FELO M1: An electric version of a motocompo that also has a portable power supply function!
366
0
Share 
Copy link
X
Facebook
Save
FELO has been introducing unique electric motorcycles based on the three basic principles of "FUTURE, FUNCTION, and FUN. Currently in Japan, the lineup includes the FW07 in the light motorcycle class, the F5, FW-03, and CR02 in the moped motorcycle class, the M1 in the moped class, and the FW-06R in the competition model class. In this issue, we pick up the "M1," a moped class 1 model with the interesting concept of being foldable!
Table of Contents
Foldable Electric Motorcycle in Moped Class 1
The FELO M1 is a Class 1 moped, which means that it belongs to the same class as 50cc mopeds and new standard mopeds. On public roads in Japan, this class is subject to a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h and two-step right turns...but taking advantage of the closed environment of our test ride, we went full throttle! The car was able to reach the catalog spec of 45 km/h. Moreover, the acceleration was not sluggish or slow at all, but rather, as is typical of electric models, it was quick and easy to get up to top speed. The throttle response is also not abrupt or overly sensitive, and is at a level where it can be used as a commuter vehicle. 
What surprised me was the surprisingly solid feel of the chassis. With this type of foldable vehicle, the rigidity of the gimmick for folding is inevitably weak, causing some uneasiness in the steering operation. Of course, it does not have the character to enjoy driving like a sports model, but it can be used as a "means of transportation," which is the true purpose of a commuter. The brakes are not at the level of "good stopping power" or "controllability," but they have enough stopping power to function at legal speeds. Although we were not able to test the cruising range of the car during our impressions, the staff said that the car can normally run for 40 km (45 km at 30 km/h according to catalog figures), so the car can be used on a daily basis for commuting to work and school, and on occasional holidays it can be loaded into a car for a long drive. ...... is also a great way to play with it. 
Riding Position
The seat height is low at 600mm, which allows the rider to sit on the heels of the seat and also provides a lot of room for the knees. The position is not as cramped as one might expect, and it seems to be able to handle a 30-minute ride with no problems. However, if I were asked to ride for a whole day, the seat would be too thin. I would have a hard time if I were asked to ride for a whole day.
The seat height is a low 600mm, which means that you can stick to your heels and have a lot of room for your knees. However, the position is not as cramped as one might expect, and while it would be painful to ride for a full day, it seems to be able to handle a 30-minute trip with no problem. (Tester is 172 cm tall and weighs 75 kg)
Does the design respect Honda Moto Compo?
The photo below is not of an M-1, but a Honda Moto Compo leisure bike (1981). With its 8-inch front and rear wheels and angular design, the M-1 is an electric version of the Moto Compo. Moreover, the electric unit has greatly improved the bike's usability as a leisure bike that can be carried around and used.
HONDA MOTOCOMPO (1981) was created as a trunk bike to be mounted on a car called HONDA CITY.
The FELO M1, on the other hand, will appear in 2024, about 40 years later. The fact that it is an electric motorcycle fits perfectly with the concept of loading it into a car.
Foldable and portable, it can also be used as a portable power source.
The unique thing about the M-1 is that it folds up into a compact size, making it easy to store and load. Weighing only 49.5 kg, it is small enough to be lifted, so it does not require a ladder to be loaded onto a transporter. Since it is a battery-powered electric motorcycle, it can be stacked on its side, and there is no need to worry about the smell of a gasoline-powered vehicle. The on-board lithium-ion battery can be removed and recharged, or recharged from an AC outlet. If there is an AC outlet in the car, the battery can be recharged during transportation, and the M-1 can be driven when it arrives at the destination. It is a vehicle that will expand your dreams.
The FELO M 1 with the handlebars, steps, and seat folded down. The handlebars, steps, seat, and other parts are folded down to make loading easier. There are four carrying handles on the top of the headlight and on the top of the body.
