I’ve all the time adhered to the outdated adage that it’s higher to drive a gradual automotive quick than a quick automotive gradual. Seems that applies to tiny electrical scooters as properly. Final week Honda let a bunch of journalists unfastened on the brand new MotoCompacto battery-powered runabout at its HQ in Torrance, California—and it was a blast.

The MotoCompacto is supposed to be a last-mile answer for transportation. You already know, for individuals who need to park throughout city or whose bus cease is 2 miles from the workplace. Experience it to your remaining vacation spot, then fold it up and carry it to your desk.

If this all sounds acquainted it’s as a result of Honda did one thing comparable within the Nineteen Eighties with the MotoCompo. Solely supplied within the Japanese market, the collapsible MotoCompo was an choice with Honda’s subcompact automobiles. It wasn’t terribly common, nevertheless it’s since developed a little bit of a nostalgia issue, particularly amongst my colleagues.

Honda MotoCompacto e-scooter

All moto, all compacto

The MotoCompacto e-scooters are all unfolded when my group arrives. We don helmets and are given a fast tutorial, not that there’s a lot to show. A small LCD display shows battery life and pace. There’s a hand brake and throttle. Somewhat bell warns pedestrians of our presence. 

Whereas the scooter has a headlight, a taillight, and aspect markers, there are not any flip alerts. It additionally has little or no storage functionality. I’ve a pc in my tote bag together with a bottle of water and a few sunscreen that I’m able to match within the slender heart opening that homes the seat and handlebars when the scooter is folded up, however patrons will need to spend money on a great backpack. 

We take it vaguely straightforward as we toddle round campus, as we get used to how the MotoCompacto rides. It jogs my memory of driving a Chinese language monkey bike by Mongolia. I’ve to be affected person and never count on an excessive amount of efficiency out of the little man. Nonetheless, when our chief turns right into a parking space arrange with a small monitor marked with cones, all bets are off.

Honda MotoCompacto e-scooter – Photograph by David Tracy

Play time

If there have been a bunch of people that drive extra like gleeful a@#holes than auto journalists, I don’t know who it’s. It’s double the a@#holery when the stakes are low. In spite of everything, we’re solely driving a two ft or so off the bottom so laying it down received’t damage. We’re all reducing one another off, preventing for the very best line, and racing down the straight. We shortly discover ways to do a front-wheel burnout and lay down rubber whereas braking. All of us are laughing like mad-people. I really feel like a child who has been given a shock afternoon recess.

With simply 490 watts, or 0.66 hp, of peak output and 11.8 lb-ft of torque, how shortly you speed up to the utmost pace of 15 mph depends upon your measurement, although Honda says it reaches that high pace in seven seconds. One slender author just about beats all of us together with his glorious power-to-weight ratio. I handle to remain principally forward of him however he ultimately passes me—and runs down his battery earlier too. It’s good for 12 miles of vary and might be totally charged in three and a half hours on a 110-volt outlet. 

It is going to take a little bit of follow to shortly fold up the MotoCompacto. The seat comes out and folds flat, then is saved within the slender heart area. The handlebars rotate 90 levels after which fold into the identical space. The entrance wheel retracts with the twist of a latch and as soon as it’s folded up all the things is completely balanced. Ultimate dimensions: 29.2 x 21.1 x 3.7 inches. It’s so wee!

Honda MotoCompacto e-scooter

It’s not all enjoyable and video games

I’ve a number of quibbles. After quarter-hour of driving the seat will get to be actually uncomfortable. Granted, the thought of the MotoCompacto is to not experience it round and round a makeshift monitor for an hour or so, however these with delicate bums would possibly need some padding.

Additionally, the factor ain’t mild. I’m not in the very best form, however I work out a good quantity and at 41.3 kilos, I don’t need to lug this factor on a bus, or up the steps, and even down a New York Metropolis block. 

Honda MotoCompacto e-scooter

Luckily, the handlebars might be folded in half method and by not retracting the entrance wheel, I can roll it alongside like a 40-pound suitcase.

Honda will promote the MotoCompacto for $995 and also you don’t want to purchase a automotive to go together with it. Equipment will even be obtainable and I guess you’ll see some fairly dope customized liveries on this stuff as properly. You’ll be able to snag one on-line or at your native Honda or Acura dealership.