Review: Test riding Honda’s Motocompacto electric scooter, aka the battery-powered suitcase
I recently got the chance to test ride Honda’s new Motocompacto, a battery-powered suitcase with wheels that comes complete with an underwhelming 15 mph top speed and an adorable bell, which I must say has to be my favorite feature by far. Overall, the Motocompacto’s strongest aspect is its looks, followed by its portability.
For context, this is the electric successor to the original 1983 Honda Motocompacto, which was powered by a tiny gasoline motor and designed to fit in the trunk of a car. The idea was that if you didn’t want the hassle of finding parking close to where you wanted to go, such as a city center, you could park farther away, take out the Motocompacto from the back of your car, unfold it, and ride to your destination.
Specs
- Vehicle Type: Scooter
- Motor: 250 W Permanent-magnet synchronous DC with 490W of Peak Output
- Torque: 11.8 lb.-ft./16 Nm
- Weight capacity: 265lbs
- Wheelbase: 29.2 inches
- Brakes: single rear drum brake
- Charge time: 3.5 hours (110v)
- Battery Capacity: 6.8Ah
- Price: $995
With a range of up to 12 miles, 0-15 mph time of 7 seconds, and a front wheel motor measuring 490W I wouldn’t get my hopes up about using this to get somewhere fast or far, but you can definitely get there in style. On my short ride through Westside Park in NYC, I received quite a few comments and questions from strangers about the Motocompacto, and understandably so since I was riding on what essentially looked like a white suitcase with a few small parts sticking out of it.
The vehicle weighs only 41.3 lbs and quite easily folds down to a manageable and rollable device that you could store in the back of a car or small closet. Honda’s ideal intended use for this vehicle is for people to quickly get around in a city or for college students to travel throughout their campus but at a price of $995 and no suspension, it wouldn’t be hard to find a cheaper alternative for your commuting needs.
Despite the lackluster specs and a 6.8 ah battery, I can’t help but want one of these for a particular reason. Call me immature, but the idea of having a late-night craving for a specific food at the nearby grocery store and being able to hop on the Motocompacto and ride it straight into the store to make my purchase without having to walk or park outside sounds like a dream. I imagine the vehicle’s tiny and adorable looks would make it much easier to be somewhat tolerated while riding through a subway platform or even a semi-empty shopping mall.
With zero suspension, incredibly small wheels, and a tall handlebar, 15 mph is about the highest speed I’d feel safe riding the Motocompacto. While the vehicle comes with some fun tech specs like the ability to adjust your personal settings, such as lighting and ride modes through a phone app, this is still very much a simple and bare-bones vehicle and certainly rides like one. The scooter is powered only by its front wheel motor, and for brakes, you’re limited to a single rear drum brake. For safety, you also have a bell, which I thought was a beautiful touch in the safety and style department.
As for the size, Honda kept the specs pretty similar to an actual suitcase, with its width measuring 3.7 inches when fully stowed and folds to a length of just 29 inches and a height of 21 inches.
The folding and unfolding process was relatively simple and could be done in less than 30 seconds, although the first couple of times doing it, I had a bit of trouble as there are quite a few steps involved, but it’s something that can be done quickly after a short learning curve. Overall, I’d say the folding and unfolding process is simple enough to do so on the go while on a train station platform.
When fully unfolded and you’re ready to ride you’ll find that the vehicle comes with two different modes. For mode one you’ll be restricted to 10 mph and are required to kick off to start moving, and with mode two you won’t have any requirement; push the throttle, and you’re on your way.
With such a small profile, I was surprised to learn there was a place to hold things while riding. Located in the center between the handlebar and the seat is a small space adequate to hold a few snacks or laptops along with a few notebooks. You can also hold the charger that can recharge the battery in about 3.5 hours. With its compact profile when folded up, I imagine it would be a lot easier to get away with bringing this inside to a cafe, office, or building lobby to get a quick charge in.
As for the build quality, I was happy to see that it had some simple yet elegant features, like the synthetic leather handlebar grips and seat, as well as a sleek digital speedometer. An overall pro for the Motocompacto that I love is that it’s simple and designed to be user-repairable. I love that this vehicle is charming and fun, but having a quality build and the ability to quickly repair things yourself is a massive plus in my opinion and helps to slightly justify the steep price tag.
