compact, light and stackable carrying case that's easy to take along in a vehicle, on public transportation or store in tight places.
Motocompacto is perfect for getting around cityscapes and college campuses. It was designed with rider comfort and convenience in mind with a cushy seat, secure grip foot pegs, on-board storage, a digital speedometer, a charge gauge and a comfortable carry handle. A clever phone app enables riders to adjust their personal settings, including lighting and ride modes, via Bluetooth®.
"Motocompacto is easy to use and fun to ride, but was also designed with safety, durability, and security in mind," said Nick Ziraldo, project lead and design engineering unit leader at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America. "It uses a robust heat-treated aluminum 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."
Charging is quick and convenient with a standard compact charger that can be stowed on-board.
Motocompacto is designed to be personalized with sleek and simple styling that's perfect for decals, stickers, skins and more. To enhance the joy of ownership, a fun and functional line of branded Motocompacto accessories will be available, including a helmet, backpack, apparel and more.
More information about Motocompacto can be found at Motocompacto.honda.com.
About Honda's Commitment to the Environment
Honda is working toward its global goal of zero environmental impact by 2050 through its "Triple Action to Zero" approach, including achieving carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, 100% utilization of renewable energy, and resource circulation, utilizing 100% sustainable materials by reprocessing products back to raw materials and reusing those materials in the creation of new products. Toward this goal, Honda will strive to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of auto sales in the U.S. and globally by 2040.
To reduce the environmental impact of its business operations, Honda also is offsetting CO2 emissions from its North American manufacturing operations through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for renewable wind and solar power that seek to cover more than 60% of the electricity Honda uses in North America. Honda also promotes environmentally responsible business practices with its suppliers and retail dealer partners across North America.
