The Motocompacto's origin can be traced back to an annual Honda design competition, as explained by Jane Nakagawa, the vice president of the research and development division at American Honda Motor. During this competition, open to all employees, an innovative concept emerged about three years ago. This concept reimagined the original Motocompo from 1981, a small gas-powered scooter attachment that could conveniently fit in the trunk of the Honda City subcompact car.
Upon encountering this idea, Nick Ziraldo, the design engineering manager at Honda R&D Americas, decided to bring it to life and took charge of the project. The result is the Motocompacto, an electric rendition of the original, which can be folded down to the size of a suitcase, complete with a grab handle. Priced at $995, it boasts a 250-watt motor with a top speed of 15 miles per hour, weighing in at 41 pounds. While it offers an estimated range of 12 miles, it may not replace your entire daily commute. However, it serves as a convenient last-mile solution, easily transportable on public transportation without causing any inconvenience to fellow passengers.
A Folding Electric Scooter
When folded up, the Motocompacto has an appearance akin to a suitcase. Its white plastic exterior may seem prone to quick soiling, but Honda intentionally designed it with a plain surface, encouraging users to customize it according to their preferences. Feel free to adorn it with stickers, apply paint, or personalize it in a way that resonates with you. Honda envisions the Motocompacto as a canvas for individual expression, akin to how people personalize their reusable water bottles.
The unfolding process initially appears intricate. I observed a spokesperson navigate through a series of steps, including releasing latches, extending the wheels, raising the handlebar, and executing various small maneuvers to transform the Motocompacto into ride-ready mode. Although it took me a little longer and some assistance on my first try, I was reassured by the team that practice makes perfect. There are numerous steps involved, but repetition helps one quickly become proficient at the process. If you happen to misfold it, built-in sensors will identify the issue and display a warning, ensuring the scooter won't move until properly unfolded.
The scooter's drawback lies in its weight. Weighing in at 41 pounds, it's not overly burdensome, but extended carrying can become cumbersome after a few blocks. While you can extend the handlebars and roll the Motocompacto beside you, when dealing with stairs, you'll still need to lift it by the handle. When the scooter is unfolded, it offers inner storage space where you can keep a few items, such as a phone or laptop. However, you'll need to remove these items before folding it back up.
Surprisingly, the ride itself is quite comfortable. Jane Nakagawa mentioned that the Motocompacto underwent testing by individuals of various heights and sizes, and even for taller riders like myself, it posed no issues when it came to placing feet on the footrests. The seat is wide and accommodating, and it appeared to suit riders of smaller statures equally well. Although I may have looked somewhat comical as a tall adult on what resembles a child's trike, the ride itself was anything but amusing.
It's worth noting that the Motocompacto can accommodate riders weighing up to 265 pounds and is designed to reach a top speed of 15 miles per hour for those below this limit. However, during my test ride at 235 pounds, it seemed to hover around 12 mph. The scooter offers two speed modes: Mode 1, which caps speed at 10 mph and necessitates a kickstart, and Mode 2, which allows you to accelerate directly to the maximum speed without any prerequisites. Honda has also launched a companion app for iOS and Android, offering customization of the default mode and providing a battery gauge, with additional features expected in future updates.
Equipped with solid tires featuring dampeners to mitigate road bumps, the Motocompacto handles well on flat and smooth surfaces. However, it's not built for rough terrains, and you should exercise caution when encountering potholes. I even experienced a slight skid on a wet wooden bridge, although it's reassuring to know that the scooter is IPX4 water-resistant. In the event of any issues, the Motocompacto was designed with user-repairability in mind, and Honda offers spare parts for purchase. Additionally, Honda service centers are available to address any concerns you may prefer not to handle yourself.