Weighing 49.5 kg, the M-1 can be moved with plenty of room for two people, and even one person can lift it for a moment to load it. The five handles on the body are a big help.
The car can be loaded on its side without worry of leaks, and no longer needs to be loaded with a ladder or secured with tie-downs when transporting.
The left and right handles are secured with knobbed bolts and retract inside the handle posts when folded.
The bolt with knob that was removed is attached to the top of the blinker and also serves as a guard to prevent damage to the blinker during storage.
Turning the ignition knob counterclockwise unlocks it and removes the top tray.
The hinge lock at the base of the handle post is removed and the handle unit is stowed back into the chassis.
The steps do not protrude from the chassis when fully folded.
The seat slides backward when lifted and is stored inside the frame.
It also has the ability to discharge power externally, and can be used as a 100 VAC portable power source by plugging a dedicated adapter into the external output port. According to the official announcement, the 48V 20Ah battery (960Wh capacity) can charge a 50Wh laptop 19 times, a 13Wh smartphone 73 times, and a 105W TV for 9 hours of operation.
Here it is stored vertically in the author's Honda N-VAN. With this size, it would be possible to put another car next to it.
Detail of the FELO M 1
All lights, including the headlight, blinkers, and taillight, are LEDs; the headlight is equipped with a handle on the top.
When the ignition is turned on and the start button on the left switch box is pressed, the meter lights up. Twist the throttle in that state to move forward. In addition to the odometer, the battery level is also displayed in a bar graph and numerical value.
I didn't feel the weird lack of rigidity that is common in handles with hinges or split structures for this type of folding.
The throttle type gas pedal is the same as on a motorcycle, and the right lever is the front brake and the left is the rear brake. The left brake also has a simple button-type lock function.
The right switch box has the start button, and the left switch box has the horn, indicator, and dimmer switches.
Starting can be done by sticking the mechanical key in the knob of the ignition and turning it, but it can also be started by a touch with the NFC card key.
Wheel sizes are 8 inches front and rear with wire-pull disc brakes on the front. The front disc brakes are wired to provide the braking force needed to match the power output, and they allow the rider to stop properly.
The center stand is the only fixing device, and there is no side stand. Steps can be folded backward.
Security features are also included, with hazard lights coming on and alarms sounding when vibrations are detected, such as when the vehicle is lifted.
The monocoque aluminum frame is used. The exterior design elements are also high.
The in-wheel motor has a rated output of 600 W (maximum output 1200 W). The maximum speed is 45 km/h. In fact, a speed of 45 km was achieved.
Rear drum brake with regenerative function. It also has a hydraulic rear shock on a cantilevered swingarm.
The back of the tray, which serves as a lid to be placed on top of the battery, is used as a small storage compartment.
A charger is also built in, allowing the battery to be charged at a household outlet. The battery is 48V 20Ah (capacity 960Wh/waterproof performance: IPX7) and can be recharged in 2 to 3 hours. Spare batteries and a portable charger are also available as accessories.
Due to its moped class, the FELO "M One (M1)" is a one-seater. The seat is not comfortable due to its folding functionality, but it is usable enough for a little bit of driving.
FELO M1 Main Specifications
Overall Length x Width x Height: 1195 x 565 x 805 mm・Wheelbase: 800 mm・Seat Height: 600 mm・Car Weight: 49.5 kg・Battery Capacity: 48 V 20 Ah・Battery Type: Lithium-ion (removable)・Rated Output: 600 W (maximum output 1.20 kW)・Cruising Range: Approximately 40 km・Charging time: 2 to 3 hours ・Brakes: F=disc R=drum・Tires: F=3.00-8 R=3.50-8・Price: 437,800 yenImage Gallery (35)
![[Overseas] 2027 New Model "Ninja ZX-6R" Appears in North America! New Galaxy Silver/Twilight Blue Colors Refresh Lineup](https://news.webike.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/google-g-icon.png){kind=icon}
