I just rode the Honda Motocompacto and it’s the weirdest scooter I’ve ever tried.

Looking for my successor Liquid freeride MosquitoI have seen ultra-compact electric scooters such as Dynamic scooter Model B. While I was able to fit it in my backpack, its tiny wheels and poor build quality don’t give me confidence that it can survive the dangerous streets of New York City.

Enter Honda’s electric scooter-like suitcase, Motocompacto ($995), which may be one of the few electric scooters that can go where other scooters are banned in New York. That’s because of the Motocompacto’s intriguing (or weird) design, which folds so that the wheels, seat and handlebars tuck into its briefcase-like body.

I got to try one when I met with Honda to test the company’s car. Electric car Prologueand I have to admit that the Motocompacto is one of the weirdest electric scooters I’ve ever tried.

Honda Motocompacto: technical specifications

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Price	US$995
Maximum speed	15 mph
Range	12 miles
Weight Load Capacity	265 pounds
Weight	41.3 lbs
Acceleration 0–15 mph	7 seconds
Charging time	3.5 hours
Dimensions	3.5 x 21.1 x 29.2 inches (folded)

Bring it into places where scooters are prohibited.

Test drive of the Honda Motocompacto electric scooter.

(Image credit: Future)

One of the reasons I would consider replacing my Fluid Freeride Mosquito with a Honda Motocompacto is that I could probably bring it into places where most other electric scooters are prohibited from entering, such as the shopping center at Hudson Yards or some other trendy shopping center. Over the past couple of years, more and more places throughout New York City have banned e-scooters from their premises.

This is an annoying problem that I haven’t had before, so finding a scooter that I can carry around discreetly would be ideal. Thanks to its unconventional design, I have no doubt that I can use the Motocompacto in more public places than a traditional scooter. With its all-white plastic body and carrying handle, it almost looks like a folding table I’d take to an outdoor meeting—which is why I think I could carry it to different places in New York City.

The only thing that says Motocompacto is the two wheels sticking out from the bottom. Although there are sports bags. Amazon that I’m sure this could fit.

Leisurely Ride

Test drive Honda Motocompacto, gif animation.

(Image credit: Future)

Once everything was set up, I was ready for my first ride on the Motocompacto. First of all, I felt strange sitting on it because it felt like I was riding a child’s bike. Considering I’m used to standing upright on an e-scooter, sitting instead seems like a foreign concept to me.

Still, I was eventually introduced to Motocompacto and took off straight away. Since I’m used to the fast acceleration of my Mosquito, the gradual acceleration of the Motocompacto took me by surprise. Luckily, it didn’t take me long to reach the top speed of 15 mph. Is this encouraging? Not really, but at least I didn’t feel every bump in the road – unlike the Dynamic Scooter Model B.

I also noticed that the Motocompacto has a tight turning radius, so it’s really not a machine that will get in and out of tight spots like my Mosquito. Another thing I noticed while riding the Motocompacto is that it doesn’t have a regenerative brake, meaning stopping is purely a matter of the handbrake. I’m quite happy with all this because overall the ride was at least smooth.

Compact design, heavy weight

Test drive of the Honda Motocompacto electric scooter.

(Image credit: Future)

One of the most important criteria I want to satisfy when choosing a commuter scooter that I can ride to and from work is how well it can easily travel with me on a train ride, as well as how heavy it is . For example, my Fluid Freeride Mosquito is one of the lightest electric scooters for adults at 29 pounds, but I’ve tried heavier ones that weigh over 60 pounds.

The Honda Motocompacto boasts a unique compact design that I could easily stash under the seats of the NJ Transit on a train ride into town, but lugging it around is a different story. At 41.3 pounds, I would have to do one serious workout going up and down stairs, but I know I can handle it. However, I understand how this can be a burden for other people.

The Motocompacto has a rated range of 12 miles, which is very low for its weight. I don’t mind the shorter range because it can easily carry me for a full week on a single charge, provided I don’t make any extra stops compared to my usual route.

Lastly, the Honda Motocompacto costs $995, which I would consider the average cost of a decent electric scooter. I really like its uncharacteristic design that I could take with me on my daily commute, but its heavy weight and short range make it feel less like a commuter scooter to me.

While I can carry the Motocompacto with me and use it around town, it’s a harder sell given its shorter range and slower speed, especially at its price point. Don’t get me wrong, I really like its intriguing design that hides its essence, but I would prefer something lighter and with more range.