Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Honda files a trademark for an electric version of Motocompo from ’80s

The Japanese company Honda Motors has filed a trademark application for “Motocompacto” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If that name sounds familiar, it’s probably because it is very close to Honda’s Motocompo from the 80s.

In 1981 Honda presented one of the best examples of its thinking about practicality with the Motocompo, a suitcase-sized, gas-powered folding scooter that could fit in the trunk. At that time, it was born as a complementary motorbike for the Honda City car. The idea was that drivers could get close to their destination by car and then finish the last urban portion of their trip on the small scooter. It was only sold from 1981 to 1983, with only about 54,000 ever produced.

Honda’s Motocompo from the 80s.
Honda’s Motocompo from the 80s.

The idea of an electric Motocompo was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011 when they presented the Motor Compo, a small electric scooter in the image. The concept featured removable batteries and futuristic design.

Honda describes the vehicle as relating to “Land vehicles, namely, electric scooters.” This means if Honda does roll out the new “Motocompacto,” it would definitely be electric and not petrol-powered like the old Motocompo. From the existing renderings, it seems that Motocompacto still carries a similar scheme to Motocompo. It can also be folded like its predecessor, according to Motorcycle.com.

The vehicle would feature a removable battery.
The vehicle would feature a removable battery.

Although we can’t guarantee at this point, we will just have to wait and see what Honda surprises us with. There are no details about when Motocompacto scooter will launch.