Honda's Electric Suitcase Scooter: Because Why Not?
The 80s were a decade of neon leggings, big hair, questionable music choices, and the Honda Motocompo. For those of you who are too young to remember or just happened to miss that chapter in the Great Book of Whimsical Vehicles, the Motocompo was Honda's adorable attempt at a scooter which could fold into a briefcase.
The original 1981 Honda Motocompo
Fast forward to 2023, and the geniuses at Honda have been at it again. Introducing: the Motocompacto! It's electric, it's quirky, and it's... well, certainly a conversation starter.
Now, let me begin by saying I've covered everything from roaring V8s to the gentle hum of EVs, but a briefcase-sized scooter? That's new. Still, when I hear the word 'Honda,' I can't help but be optimistic. But then I remember that this scooter goes a whopping 19 mph and my excitement level drops just a tad.
Hold on tight, because the Motocompacto comes with a permanent magnet electric motor producing a sky-rocketing 0.66 horsepower. To put this into perspective for the gearheads out there, that's roughly 0.21% of the Honda Civic Type R's power. Yes - exactly 0.21%. And yet, this little trooper can still reach 15 mph and give you a joyride for up to 12 miles. Alright, perhaps 'joyride' is a tad optimistic.
Size-wise, this compact wonder is 29.2 inches long, 21.1 inches high, and a staggering 3.7 inches wide when folded. When you feel the wind calling and the urge to ride, it extends to 38.1 inches long, 35 inches tall, and 17.2 inches wide. Seat height? A towering 24.5 inches.
Now, if you're in bustling cities like LA or New York, you might find the Motocompacto genuinely appealing. With its 6.8 Ah battery, it promises to be your new best friend in the hustle and bustle, especially if you enjoy dragging 41.3 pounds (roughly the weight of a slightly chubby six-year-old) with you.
Alright, jokes aside, I can see its potential, especially for those short commutes. Why drive a gas-guzzler to go grab a coffee when you can hop on this tiny titan?
Designed by Honda's finest in Ohio and California, the Motocompacto is laden with features. A cushy seat, a digital speedometer, and even an app that adjusts lighting and ride modes. It's the multitasking magician of the scooter circus!
But the cherry on top? The price. $995. Under a grand! You might just find a bigger dent in your wallet after a wild night out.
So, would I buy one? I'm not entirely sold yet. But it has a certain charm that's hard to resist. Besides, if anything, I can always fold it and use it as a conversation starter at parties.
