In 1981, Honda rolled out the Motocompacto, a miniature, foldable scooter designed to fit in subcompact cars. The scooter was ultimately discontinued just two years after its debut, though Honda has revisited the concept over the decades to influence some of its other projects.
The automaker’s latest design doesn’t merely take inspiration from the Motocompacto but is a direct rework of the quirky vehicle. Taking its name from the original model, the new all-electric Motocompacto is an affordable means of personal transportation that produces zero carbon emissions.
Developed by engineers at the company’s bases in Ohio and California, the scooter is an amalgamation of totally original designs, warranting 32 individual patents during its creation. The scooter is stackable and lightweight, at just 41 lb (19 kg). In use, it measures 38 inches (965 mm), but that number is reduced to about 28 inches 29.2 (736 mm) when folded up.
Honda bills the Motocompacto as the perfect vehicle for darting around a college campus or riding through the park. At 15 MPH and with a peak output of 490W, it certainly isn’t road-ready but merely a zippy alternative to commuting on foot.
A full charge takes three and a half hours and offers 12 miles of range. The Motocompacto can be charged using a simple 110 v outlet, the standard outlet in the US.
“Motocompacto is easy to use and fun to ride, but was also designed with safety, durability, and security in mind,” project lead and design engineering unit leader Nick Ziraldo said. “It uses a robust heat-treated aluminum frame and wheels, bright LED headlight and taillight, side reflectors, and a welded steel lock loop on the kickstand that is compatible with most bike locks.”
Priced at $995 USD, Honda’s new Motocompacto will go on sale online and at Honda and Acura retailers in November.
In other automotive news, Cadillac unveiled the updated 2025 CT5 with a focus on tech.
