honda’s motocompacto makes a kawaii return as electric scooter that folds into briefcase

Honda motocompacto inspired by 80s design

Honda’s Motocompacto returns from the 80s as a kawaii electric scooter with foldable parts, so compact it can fit in a car’s trunk or cabinet and turns into a briefcase with engine and wheels. It draws design cues from Honda’s Motocompo of the early 80s, and the multinational manufacturer revives it as a sleek modern ride that, once folded, resembles a piece of carry-on luggage.

This travel-sized electric scooter is ideal for city and campus riding. The battery and charger are encased in the aluminum frame, and the handlebars turn sideways before it slides down to fit in the compartment. The seats and wheels also fold inward whenever the rider is done cruising, and it comes with a handle so they can easily carry their foldable electric scooter.

images by Honda

Electric scooter with aluminum frame and wheels

Honda’s Motocompacto electric scooter also features a comfortable seat, secure grip foot pegs, on-board storage, a digital speedometer, and a charge gauge. Its soon-to-be-available dedicated app will allow riders to adjust their personal settings, including lighting and ride modes via Bluetooth. Its luggage-sized design is intended to enable riders to use the vehicle in compact spaces.

Nick Ziraldo, project lead and design engineering unit leader at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, says that Honda’s Motocompacto electric scooter was designed with safety, durability, and security in mind. ‘It uses a robust heat-treated aluminum frame and wheels, a bright LED headlight and taillight, side reflectors, and a welded steel lock loop on the kickstand that is compatible with most bike locks,’ he says.

folded Honda Motocompacto electric scooter

Foldable honda motocompacto can be personalized

As Honda’s Motocompacto is an electric scooter, it reduces carbon footprint while ensuring that the rider gets the appropriate vehicle specifications. In fact, the electric scooter can reach a maximum speed of 15 mph and has a zero-emissions range of up to 12 miles. While fast charging may still not be available with the model, Motocompacto can be fully charged in just 3.5 hours using a common 110-voltage outlet.

At least its standard compact charger can be stowed on board! To add a touch of fun, Honda says that its electric scooter can be personalized with decals, stickers, skins, and more so that the Motocompacto mirrors the style and personality of its owners. As of publishing the story, the Motocompacto electric scooter has a price tag of 995 USD and can be found at Honda and Acura automobile dealers starting November 2023.

its handlebars, wheels, and seat slide inside the frame