A CLOSER LOOK AT HONDA MOTOCOMPACTO E-SCOOTER
The Honda Motocompacto electric scooter is Honda's boldest answer to the urban last-mile mobility challenge: a foldable, zero-emission personal transporter that weighs just 41 pounds (under 19 kg), charges in 3.5 hours from any standard 110V outlet, and stores as compactly as a hard-shell suitcase. Priced at $995, it is one of the most practical and stylish compact electric vehicles to reach the market, drawing direct inspiration from Honda's legendary Motocompo of the 1980s.
Key Specifications
The Motocompacto is powered by a permanent magnet direct-drive motor with a peak output of 490 W and 16 Nm of torque, driving the front wheel. Top speed is 15 mph (24 km/h), the zero-emission range reaches 12 miles (19 km) per charge, and a 6.8 Ah battery pack takes just 3.5 hours to recharge from flat. The scooter measures 29.2 inches long, 3.7 inches deep, and 21.1 inches high when folded, dimensions that allow it to fit under an office desk or in the boot of most cars.
Design and Portability
Folding the Motocompacto takes seconds: handlebars and seat tuck into the main body, leaving a flat-sided unit with a built-in carry handle on top. The frame is heat-treated aluminium, the wheels are alloy, and the whole assembly has a clean, industrial aesthetic that sets it apart from most folding scooters on the market. Bright LED headlight and taillight, side reflectors, a cushioned seat, on-board storage, and a digital speedometer round out the feature set. A dedicated Bluetooth app lets riders adjust personal settings remotely.
Part of Honda's Electric Future
The Motocompacto is not a standalone project. It is part of Honda's broader commitment to electrification: the company targets 100% electric or fuel cell vehicle sales by 2040, with a substantial increase in EV models by 2030. The Motocompacto, sitting at the accessible end of that spectrum, plays a strategic role in introducing urban riders to Honda's electric ecosystem. Cycle World's first-ride review praises its real-world practicality, and Electrek's test covers the commuter use case in detail.
Photo: Honda
Looking for compact urban electric mobility? Browse TheArsenale's selection of e-bikes and personal electric vehicles, or discover the EV1000 electric scooter and the Moxie for TheArsenale Special Edition in the collection.
