Honda Motocompacto review: aka the battery-powered suitcase with wheels

Recently we got to test ride Honda's new Motocompacto, the battery-powered successor to the original 1983 Honda Motocompacto.

[AudioBoris]

This seems like it’s made as a compliment public transport. Like getting to and from a train, without the need for any the bulky accommodations needed for a bike on a train.

[jezzarisky]

Performance wise it's competing with $400 scooters like the Ninebot E2 Plus, so the question becomes if the added couple of pounds and unique form factor are worth the added $600.

[chroot]

Do I already have a Segway Kickscooter? Yes. Did I buy the Honda anyways? Yes

[altondillon]

damn why all the gear for a 15mph scooter

[awkwardllama]

Designed to be user repairable is excellent

[finpark]

So....to sum up this review... "It's not very good, but compared to other suitcases with wheels, this is the best on the market." ... ok

[duncancrowley]

Size and design wise this thing is very cool. Just doesn't make sense if you have room to store something bigger... a trusty Ninebot works better for almost every situation and is cheaper

[Phaedrus-thbi]

Essentially this is a two-wheeled version of the scooter my uncle used at the nursing home campus. I think it said it all (in the video) when he was passed by the guy on the bicycle. Just go back to riding a bicycle!

[josephduenas]

Anyone complaining about the power... just remember Honda went from the d series, to b series, to k series... all the motors pretty much fit in every make and model 🍻🤝🏽

[ChickensAndGardening]

It's good to see that Honda is staying innovative in this space. I would much rather buy a lithium/electric scooter from a Japanese corp. than some fire-prone junk from China that will break after 6 months and no way to repair.

[finpark]

God, I was so excited about this when it was first announced. But what a massive disappointment, I wouldn't even say it's "form over function". Because not only does it not even look as aesthetically nice as the 1981 moto-compo, it;'s clearly an incredibly sht ride, unless you're riding it on flat, smooth ground. I have not seen one in person, but it "looks" cheap, and plastic. I have NO IDEA why they didn't just make a more refined e-version of the motocompo. It's insane to think that this was designed/made by Honda. It weighs 41lbs, which is not that convenient, speed is capped at 15mph. The square plastic body just hides the fact that it's nothing more than a generic seated scooter, with sht wheels.

get a Jackrabbit ebike instead of this, it goes 20mph, it has just about the same amount of range (and you can get an extra battery for $200). has 20-inch air-filled tires, and is only 24 lbs. An e-bike that is super customizable, aesthetically, and in my opinion, one of the best, most practical "last mile' e-bikes on the market.

[kounnn]

It’s cool but I don’t see the usecase for this. At 40+ lbs it’s too heavy to lug around in suitcase mode. It would be a hassle to brind in public transit or in a shop while you run errands. Can it be locked? At that weight it would be easy to steal. I like the innovation but for me it hits the sweet spot of being too heavy to carry and light enough to get stolen.

[crimcrammoo]

Are you able to check this on a plane?

[KrimsonWing]

Kinda wanted one but man it's really not much for your buck... For $1, 000 you can go a whole lot further and and a good bit faster.

[KOHD-icpw]

You got it for 900 I’m seeing them for 1500

[austinbarrick]

He lost me when he said it was “adorable”.

[monowheeling]

_"as a suite case with wheel this might just be the best thing there is"_ only that it just _looks like_ a suite case, it isn't one.

[sushh]

This thing weighs 42lbs! you can get a Uscooters Booster V that goes 25mph and only 25lbs for the same or less price.

[blackwhirlwind]

Waste of money for $995, I would rather get lectric XP 3.0 for the same price.

[teop]

Am I tge only one who finds the full face helmet and gloves a bit over the top?

Cool ev, but it looks absolutely ridiculous, lol.