[andrewl-hn]

Interesting how Japanese companies were pursuing these compact mobility solutions. One other example is Honda made two of them:

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Motocompo in 1980s and

- https://motocompacto.honda.com just a few years ago. This one is electric.

[makeitdouble]

It's notoriously hard/expensive to get a car/standard bike parking space. Even at home, and probably wherever you go if the place has any popularity. Think about parking car in Shibuya.

So a small vehicle has a real intrinsic value, not as simple as a parking a bicycle, but pretty close.

PS: Honda also makes the Monkey, which is ultra cute and pretty popular

https://www.honda.co.jp/Monkey125/

[eatonphil]

I think I've seen that Honda one around NYC. Had no clue what it was. It just looked like someone was riding a brief case and that's basically indeed what it is.

[i_v]

FortNine made a really great video about the Motocompacto last year! https://youtu.be/WQAe7EtVi-4

He opens with an entertaining sketch then digs into some of the history around these portable vehicle concepts.