Targeted at young riders who plan to make short journeys to work or even college, the Honda EM1 e offers a 41.3-kilometer cruising range (48 kilometers in ECON mode) with a top speed of 45 km/h. The in-wheel motor is rated at 0.58 kW (0.78 horsepower) and 1.7 kW (2.31 horsepower) at peak. It can climb a 10-degree angle with a weight of 75 kilograms on board.

When charge runs out, the 10-kilogram battery pack (Honda Mobile Power Pack) can be removed for easy charging at home using its own charging unit. The charging unit can be plugged into a household socket where it’ll draw a maximum of 270 watts. From zero to maximum, charging time is approximately 6 hours; from 25 percent to 75 percent, only 2.7 hours (160 minutes) are needed.

Honda also says the battery pack can withstand over 2,500 charge cycles (by comparison, the Apple iPhone’s battery life already goes down to 80 percent life at just 500 charge cycles).

The EM 1 e features all LED lighting, a simple digital dash display, a 3.3-liter under seat storage, and a inner pocket large enough to store a 500-mL bottle. A USB socket for smartphone charging is also located on the front fairing. There’s also a handy hook to hang a bag from, and grab rails for the pillion passenger.

The Honda EM 1 e’s frame is a durable steel underbone design. It features 31 mm telescopic forks matched to twin rear shock absorbers equipped with double tube dampers. Ground clearance is a healthy 135 mm, while weight is pegged at just 95 kilograms. Handling’s assured with 90/90-12 front and 100/90-10 rear tire, while braking power is provided by a single-piston front disc and rear drum linked by a Combined Brake System.