When you’re old enough to recall the iconic 1980s Honda Motocompo micro-motorcycle, or have developed a fascination with its history like myself, today’s announcement from Honda is sure to generate intense excitement and nostalgic fervor. The much-anticipated spiritual heir to the iconic Motocompo has finally emerged, and in a bold departure, it’s taken the leap to electric power. Meet the Honda Motocompacto.
The innovative 1983 Honda Motocompo, a diminutive, gasoline-powered motorbike crafted to effortlessly fit within the trunk compartment of compact vehicles, offering urban commuters a practical means to extend their reach into city centers.
Homeowners may choose an alternative to driving directly into the city centre by parking on its outskirts. They could then retrieve a compact motorcycle from their car’s trunk, unfold it into a comfortable seat, and travel anywhere within the city.
If you’re considering storing an oil-leaking, gasoline-burning motorcycle in your car’s trunk, then you’re correct to dismiss that idea as impractical.
It’s likely that the little bike was discontinued after just two years.
Given its electric heritage is likely why Honda revived the classic concept for today’s world with an electrified powertrain instead. Which, when you’re reading, probably won’t come as a whole surprise to the average reader. Following our coverage of Honda’s trademark filing for the Motocompacto last year, we concluded that this marked the likely culmination of their efforts.
Don’t expect peak performance from the Honda Motocompact. You’d be wise to temper your expectations and avoid setting unrealistic goals for efficiency. This innovative tiny little folding scooter boasts a remarkably compact and efficient drivetrain. The entrance wheel motor boasts a substantial power output of 490 watts, yet its top speed is modestly limited to just 15 miles per hour or 25 kilometers per hour.
Without knowledge of the system voltage, determining the exact battery capacity in ampere-hours (“Ah”) is impossible, as this specification only provides a partial picture. With a 24V or 36V battery, the implied capacity is surprisingly modest: roughly 163Wh or 245Wh, respectively.
Honda provides an estimated range that varies, albeit somewhat limitedly, suggesting up to approximately 20 kilometers or 12 miles. While true in some cases, this assumption may not apply to all riders; even so, it remains an urban-centric motorcycle designed for short-distance commutes. A 110-volt charger can recharge the battery in just 3.5 hours, with ample space to store the charger onboard, allowing for convenient recharging at your workspace or beneath your desk as needed.
According to Honda’s description, “Motocompacto is well-suited for navigating urban environments and college campuses.” Crafted with the rider’s relaxation and well-being at its core, this sleek design boasts a plush seat, secure grip foot pegs, ample onboard storage, a crisp digital speedometer, and a fuel gauge that keeps you informed, all wrapped up in a thoughtful carry handle. An innovative phone app empowers users to customize their personal preferences, including lighting and travel settings, via seamless Bluetooth connectivity.
The Honda Motocompacto draws inspiration from its predecessor, the one-of-a-kind Motocompo, featuring folding handlebars and seat that retract into the body. At its most compact, the diminutive scooter boasts an impressively tiny footprint of just 3.7 inches (9.4 cm), thanks to the clever folding footpegs. The sleek design enables the device to fold up neatly into a compact package, roughly the size of a briefcase, with dimensions of approximately 29 inches (73 cm) in length and 21 inches (54 cm) in height.
The Motocompacto’s lightweight design weighs in at a mere 41.3 pounds. With an estimated weight of 18.7 kg, this bike is roughly one-quarter the load capacity of the iconic Eighties Motocompo, suggesting it will be significantly easier to remove from a hatchback with relative ease.
It seems that Honda plans to promote the Motocompacto together with a few of its electrical autos, in keeping with Jane Nakagawa, vice chairman of the R&D Enterprise Unit at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.:
Discover Motocompacto, Honda’s innovative and exciting venture into larger-scale electrification – a refreshing expression of the brand’s modern and forward-thinking spirit. Introducing Motocompacto, a comprehensive mobility solution designed in conjunction with our new lineup of electric SUVs, which further underscores our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by providing customers with seamless, end-to-end zero-emission transportation options.
While some homeowners may treat their electric vehicles as an extension of their personal transportation needs, akin to how the original Motocompo was designed, it’s unlikely that many will utilize theirs in the same manner. While serving as a standalone offering, the Motocompacto may also find its place within Honda’s growing portfolio of compact electric scooters and motorcycles.
According to Nick Ziraldo, challenge lead and design engineering unit chief at Honda Innovation and Manufacturing of America, the bicycle appears to have been conceptualized as a significant motor vehicle.
Motocompacto’s user-friendly design makes it effortless to navigate and enjoy a thrilling ride, while also prioritizing robust security features, rugged durability, and top-notch safety considerations. Featuring a robust heat-treated aluminum frame and wheels, the bike boasts a vivid LED headlight and taillight arrangement, accompanied by aspect reflectors for enhanced visibility. The welded metal lock loop on the kickstand ensures seamless compatibility with most bike locks, providing added security and peace of mind.
Whether or not it would prove to be a successful promotional tool remains to be seen. Priced at USD 995, the initial sales of this product are scheduled to begin exclusively online and at select Honda and Acura dealerships in November.
Electrek’s Take
As a fervent advocate for micromobility, I’ll candidly confess that my enthusiasm for the Honda Motocompacto stems solely from its mere existence on the market. Upon closer examination of specifications and prices, there isn’t much to fret over.
Honda’s engineers deserve kudos for reviving the iconic Motocompo, a remarkable achievement that showcases their dedication to innovation and nostalgia. Is a price tag of a grand really justified for a portable luggage option that’s merely convenient? That’s a troublesome promote.
The singular Motocompo defied imagination due to its unparalleled status as the sole vehicle capable of fitting into a trunk, rendering all other miniature motorbikes redundant. In recent times, the market has been flooded with over a thousand distinct folding electric scooters and compact e-bikes that can be easily stowed away in a car trunk, mirroring the versatility of this product. Ultimately, what sets this apart is the distinct design. This innovative design is genuinely impressive. It seems genuinely impressive. This origami recreation is particularly potent. Despite my reservations, I’d still consider a JackRabbit or folding stand-up scooter if seeking a reliable micromobility option for urban use. With their ability to seamlessly integrate an automotive trunk, these systems would not only provide equal performance but also offer greater efficiency at a better value.
Despite acknowledging the reasoning behind their decision, I’ll still find myself drawn to purchasing one simply for the thrill and excitement my non-native English speaking partner refers to as “kicks and jiggles”. This quirky little folding e-bike is hardly the most unusual purchase I’ve made recently?
