THE electric two-wheeler in the house of Honda this is nothing new. Really, the first zero-emission scooter winged company goes back to 1994 year. Except that this model, called the CUV ES, was not intended for the French market. Almost 30 years later, the Japanese manufacturer corrected the situation and offered Europe, and therefore France, its first electric scooter. equivalent to 50 cm3. Code name: theEM1e.

A future bestseller for getting to know the city? The verdict will be known for sure on the streets of the capital.

Designed for beginners

Honda nailed it enough to sink it into our heads. This scooter is designed primarily for newbies. So that’s what the EM1e has to prove easy to processlight and comfortable.

Really, a few turns of the wheels enough to handle the car. With its very smooth and quiet engine peak power 1.7 kW, EM1e is not cruel. Perfect for beginners getting into the world of two-wheelers. In which we develop “standard” or “economy” modethe Honda electric scooter has the advantages of a linear power which will not surprise the pilot. Including on a wet road. Therefore, behavior occurs naturally compact template helps to feel comfortable on it.

In addition, his maximum speed 45 km/h under French law will reassure less experienced users. If the speed can be a little limited on the main boulevards, in general in big cities, then maximum torque 90 Nm in standard mode allows you to quickly and effortlessly escape from a red light.

Finally, combined braking has good quality and also aims to soothe. Pressing the front brake lever simultaneously activates the rear brake and vice versa. And here again we believe that this equipment is intended for beginners.

Honda EM1e, an example of comfort

But not being really expressive when turning the right hand, The EM1e is extremely user-friendly. Here’s where great strength of this electric scooter, the equivalent of 50 cm3. With his two rear combined shock absorbers, the smallest bumps in the road are erased. So much so that we could add more kilometers if the range remained a bit longer (see below).

From his generous flat floorspace offered once behind the wheel pleasant. Including for large sizes. We notice in passing (small) apron storage. Enough to fit a small pair of gloves, a water bottle or even a phone. The only problem is that this storage space is not lockable. Then it will be necessary to contact second place for storagehere with 3.3 liters under the saddleto securely store personal belongings. Or even better, to the additional upper case of 35 l.

Limited autonomy

Due to its size, it is difficult to accommodate a large battery to keep pace. Under the EM1e saddle is a removable battery 10.3 kg that Honda calls for Mobile power supply unit e. The latter has a capacity 29.4 Ah and runs on lithium. The manufacturer reports on this battery maximum range of 48 km in Econ mode (which limits the scooter to 30 km/h) and 41 km in standard mode.

In practice, our road with a length of about twenty kilometers in the capital, driving quite normally in the standard mode, will have consumed more than half of the battery. Not sure if I will be able to keep up with the announced 41 km…

In addition, we regret this fact inability to directly charge the scooter. Only charging takes place by removing the removable battery and using the supplied charger. Then you will need to take the last one with you or take a second one to connect, for example, at home or in the office. If by accident, you obviously can’t go back.

Then count approximately 160 min to go from 25 to 75% charge. Six hours to go from 0 to 100%.

Only in…LLD

Another potential malfunction is its acquisition. Or rather, its “non-purchase”. Because, Honda EM1e will not be for sale, but only for rent. Honda decided to offer this scooter only in LLD. A system that, according to the Japanese manufacturer, pleases customers more than a direct purchase.

However, it is not yet known how much will cost in monthly payments. Honda couldn’t provide us with any numbers, not even estimates. Nonetheless, 100% electric scooter market is rich and varied, with well-known Chinese manufacturers such as Super Soko or Niu.

Not forgetting self-service scooter offers which also allow you to avoid the costs of purchasing and maintaining a car. Also the charging time…

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