If you’re looking to buy the Motocompacto, it is now available for order through participating Honda or Acura dealerships or online and comes in at an MSRP of $995.
Electrek’s take:
As a last-mile commuting solution for city dwellers or college students, I can’t see the Motocompacto as highly competitive in the market, but as a suitcase with wheels, I think this might just be the best there is.
The steep price tag and underwhelming specs make it hard to see this as a game changer, but this is still Honda’s early days into the electric PEV space, with a lot more to come.
Honda Motocompacto review video
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Electric vehicles’ share of the market continues to climb in America’s second city, with BEV registrations up more than 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Great news, but charging hasn’t up – but a new plan from Chicago Department of Transportation aims to build up enough infrastructure for the city to keep up.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
I hate to sound like a bed-wetting liberal here, guys, but Chicago is getting EVs absolutely right with big utility incentives on both vehicles and infrastructure, a governor willing to stand behind smart environmental policy, and a solid push for more and better infrastructure in the areas where they’ll do the most good. They’re even thinking of the children.
Here’s hoping more cities follow suit.
SOURCE: ComEd, via Smart Cities Dive; featured image by EVgo.
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With a fully-enclosed, G-Wagen-inspired body and an 80 mile electric range, the Bodo G-Wagon golf cart is the NEV you need when you decide it’s time to get serous one-upping the rest of the Palm Beach country clubbers.
If you love the look of the $230,000 Mercedes-Benz G580 off-roader, but think the 579 hp, 6,800 lb. electric 4×4 is probably overkill for occasional trips to the golf course and country club, this G-Wagen-inspired golf cart might be just what you’re looking for.
The shiny black 2024 Bodo G-Wagon sold at Mecum Auctions last month for $31,900, which seems like it might not be a lot of money to the sort of person who decides to take a flyer on a goofy, limited-use EV that ships with real, metal doors, power windows, heating and air conditioning, fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment, and a “posh,” caramel leather interior.
It even has windshield wipers, power steering, and a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built into the front headrests!
It’s really nice in there
Under the hood, the Bodo packs a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor drawing power from a 10 kWh li-ion battery that won’t deliver a scorching 0-60 mph time (it only goes 35), but will deliver you and your buddies from one end of any golf course in North America and back several times over, thanks to the G-Wagon’s 80 mile range.
The official Mecum Auctions listing goes into a bit more detail, and I’ve included it here, in case it gets deleted after a while and you’re just finding this for the first time in 2027:
Be the envy of any country club or golf community showing up with this 2024 Bodo G-Wagon Golf Cart. Perhaps more appropriately known as an E-Wagon, this baby G-Wagon is powered by a 15kW motor with a 10kWh lithium battery. Boasting an 80-mile range and a 35 MPH top speed, the Bodo is an enclosed, luxury golf cart that pampers occupants with heating and air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, power windows, power locks and a posh, caramel-colored interior. With the Bodo fitted with power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes with brake boost, drivers will think they’re in a full-size G-Wagon, thanks to the multiscreen entertainment cluster, the rearview camera, windshield wipers, turn signals, running lights and so much more.
Finished in black with the right amount of brightwork, the overall vibe is one of jaw-dropping, smile-inducing fun. While the Bodo would be an excellent choice for any golf community, it should also prove to be hugely popular around a race track or car condo community as well, or maybe even a neighborhood with its own airplane runways. Over the past decade in particular, the demand for unique, luxury golf carts has been on the rise, and understandably so. The number of luxury communities with specific interests in sports, aero and auto has also been on the rise, with people buying homes in these exclusive locations to better engage with like-minded people. All too often a golf cart is the perfect way to get around these gated neighborhoods, and this one is enclosed, comes with the amenities of a full-size car and is infinitely more stylish.
You can check out a few more photos of the 2024 Bodo G-Wagon golf cart that sold at Mecum, below – and if you want one for yourself, you’re in luck! I found this brand-new 2025 “G600 E-Wagon” (in white) for $23,900 at Gulf Carts in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Head on down to the comments and let us know if you buy it.
G-Wagon golf cart gallery
SOURCE | LOTS MORE PHOTOS: Mecum Auctions.
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