The performance and style of Honda’s new CUVe: electric scooter may not be revolutionary, but the quality, swappable battery tech, slick equipment and sub-£4k value pretty much are and promise and exciting future for Honda’s EV ambitions, with more models expected soon.
This learner legal scooter’s design is pleasing enough, with slick, smooth curves and premium touches like full width LED lights front and rear, but the most impressive features are its twin, specially designed, removeable battery packs (or HMPPe, for Honda Mobile Power Pack electric) under the seat which are effective, easy to use and come with two charging ‘docks’ you plug into a household socket.
Its 7” TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity which, via Honda’s RoadSync Duo phone app, offers full navigation, calls and music, and a launch price of just £3800 including six-year warranty makes the CUVe: one of the most accessible, trustworthy, mainstream and tempting electric scooters you can buy.
Honda claims its (not so) snappily titled CUVe: (which stands for Clean Urban Vehicle electric) sets out to deliver performance on par with a conventional, ‘ICE’ 110cc one, like their own Vision 110, and that’s pretty much spot on. The 6kw electric motor is held in a smartly-designed, cast aluminium, swing arm rather than in the rear wheel hub; there are three switchable riding modes – Eco, Street and Sport – with it capable of an indicated 59mph in the latter.
But if that’s unexceptional, the power delivery on the CUVe: is noticeably more refined than most and there’s the bonus of a reverse ‘gear’ to aid maneuvering. The claimed 45-mile range isn’t exceptional, either, but is probably enough for its intended use and although braking is also unexceptional, its single 190mm disc with one-piston Nissin caliper aided by a 130mm rear drum is sufficient. There’s a handy, ‘lock-on’ parking brake lever on the left bar too.
Handling isn’t exceptional, either, but more than up to the job and in line with what you’d expect from a 110cc petrol scooter. There’s a steel ‘underbone’ frame; cast aluminium 12” wheels, while suspension comprises 26mm telescopic forks and a monoshock rear, neither being adjustable. On smooth roads they give a comfortable, efficient ride with a nice blend of nimbleness and stability, and only over potholes or speed bumps did it crash or jar.
As already mentioned, in terms of proportions and style, the CUVe: is a fairly conventional, 110cc equivalent, electric scooter. The seat is relatively low and plush and accessible with a flat foot ‘floor’, there are traditional scooter leg guards and low and narrow handlebars.
It’s also relatively light and nimble, even if my 6’3” (190cm) knees got in the way slightly of the ‘bars when attempting full-lock U-turns. On the whole, however, the riding position is conventional, small typical scooter. It is fine both around town and on slightly longer runs, with comfort not in question.
Practicality-wise, two-wheelers simply don’t get much better if your requirement is a cut-price, sub-20 mile commute. The CUVe: is not only a doddle to ride (it’s keyless so simply turn on, prod the ‘starter’ button and twist and go); there’s enough performance to keep up with traffic; it is eligible for ULEZ zones; its MMP battery pack has a claimed range of 45 miles and is a doddle to recharge (which, incidentally, from 0-100%, is six hours while from 25 to 75% is 160 minutes) and, as a result of all that the CUVe: costs virtually nothing to run.
There’s also a natty Bluetooth connectable TFT dash which, via Honda’s phone app, provides easy to read navigation and lets you take calls and music. It’s not perfect though, as those twin batteries take up most of the underseat storage and its indicators don’t self-cancel, but those are minor quibbles.
Equipment-wise, although a fairly conventional electric scoot, the CUVe: is pretty good, too. The big 7” Bluetooth compatible TFT dash is better than most, the keyless is a bonus, the switchgear is good quality and the full-width LED lights a premium touch.
Plus there are usual scooter things like a fairing cubby hole with USB charger point and even an old-fashioned bag hook. On the (slight) downside, as with most electric scooters, its battery pack takes up most of the underseat luggage space found on petrol equivalents but the CUVe: does have a standard luggage rack and a top box is available as an accessory.
Although not revolutionary, the CUVe: is a decent performer with premium features, reassuring quality and some clever tech (primarily the TFT dash and removeable battery system). Most impressively of all, however, is the simple fact that, at launch, it’s priced at £3800, which incidentally is the same as the best selling PCX125 petrol scooter we tested last month. Being a Honda, it’s likely to have better residuals than most too.
So, should you buy one? Well, if you’re interested in a learner legal electric scooter, the CUVe: is up there with the best thanks to its Honda badge, smart design, inspired removable battery system and, most of all, its tempting price.
We’ve reviewed a few learner legal electric scooters over the years, including the Zeeho AE8S+, SEAT MO 125 and NIU MQI GT Evo and, regardless of how competently they rode, all have pretty much disappeared into obscurity within a short space of time. The CUVe: has the advantage of the Honda name and dealer network to back it up, and also has an extra element of appeal in being a machine that gives insight to the company’s future electric direction.
The CUVe:’s debut of the MMP battery system is impressive, its TFT dash and design gives a taste of how Honda is addressing the whole subject and, best of all, its affordable price hints at the notion that, just maybe, electric bikes in future won’t be as expensive as first feared…
Honda CUVe: Specification
Price: £3800
Engine: Electric ‘EDrive’ side motor
Power: 8bhp (6kW) max
Torque: 22Nm (16.2lb-ft)
Transmission: Direct drive, single speed
Frame: Steel ‘underbone’ type
Suspension: (F) 26mm telescopic forks, no adjust (R) monoshock, no adjust.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, (F) 12 x 2.15in (R) 12 x 2.5in
Tyres: Duro DM (F) 100/90 x 12, (R) 110/90 x 12
Brakes: (F) 1 x 190mm disc, single-piston Nissin caliper, (R) 130mm drum, Honda CBS
Weight: 120kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,310mm
Seat height: 760mm
Battery type: Honda Mobile Power Pack e: 2 x 50.26v lithium ion batteries, removeable
Range: 45 miles (claimed)
Service intervals: 12 months
Warranty: 72 months unlimited mileage
Contact: https://www.honda.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: Honda/Zep Gori/Jamie Morris
