Honda Motocompacto: A Compact Electric Motorbike for Your Trunk

author: FutureCar Staff    

If you have fond memories of the original 1980s Honda Motocompo micro-motorcycle or have recently learned about it, you'll be excited to hear about Honda's latest announcement. The Honda Motocompacto, the long-awaited spiritual successor to the Motocompo, has been unveiled, and this time it's electric.

The original Honda Motocompo, released in 1983, was a small gasoline-powered motorcycle designed to fit in the trunk of a small car. It allowed drivers to park on the outskirts of a city, unfold the motorcycle, and ride anywhere within the city.

However, the original Motocompo was discontinued after only two years, likely due to concerns about oil leaks and gasoline burning in the trunk of a car. That's why Honda has now introduced the electric Motocompacto.

Don't expect high performance from the Motocompacto. It has a small drivetrain, with a front wheel motor measuring 490W and a top speed of only 15 mph (25 km/h). The battery capacity is listed as "6.8Ah," but without information on the system voltage, it's difficult to determine the actual capacity.

The estimated range of the Motocompacto is "up to 12 miles" (20 km), which may not be impressive to some. However, considering that this motorcycle is designed for urban use, where few people commute more than 12 miles, it should be sufficient. The battery can be recharged in 3.5 hours using a 110V charger, and there is onboard storage for the charger.

The Motocompacto is designed for rider comfort and convenience, with features such as a cushy seat, secure grip foot pegs, a digital speedometer, and a charge gauge. Riders can also adjust their personal settings, including lighting and ride modes, using a phone app connected via Bluetooth.

The Motocompacto takes inspiration from the original Motocompo's folding design, with handlebars and a seat that can be dropped down into the body. When fully stowed, the scooter is only 3.7 inches wide (9.4 cm) and folds up into a package measuring just 29 inches (73 cm) long and 21 inches (54 cm) high.

The Motocompacto weighs 41.3 lb. (18.7 kg), which is less than half the weight of the original Motocompo, making it easier to handle.

Honda plans to sell the Motocompacto alongside its electric vehicles as part of their larger electrification strategy. However, it is expected that the Motocompacto will also be popular on its own as part of Honda's growing electric scooter and motorcycle lineup.

The Motocompacto is priced at US $995 and will be available for sale online and at Honda and Acura automobile dealers starting in November.

While the Motocompacto may not have the most impressive specs and pricing, its existence alone is noteworthy. The original Motocompo stood out because there was nothing else like it at the time. Nowadays, there are many electric scooters and mini e-bikes that can fold up and fit in a trunk, offering similar functionality. The Motocompacto's design sets it apart, but there are other options that offer better performance and value for money.

Despite this, there is still a temptation to buy the Motocompacto for its unique design and for the fun of owning a quirky folding e-bike.

FutureCar Staff