Several months ago, Honda revealed its newest compact electric vehicle, the e:compact, a milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Honda Corporation has finally launched pre-order sales of its innovative electric scooter, allowing customers to purchase a new Honda EV for under $1,000.
Priced at $995, the retro-styled Motocompacto pays homage to the iconic 1980s Honda Motocompo, with its sleek design and nostalgic appeal.
In 1983, Honda introduced the pioneering Motocompo, a compact gasoline-powered motorcycle engineered to fit neatly within the trunk of a small car, empowering urban commuters to extend their reach into city centers.
If you assume that holding an oil-leaking motorcycle with a burning-hot exhaust pipe inside your hatchback constitutes a formula for disaster, you’re entirely justified in thinking so. Honda updated the Motocompacto as an all-electric vehicle.
If you’re a reader, this revelation probably won’t surprise you entirely. After a thorough examination, we have confirmed that Honda has trademarked the name “Motocompacto” within the past year, leading us to predict that this development was inevitable.
While an origami-styled electric scooter may capture your imagination, you shouldn’t expect the Honda Motocompact to deliver peak performance. The compact folding scooter boasts a correspondingly petite powertrain. The entrance wheel motor boasts a power output of 490 watts, yet its top speed remains modest at approximately 15 miles per hour or 25 kilometers per hour.
While the battery’s listed capacity is 6.8Ah, determining its exact capability remains uncertain without knowledge of the system voltage. A 24V or 36V battery would suggest an unimpressive capacity to store mere 163 or 245 watt-hours, respectively. While designed as a last-mile vehicle, the “up to 12 miles” range is comfortably within the compact scooter’s technical capabilities.
A 110-volt charger is touted as capable of recharging the battery in a mere 3.5 hours, with ample space remaining to integrate the charger onboard, allowing for convenient recharging at your workstation – whether that’s under your desk or elsewhere in the office.
According to Honda, the Motocompacto is perfectly suited for navigating urban areas and navigating school campuses with ease. Conceived with the rider’s well-being and satisfaction in mind, this design features a plush seat, secure footpegs, ample onboard storage, a digital speedometer, fuel gauge, and a comfortable carrying handle. The innovative mobile application enables users to customize their personal preferences, including lighting and ride mode settings, via seamless Bluetooth connectivity.
Honda Motocompacto orders open
Orders are now open for the Motocompacto, offering customers a trio of options to choose from. Customers can either browse online or visit a local Honda or Acura dealership to make a purchase in person.
Without leaving the comfort of your home or office, simply navigate to Honda’s website and select a certified dealer for online ordering, making it easy to place your request from the convenience of your laptop chair (or restroom). You can choose between having your purchase delivered to your residence or opting for an in-person pickup at the dealership when placing your online order.
The award of nearly $1,000 in value won’t hold up. Taxes and potential fees from local sellers will likely need to be factored into the overall cost of the purchase. According to my research on the worth of sellers near my residence in Florida, the estimated value appears to be a significant amount, roughly equivalent to $1,243. The price at this local dealership, conveniently located just a few miles away, is a bargain-basement US$1,044. Purchasing from a vendor in Los Angeles allows me to acquire the coveted item valued at USD 995, albeit this would require a substantial and potentially arduous return trip along the most direct route.
Electrek’s Take
It’s a foolish factor, but I rather enjoy its quirky charm. The genius of its compact design lies in the clever folding mechanism, allowing the wheels, seat, and handlebars to neatly collapse, making it effortlessly storable. Hidden away from prying eyes, the item is stashed discreetly – behind a closet door, under a bed, or inside an automobile’s trunk compartment.
While the price may seem steep for some, the primary value lies in the advanced engineering and prestige of the Honda brand name. You’re likely to have a smooth transition back to your trusted Honda dealership for any future servicing needs. They would likely gaze at you with surprise, yet still, it remains a Honda all the same.
“You’re always surrounded by wonderful people when driving a Honda.”
I’m happy to help! Here’s an improved version:
“I purchased one this morning, yes.” How do you know? Isn’t it rather because I have a reputation to uphold? Stay tuned to listen in on a delightful review of this charming compact car.
