Honda’s U-be Electric Moped Launched Abroad: Funky, Light And Feature-packed

The latest e-moped for the Chinese market is available in three variants at different price points

• The Honda U-be offers a claimed range of 55km-85km, depending on the variant.
• Even the heaviest variant weighs just 54kg (kerb).
• Features an all-LED lighting system, smart key, and a USB charging port as well.

Along with the Honda U-Go electric scooter, Honda’s Chinese arm Wuyang Honda also launched an electric moped, called the U-be. It is available in three variants with different battery capacities. The base variant retails at CNY 3,099 (around Rs 35,567), the mid-spec version at CNY 3,450 (about Rs 39,595), and the top-end variant at CNY 3,750 (approximately Rs 43,039). 

The Honda U-be is a moped variation of the U-Go in a single-seater configuration, complete with a pedal setup. The base variant comes with a 15Ah lithium-ion battery good for a claimed range of 55km, whereas the mid-spec and top-end models get 20Ah (with 70km range) and 24Ah battery packs (with 85km range) respectively. All the claimed ranges are calculated with a 75kg rider riding at a constant speed of 20kmph. The claimed top speed is just 25kmph. All variants feature a 350W permanent magnet hub motor. 

All three variants also feature an all-LED lighting system and a fully digital instrument cluster. The mid-spec version comes with an additional USB charging port whereas the top-end model also gets a smart key system. There’s also a utility hook on the apron for added practicality. Since it’s a single-seater moped, there is no underseat storage as it houses the battery pack. But on the bright side, you do have the assurance of pedal power in case you run out of juice. 

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The electric moped employs a proper telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers with 10-inch wheels at both ends. The base version uses drum brakes at both ends whereas the other two variants get a disc up front and a drum at the rear. The moped is also pretty light, at just 51kg (kerb) for the base model. The mid-spec version weighs 2kg more and the top-end version is heavier by 3kg. The light kerb weight, along with the accessible 740mm seat, should make it effortless to manoeuvre in the city. 

An electric moped like this is unlikely to work in India as mopeds are generally perceived to be properly utilitarian and not to mention, competitively priced. In India, TVS XL100 is by far the best-selling moped, and we hope the Hosur-based manufacturer offers an electric version as a part of its new EV launches for the future. Coming back to Honda, the Japanese brand is all set to launch an affordable adventure bike based on the Hornet 2.0. You can read all about it here.