Honda has announced the launch of its new electric scooter, the Motocompacto, which is available for order through its website and dealerships. The Motocompacto is a fresh take on e-scooters that was inspired by the Honda Motocompo of the early 1980s. It features a sleek and simple design, a foldable frame, a compact charger, and a zero-emissions range of up to 19 km.
A part of Honda’s electrification strategy
The Motocompacto is part of Honda’s broader electrification strategy, designed to provide affordable and eco-friendly personal transportation. Honda has ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. To reach this goal, they plan to introduce 30 new EVs globally by 2030, with a global sales volume of 2 million units. In North America, Honda is working towards having 100% zero-emission automobile sales by 2040.
The launch of the Motocompacto aligns with Honda’s introduction of its first fully-electric SUVs, the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, set to hit the market in early 2024. Honda hopes to offer a range of electric vehicles that cater to different customer needs and preferences.
Ideal for urban environments and college campuses
The Motocompacto is aimed at customers who are looking for a convenient and enjoyable mobility solution, especially in urban environments and college campuses. It serves as a first-mile/last-mile vehicle that can be easily stored and carried in tight spaces or on public transportation. Its foldable design allows it to fit in its compact carrying case, which can also store the charger. The Motocompacto has a maximum speed of 24 km/h and a battery capacity of 0.6 kWh, which can be fully charged in 2.5 hours.
The Motocompacto also offers a user-friendly interface and connectivity features, such as a digital display, a smartphone app, and a Bluetooth speaker. The app allows users to monitor the battery level, speed, distance, and location of the scooter, as well as customize the settings and access the user manual. The speaker can be used to play music or make phone calls while riding the scooter.
A tribute to the Honda Motocompo
The Motocompacto is inspired by the Honda Motocompo, a small and foldable scooter that was launched in 1981 and discontinued in 1983. The Motocompo was designed to fit in the trunk of a car and be used as a secondary vehicle. It became a cult classic among scooter enthusiasts and collectors, and was featured in various media, such as manga, anime, and video games.
The Motocompacto pays homage to the Motocompo by adopting some of its design elements, such as the rectangular headlight, the red and white color scheme, and the Honda logo. However, the Motocompacto also updates the Motocompo with modern technology and features, such as LED lights, disc brakes, and regenerative braking.
An affordable and attractive option
The Motocompacto is priced at USD 9951, which makes it one of the most affordable electric scooters on the market. It also comes with a one-year warranty and a free roadside assistance service. The Motocompacto is expected to attract customers who are looking for a low-cost and low-maintenance alternative to conventional scooters or bicycles.
The Motocompacto is currently available for order through the official website, Motocompacto.honda.com, and through participating Honda and Acura dealers. The delivery is expected to start in December 2023. Customers can choose from two colors: red or white.
