Honda revives 80s Motocompo with an electric twist for urban residents

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【Summary】Honda has reintroduced the 80s Motocompo as an electric scooter called the Motocompacto. Weighing 41 pounds and with a range of 12 miles, it is designed for short trips. It has a top speed of 15-18 mph and features a durable frame, LED lights, and a lock loop. Priced at $995, it will be available in November.

FutureCar Staff Sep 17, 2023 4:23 PM PT

Honda revives 80s Motocompo with an electric twist for urban residents

The Honda Motocompo, a popular scooter from the 80s that could fit in the trunk of a hatchback, is making a comeback in an electric form called the Motocompacto.

In its folded configuration, the Motocompacto looks like a suitcase with wheels, measuring just 29 inches in length and 21 inches in height. Despite its short production run, it gained significant popularity.

For the 21st century, the Motocompacto has some improvements while maintaining its lightweight frame. Weighing 41 pounds, it falls in the same class as regular bikes. However, its small size comes with limitations, such as a range of only 12 miles on a single charge of 3.5 hours. On the bright side, it has a charger-ready 110V outlet, allowing it to be plugged into any household outlet.

The Motocompacto is designed to be carried in a car's trunk and used for short trips. Its front-wheel drive motor delivers 490W, making it capable of climbing hills. While its top speed of 15-18 mph may not be the fastest among electric scooters, it still serves its purpose. The dashboard features two power levels, a digital speedometer, and battery level indicators.

Nick Ziraldo, the project lead and design engineering unit leader at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, stated, "Motocompacto is easy to use and fun to ride, but was also designed with safety, durability, and security in mind. 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."

The Motocompacto will be priced around $995 and will be available in November. Interested buyers can place their orders online or purchase through Honda or Acura dealerships.