Honda has revealed a U.S.-designed electric scooter, intended for “first and last mile” transport, that will fold up into its own suitcase-size carrying case.
The scooter, called Motocompacto, appears like it might be a perfect mobility accessory to pack into the upcoming 2024 Honda Prologue EV.
is powered by a permanent-magnet motor and direct-drive arrangement. Peak output is 490 watts, or about two-thirds of a horsepower, with a listed peak torque of 11.8 lb-ft. Top speed is 15 mph, and the 6.8 ampere-hour battery can be charged up on a 110-volt AC socket in 3.5 hours.
The most impressive of the scooter’s specs—other than how compact it is when folded—is its riding range: up to 12 miles, according to Honda. That’s easily enough to get around a dense urban core, across a campus, or around a beach community, for instance.
There’s precedent, in that Honda once sold a similar folding scooter. The original Motorcompo was sold from 1981-1983, and Honda has revisited the idea in all-electric form at least once. And in recent years there have been other (much more expensive) electric scooters that fold up like suitcases.
This fully electric revival was designed and developed by Honda engineers in Ohio and California, and it’s already earned 32 patents.
The scooter is made with heat-treated aluminum for the frame and wheels—likely a key decision to save weight—while a welded steel lock loop is compatible with most bike locks, according to Honda. It has speedometer and battery level gauges, and what’s described as a cushy seat, while LED lighting, onboard storage, and a carry handle altogether assure a level of usability beyond its first-glance gimmick.
Don’t altogether dismiss a little interface gimmickry, though. There’s also a phone app allowing personal settings for lighting and ride modes.
The scooter doesn’t need a separate carrying case; it converts into one and altogether weighs just 41.3 pounds. At 29.2 inches long, 21.1 inches high, and just 3.7 inches wide folded, it’s compact enough to potentially bring on public transportation.
That’s of course also a great set of dimensions for fitting into trunks and vehicle cargo areas—which appears to be what Honda has in mind.
Unfolded, the Motocompacto measures 38.1 inches long, with a 35.0-inch height and a 17.2-inch width. Its seat height is 24.5 inches.
- Made with exceptional portability and storage
- Shaped for maximum rider comfort
- Easy, on-the-go charging
- Intended for riders 14 years and older
Product FAQ
Q: How much does the Motocompacto weigh?
A: The Motocompacto weighs 41 pounds.
Q: What is the max rider weight?
A: The max rider weight is 265 pounds.
Q: How long does the Motocompacto take to charge?
A: The Motocompacto takes about 3.5 hours to charge from a dead battery.
Q: How fast does the Motocompacto go?
A: In drive mode 1 the Motocompacto will go 0 to 10 mph. In drive mode 2, the Motocompacto will go 0 to 15 mph.
Q: How many drive modes does the Motocompacto have, and what do they do?
A: The Motocompacto has 2 drive modes
Drive Mode 1 – will not move from a dead stop without pushing off forward first, then applying throttle. Motocompacto in drive mode 1 will not exceed 10 mph.Drive Mode 2 – will move from a dead stop without any assistance. The Motocompacto in drive mode 2 will reach speeds of 15 mph.
Q: What is the braking distance for Motocompacto at 15 mph?
A: Braking distance for Motocompacto when doing 15 mph is 12 feet to a full stop.
Q: What is the range for the Motocompacto at a full charge?
A: Range will vary, but on a flat surface it is about 12 miles.
Q: What is the acceleration time from 0 to 15 mph?
A: Acceleration time can vary based on surface, but from 0 to 15 mph will be about 7 seconds.
Q: What is the warranty on a Motocompacto unit?
A: Warranty is for 12 months from the original date of purchase from the end user.
Q: What are the engineering specifications?
- Motor: Type Permanent magnet, direct drive
- Peak Output: 490W
- Torque: 11.8 lb.-ft./16 Nm
- Drive: Front-wheel drive
- Max Speed: 15 mph
- Battery Capacity: 6.8Ah
- Charge Time: 3.5 hours (110v)
- Range: Up to 12 miles
A: Wheelbase: 29.2 inchesLength (ready-to-ride/folded): 38.1 inches/29.2 inchesHeight (ready-to-ride/folded): 35.0 inches/21.1 inchesWidth (ready-to-ride/folded): 17.2 inches/0.7 inchesSeat Height: 24.5 inchesWeight: 41.3 lbs
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