- It can be folded and carried like a briefcase
- Boasts 24kmph top speed and 19km battery range
- Being sold in conjunction with SUVs via car dealers
Honda has rolled out an interesting and quirky electric scooter called Motocompacto for the international markets. This puny last-mile mobility solution can be folded and carried like a case when not being ridden. Weighing just 18kg, it is meant to be easy to carry in public transport and store in tight spaces.
Even in its ready-to-ride form, the Motocompacto looks unlike any other electric scooter on sale today. All it comprises for bodywork is a suitcase-like mid-section which hides a battery, motor, and other electronic circuitry. Meanwhile, the handlebar, seat, and tiny wheels protrude out of all four corners. Turning it into a briefcase-like box is just a matter of retracting the handlebar, seat, footpegs, and rear wheel. Further, the riding controls of the Motocompacto are as unique as its design. It misses out on the clutch, gears, and even a conventional roll-on accelerator. There’s a thumb throttle for pulling it forward and a single brake lever for bringing it to a halt.
As is clear from its technical specifications, the Motocompacto is a last-mile transportation solution. It is propelled by a 490W, permanent magnet, direct-drive motor that makes 16Nm of torque and can attain a top speed of a measly 24kmph. Powering this motor is a 6.8Ah battery pack that delivers a maximum riding range of 19km and can be fully charged in 3.5 hours via a 110V outlet.
Interestingly, the Motocompacto is being sold via Honda car dealers in every international market it is available in. It’s essentially being sold in conjunction with Honda’s new electric SUVs to provide end-to-end zero-emissions transport solutions to its customers. Unfortunately, we don’t see it coming to India anytime soon because it doesn’t fit the mobility requirements and eco-system of our country.
