The Chinese motorcycle manufacturer FELO has unveiled a modern-day iteration of a classic Honda motorcycle, the Motocompo, at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. Known as the FELOTOO M One, this folding electric motorcycle could be the perfect solution for urban transportation, fitting neatly into the trunk of a car. Its innovative design and advanced technology make it a truly unique and eco-friendly alternative for city commuters.
Honda introduced the Motocompo in 1981 as a compact and portable solution for urban transportation. The motorcycle featured a minimalist, boxy design with foldable handlebars and seat, making it easily portable and storable. Designed to fit in the trunk of small cars like the Honda City, the Motocompo was powered by a small 49cc two-stroke engine. Though production ended in 1983, its unique design and practicality earned the Motocompo a devoted fanbase and a lasting place in the history of innovative urban transportation solutions.
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in compact and eco-friendly transportation solutions, fueled by growing concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable urban mobility. With technological advancements, the time has come for a comeback of the trunk-sized folding motorcycle. The new FELOTOO M One closely resembles the original Motocompo in design, but with significant improvements in technology, making it a worthy contender in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
The M One weighs only 37 kg (82 lb.), making it lighter than the original Motocompo, which had a curb weight of 45 kg (99 lb.). This reduced weight makes it even more portable and convenient for urban commuters who need to carry it in their trunks or maneuver it around busy city streets.
In place of the original 49cc combustion engine, the M One uses a 1,000W peak-rated electric motor, powered by a 48V and 20Ah battery. This battery provides around 1 kWh of capacity, which FELO claims is enough for a range of 100 km (62 miles). To achieve this range, the M One would need to maintain an average speed of around 25 km/h (15 mph). While not built for speed, the M One is designed for extending the range of urban commuters without the need for a car, making it an ideal solution for navigating congested cities and reducing carbon emissions.
The M One also offers V2L (vehicle to load) capabilities, with a 220VAC 50Hz power outlet allowing it to run household appliances directly from the motorcycle’s battery and inverter. This feature adds to the versatility of the folding electric motorcycle, as it can serve as a mobile power source during outdoor activities, camping trips, or even in emergency situations.
Although some might debate whether the M One should be classified as a motorcycle or a scooter or moped, the distinction ultimately comes down to whether the vehicle is straddled like a bike or step-through like a Vespa. In any case, scooters and mopeds are subsets of the larger motorcycle world, making the M One one of the smallest electric motorcycles available. Its unique classification contributes to its appeal, as it occupies a niche space between traditional motorcycles and scooters, offering the best of both worlds in terms of portability and performance.
Priced at around US $2,900, the M One is expected to debut in China and possibly Japan. Availability is slated for Q4 of this year. Its relatively affordable price point makes it an attractive option for urban commuters looking for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to cars or public transportation. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, the M One is well-positioned to capitalize on the demand for sustainable and compact transportation solutions.
Check out the unveiling video below to see how the M One folds.
Source: FELO
