Honda has unveiled the all-new Motocompacto which is a $995 (R18,700) electric scooter that folds up into the shape of a regular suitcase.
Unfortunately only available in North American markets from November, the Motocompacto is Honda’s interpretation of the “future of clean transportation” and is an homage to the manufacturer’s petrol-driven Motocompo scooters from the 1980s.
Perfectly suited for “city travel, campus cruising, and recreational fun,” the battery-powered suitcase scooter weighs only 19kg, goes three times the average person’s walking speed, and fits into most packing spaces.
16Nm suitcase
The Japanese manufacturer’s new foldable scooter features a front-wheel motor assembly producing around 0.5kW and 16Nm, allowing it to reach a top speed of 24km/h and get there in as little as seven seconds.
The wheel draws power from a 6.8Ah battery pack which is fully depleted after approximately 19km of riding, and it can be recharged in three-and-half hours when plugged into a 110V socket. The body also has a spot to store the included compact charger.
When folded into its durable shell, the Motocompacto’s “pedal-less body” measures 742mm long, 94mm wide, and 536mm high. When in “ready to ride” mode with the seat, pedals, and steering column all out of their holes, it grows to 968mm, by 437mm, by 889mm – while the wheelbase remains at 742mm all the time.
“Uniquely foldable, Motocompacto quickly transforms into its own compact, light, and stackable carrying case that’s easy to take along in a vehicle, on public transportation, or store in tight places,” said Honda.
The scooter was also designed with safety durability in mind, using a robust heat-treated aluminum frame and wheels, a bright LED headlight and taillight, side reflectors, and a welded steel lock loop on the kickstand that is compatible with most bike locks.
It can fit riders up to 120kg and offers water resistance, too.
For enhanced comfort, Honda equipped the two-wheeler with a “cushy seat” in a leathery-brown colour, secure grip foot pegs, onboard storage, a digital speedometer, a charge gauge, and an integrated carry handle.
Bluetooth support further enables the owner to connect to a “clever phone app” that enables them to adjust personal settings including lighting and ride modes.
Finally, the side panels are a blank canvas for any buyer to paint the picture they would like, providing “a perfect space for decals, stickers, skins,” or being a “billboard on wheels” for your business.
Honda Motocompacto
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