The Auto Expo 2025 has been a stage for groundbreaking innovations, and among the most talked-about reveals is Honda’s Motocompacto, a foldable electric scooter designed for modern urban mobility. This isn’t just another e-scooter; it’s a reimagining of the iconic Honda Motocompo from the 1980s, tailored for today’s eco-conscious and space-constrained lifestyles. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Motocompacto a standout.
A Nod to the Past, Designed for the Future
The Honda Motocompacto is not entirely new, it draws inspiration from the original Honda Motocompo, a tiny folding scooter designed to fit in the trunk of a car, which was sold between 1981 and 1983. The new Motocompacto retains the original’s compact, foldable design but brings it into the electric era. It’s a clever blend of nostalgia and modern technology, perfect for navigating bustling city streets.
Portability and Design
The Motocompacto’s defining feature is its ability to fold down into a compact, suitcase-like form. This makes it incredibly easy to store and transport, whether you’re carrying it on public transportation, stowing it in your car, or keeping it in a small apartment. When folded, it measures a mere 742mm in length, 94mm in width, and 536mm in height and weighs just 19 kg, making it exceptionally portable.
Key Dimensions:
- Folded Length: 742 mm (29.2 inches)
- Folded Width: 94 mm (3.7 inches)
- Folded Height: 536 mm (21.1 inches)
- Unfolded Height: 889 mm (35 inches)
- Unfolded Width: 437 mm (17.2 inches)
- Weight: 19 kg (41.3 lbs)
This compact design, combined with a foldable seat and handlebars, allows the scooter to be easily carried and stored in tight spaces.
Performance and Specifications
Despite its small size, the Honda Motocompacto packs a punch when it comes to performance. It’s powered by a permanent magnet direct-drive motor, providing a peak output of 490W and a torque of 16Nm. This setup delivers a balance of efficiency and sufficient power for urban commutes.
Performance Highlights:
- Motor: Permanent magnet direct-drive
- Peak Output: 490W
- Torque: 16Nm
- Top Speed: 24.14 kmph (15 mph)
- Range: 19.31 km (12 miles)
- Battery: 0.7 kWh
- Charging Time: 3.5 hours with a 110V socket
The scooter’s 0.7 kWh battery can be fully recharged in about 3.5 hours using a standard 110V socket, making it convenient for daily use. The range of approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) is sufficient for most urban commutes. It is worth noting that there is no mention of suspension, which can result in a rough ride on uneven surfaces.
Practical Features
The Motocompacto is designed with user convenience in mind. Its lightweight frame, foldable components, and the ability to charge from a standard outlet enhance its practicality. While it has a small storage area, it’s advisable to use a divider or cargo net to secure items during transit to prevent them from bouncing around.
Pricing and Availability
The Motocompacto is currently available for purchase through Honda and Acura dealerships, as well as online via the official Motocompacto website. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $995, positioning it as an affordable option for those seeking a personal electric vehicle.
Key Points:
- MSRP: $995
- Availability: Online at Motocompacto.honda.com and at Honda and Acura dealerships
- Release Date: November 2023
While initially released in late 2023 in the US, the Motocompacto was showcased at the Auto Expo 2025 in India. Although it may not be launched in the Indian market immediately, it signals Honda’s commitment to innovative mobility solutions for urban environments and a potential launch in 2026.
Honda at Auto Expo 2025: More Than Just the Motocompacto
Honda’s presence at the Auto Expo 2025 extended beyond the Motocompacto. The company also introduced the Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters, marking their entry into India’s electric two-wheeler market.
Activa e:
- Starting Price: Rs 1,17,000 (ex-showroom)
- Battery: Dual 1.5kWh swappable battery packs
- Range: 102 kilometers
- Motor: 6kW
- Top Speed: 80kmph
- Acceleration (0-60kmph): 7.3 seconds
The Activa e: includes features like a battery swapping system, smartphone connectivity, and keyless unlock. It’s designed for longer commutes with options for battery subscription plans.
QC1
- Price: Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom)
- Battery: 1.5kWh fixed battery
- Range: 80 km
- Motor: 1.8kW
- Top Speed: 50kmph
- Charging Time (0-80%): 4 hours 30 minutes
The QC1 is a practical option for daily commuting, focusing on functionality with features like under-seat storage and riding modes.
The Motocompacto: A Closer Look at the Features
The Motocompacto is more than just a foldable scooter; it’s a well-thought-out piece of engineering designed for modern urban life. Let’s delve into some of its key features:
Foldable Design
The most remarkable aspect of the Motocompacto is its ability to transform into a compact, rectangular package. The seat and handlebars fold neatly into the main body, making it easy to carry and store in tight spaces, such as under a desk or in the trunk of a car.
Lightweight Construction
Weighing only 19 kg (41.3 lbs), the Motocompacto is designed to be easily carried. This makes it an ideal solution for individuals who need to navigate through city streets and then transport their scooter up stairs or onto public transport.
Simple Controls
The controls are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those who are new to e-scooters can operate it easily. The scooter features a straightforward throttle, brakes, and basic display.
Battery and Charging
The 0.7 kWh battery provides a decent range for urban commutes and can be charged using a standard 110V socket. The compact charger is designed to be stored on-board, making it convenient for those on the go.
Connected Features
The Motocompacto includes connected functions that allow users to predict battery consumption, which is helpful to ensure you don’t run out of charge while on the move.
Conclusion
The Honda Motocompacto is a unique entry into the electric scooter market, combining a nostalgic design with modern functionality. Its foldable nature, combined with a decent range and ease of use, makes it a practical option for urban commuters. While it might not be the most powerful or comfortable scooter on the market, its primary goal is portability and convenience, and it achieves this effectively.
Honda’s showcase at the Auto Expo 2025 highlights its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. Whether it’s the Motocompacto’s innovative folding design, the practicality of the Activa e:, or the functionality of the QC1, Honda is clearly making strides in the electric mobility space. The Motocompacto, with its blend of past and future, stands out as a symbol of these efforts, offering a glimpse into the future of urban transportation.
