“Today, as in the 1980s, city traffic sucks. No one likes commuting in gridlock, but it’s often unavoidable even in places with robust public-transportation networks. After all, to get on a bus or a subway, you first have to get to the station. And because many do so via car . . . you get the gist. Various agencies and companies have tried addressing this “first mile/last mile” problem over the years with mixed results. Now, though, Honda is giving it a try—rather, giving it another try.
More than 40 years ago, Honda tried addressing Tokyo’s traffic congestion with the folding Motocompo scooter. The idea was you’d park in a lot several miles from where you worked, unfold the compact two-wheeler, and ride the rest of the way. Sounds brilliant, especially in Japan’s crowded urban areas. Honda even designed it to fit in a special trunk compartment in its contemporary City hatchback. But it sold the little Motocompo only in Japan and then pulled the plug in 1983 after a two-year run. …
It’s too early to tell whether the Honda Motocompacto will have a bigger impact than its predecessor. But considering how popular Honda’s mini motorcycles, especially the Grom, have become, we can’t imagine the electric scooter will disappear after two years. Several C/D staffers have already said they want one. You can buy it now either at your local Honda/Acura dealer or online. At which point, city gridlock might become your playground” (Skwarczek, 2023).
The Motocompacto is a Honda side project designed to reinvigorate the modern commute. It’s sleek exterior, lightweight body, and collapsible features give it a distinct form and aesthetic. I had the chance to look into the motocompacto last semester as well as to see it in person on our first trip to the Honda headquarters at the beginning of the capstone project. Overall it’s a fascinating invention that I think has a solid place in the future of city and campus transportation.
Our project advisor at Honda, Kal Whalen, told us that the motocompacto is the product of a 24 hour design challenge to rethink city commutes. Through continued iterations it now has a sleek yet distinctive form. Building on top of the 1980’s Motocompto model, Honda created its own niche in the transportation market.
While the Motocompato has its own sleek and distinctive form, it was interesting to read about the opportunities Honda might take advantage of in terms of customization. The article mentions the possibility of Honda offering stickers and skins to personalize the exterior. I think potential for customization is a very important aspect of a marketable product, especially if it’s something that you want people to use often and enjoy using.
References
Skwarczek, M., (2023). Tested: Honda Motocompacto Is Rad Rebooted. Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a45684781/honda-motocompacto-e-scooter-ride/
