First rolling onto the scene in 1981, the Honda Motocompo was a pint-sized 49cc folding scooter that broke down into a tiny 46.7” x 9.4” x 21.3” form and was designed to fit in the boot of the Honda City compact car. Equipped with folding handlebars and foot-pegs, a collapsing fork, and a seat that can sink into the scooter’s body, the Motocompo undeniably represents one of the most unique and playful models ever to leave the factory. And while it only remained in production for three years, the Motocompo has left an indelible mark on the moto world, with these 2.5-hp two-wheelers not only increasingly gaining cult status in recent times, but also now influencing numerous modern takes on the model — the latest of which to break cover is the all-new M One folding EV scooter from Shanghai-based startup FELO.
Making its official public debut at the ongoing 2023 Tokyo Motorcycle Show — which marks the 50th running of the iconic event — the FELO M One is kicked along by a 400-watt 1.34-hp hub motor that draws from a 48V, 20-Ah Lithium-ion battery pack that affords just over 60 miles of range on each charge. The M One’s battery pack also allows the fully electric two-wheeler to act as a mobile power bank for juicing up electronics and other mobile devices while off-grid or away from an outlet. FELO’s M1 manages to tip the scales at just 80lbs in full running order, too. Furthering the scooter’s modern feel is an aviation-inspired livery complete with swaths of yellow safety stripes and various Kanji elements.
Similar in dimension to Honda’s original Motocompo with the M1 sporting measurements of 45.6” x 22” x 33.8”, this folding electric scooter also features a 31.5” wheelbase and an ultra-accessible 23.2” seat height. And, just like the original Motocompo, the M1 also features folding footpads, handlebars, and a pivoting and folding seat, plus was designed to easily stow in the trunk of a modern car or SUV. Despite its diminutive size, the M1 actually offers some decent hauling capabilities thanks to the addition of integrated aluminum and magnesium luggage racks. Other noteworthy elements on FELO’s new scooter include cast wheels fitted with disc brakes and wheel disc inserts, a single-sided swing-arm, protruding LED indicators, and an asymmetrical LED headlight arrangement.
Priced at ¥380,000 (~ $2,900), the FELO M One Folding EV Scooter is expected to begin deliveries in Q4 of this year.
