Honda is no stranger to surprising the market, and this time it does it quite a bit with the launch of this “Motocompacto”. In November, for a price of around 900 euros, the Japanese company will put on sale an ultra-compact, foldable and zero-emission transport device.
Designed for "last mile" transport, the Motocompacto is a real scooter capable of folding into a compact and lightweight suitcase. With a maximum speed of 15 mph (approximately 24 km/h) and a range of 12 miles (approximately 19 km), it recharges to 100% in 3 and a half hours. For Honda it will be a revolution.
The future of urban transport is foldable
By presenting the Motocompacto, Honda is not only offering a means of transport but a truly unusual and interesting step in the way we move around the city.
Although it may seem like a completely new product, in reality this Motocompacto has its roots in a concept developed even half a century ago in the Japanese market. In the 80s Honda had already introduced a gas-powered folding vehicle, the Motocompo, as an accessory for some of its city cars. This “trunkbike” now has a cult following, particularly in the United States, where it has become a coveted collector's item.
Motocompatto, features that make the difference
The Motocompatto stands out for its ultra-compact structure. Once folded, it measures approximately 74 x 53,5 x 9,4 cm (29,2 x 21,1 x 3,7 inches): it can essentially be carried like a briefcase, and weighs just 18 kg. But don't let its size fool you: this little device does what it's supposed to do, and charges like a smartphone using a regular 110v outlet.
In an era where sustainability is at the center of discussions, the Motocompatto presents itself as a zero-emission solution. This not only helps reduce pollution in our cities, but also offers a practical and economical solution for daily commutes.
Last mile transportation
The concept of "last mile transport" refers to the final stretch of a journey, often the most complicated to manage with traditional means of transport. With the Motocompacto, Honda offers an ideal solution for this segment, making travel smoother and more seamless.
The Motocompacto is not just a product, but a vision of the future. A future in which every individual has the freedom to move in a sustainable and practical way, closing their means of transport like a briefcase when not in use. Will it work? Who knows, maybe one day we will see the streets of our cities full of these small foldable devices. Or not?
Edit: on October 31, 2023 Honda started sales of Motocompatto in the USA, at a price of 995 dollars.
