I’ve always believed in the saying that it’s better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. And it turns out, this concept applies to tiny electric scooters as well. Last week, Honda invited a group of journalists to test out their new MotoCompacto battery-powered runabout at their headquarters in Torrance, California. And let me tell you, it was an absolute blast.
The MotoCompacto is designed to be a last-mile transportation solution. It’s perfect for those who have to park across town or have a bus stop that is a couple of miles away from their office. You can ride it to your final destination and then simply fold it up and carry it to your desk. It’s a convenient and compact solution for urban commuting.
This concept may sound familiar to some, as Honda actually did something similar back in the 1980s with the MotoCompo. However, the MotoCompo was only available in the Japanese market and was designed to be an additional option with Honda’s subcompact cars. Although it wasn’t very popular at the time, it has gained a certain nostalgia factor among enthusiasts, especially among my colleagues.
When my group arrives at Honda’s headquarters, the MotoCompacto e-scooters are already unfolded and ready to ride. We put on our helmets and are given a quick tutorial, although there isn’t much to teach. There is a small LCD screen that displays battery life and speed, as well as a hand brake and throttle. There’s even a little bell to warn pedestrians of our presence.
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While the MotoCompacto does have a headlight, taillight, and side markers, it lacks turn signals. Additionally, there isn’t much storage capability. I was able to fit a computer, a bottle of water, and some sunscreen in the narrow center opening that houses the seat and handlebars when the scooter is folded up. However, buyers will most likely need to invest in a good backpack for additional storage.
We take it easy as we ride around the campus, getting used to how the MotoCompacto handles. It reminds me of riding a Chinese monkey bike through Mongolia. It requires patience and you can’t expect too much performance out of such a small scooter. However, when our leader turns into a parking area that has a small track marked with cones, all bets are off.
If there is a group of people who drive more recklessly and joyfully than auto journalists, I have yet to find them. It’s even worse when the stakes are low. After all, we’re only a couple of feet off the ground, so laying the scooter down won’t hurt much. We cut each other off, fight for the best line, and race down the straight. We quickly learn how to perform a front-wheel burnout and lay down rubber while braking. Laughter fills the air as everyone enjoys the pure joy of riding these scooters.
With just 490W of peak output and 11.8 lb-ft of torque, the acceleration to the maximum speed of 15 mph depends on your size. However, Honda claims that it reaches that top speed in seven seconds. One slender writer in our group seems to outperform all of us with his excellent power-to-weight ratio. I manage to stay ahead of him for the most part, but he eventually overtakes me and also runs down his battery faster. The MotoCompacto has a range of 12 miles and can be fully charged in three and a half hours using a 110-volt outlet.
Folding up the MotoCompacto takes a bit of practice. The seat needs to be removed and folded flat, then stored in the narrow center space. The handlebars can be rotated 90 degrees and folded into the same area. With a twist of a latch, the front wheel retracts, and once it’s folded up, everything is perfectly balanced. The final dimensions of the folded scooter are 29.2 x 21.1 x 3.7 inches. It’s incredibly compact and easy to carry.
However, there are a few drawbacks to the MotoCompacto. After about 15 minutes of riding, the seat becomes incredibly uncomfortable. While the intention of the MotoCompacto is not to ride it for long periods of time, those with sensitive backsides might want to consider adding some padding. Additionally, the scooter is not light, weighing in at 41.3 pounds. This could make it difficult to lug around on a bus or up the stairs, especially for those who are not in the best shape.
Despite these quirks, the MotoCompacto offers an affordable and convenient solution for urban commuting. It will be sold for $995 and can be purchased online or at your local Honda or Acura dealership. Accessories will also be available, and I’m certain that we will see some impressive custom liveries on these scooters as well.
In conclusion, my experience with the MotoCompacto was an absolute thrill. It reminded me of the sheer joy of riding a small and nimble vehicle. The MotoCompacto combines practicality and fun in a compact package, making it a great last-mile solution for urban commuters. Whether you need to park across town or have a long walk from the bus stop to the office, the MotoCompacto can make your commute more convenient and enjoyable.
