Under the gray sky of Oxford, I stand in front of the brand new Honda Cuv e: an electric scooter that promises to transform urban mobility.
Announced as the spiritual successor of the Cuv es launched in Japan in 1994, this model is the second electric scooter that Honda offers for the European market after EM1 E:. Always with removable and rechargeable batteries at home, it offers greater autonomy than its predecessor, which is around 70 km on this new model.
The declared top speed of the Cuv E: is just over 80 km/h and it offers advanced connectivity. It seems cut for the animated streets of the English university city. I had the opportunity to test it during this test in the cobbled alleys and the arteries of Oxford, and here is my verdict.
For some time now, Honda has said that they want to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, notably by developing zero-free electric two-wheelers.
The objective is to promote sustainable mobility by reducing the environmental footprint, thanks to innovative vehicles, such as EM1 E models: and this new Cuv E:, while optimizing energy efficiency and integrating environmentally friendly technologies. Although these scooters are shyly displayed on our continent, they are already well integrated into the mega -cities of Asia.
First contact: a modern and practical design
From the first glance, the Cuv E: shows a very simple and modern design. Its fluid lines, its very aesthetic LED lighting optics and its flat floor give it both sober and sophisticated.
The model that I test sports a pearl white finish which elegantly captures the shy light of this British summer. With a weight of 120 kg, it is surprisingly light for an electric scooter, and its saddle height at 760 mm allows me to put my feet flat without effort.
The dashboard, a 7 -inch TFT screen immediately attracts attention. It is large and very visible. Connected to the Honda Roadsync application, it gives an interactive experience with clear full navigation, real -time weather, and even call management and music via Bluetooth helmet.
Under the saddle, a very compact storage space can accommodate a small bag, while a stooge with USB-C intake in the apron allows me to keep my loaded smartphone and slide a small bottle of water.
The flat floor and the attachment hook located under the handlebars also allow you to transport a small bag of racing between the feet, a practical detail on a daily basis.
The UN-cutter saddle can accommodate a passenger and the latter’s footrests are discreetly encrusted in a small body of the body.
This scooter includes a top-case support, which would be an option of choice, knowing that the initial storage space is very lean, the two batteries necessary for its operation occupying an important place.
In the saddle: agility and silence in the streets of Oxford
After having mentally prepared to roll on the left (a first for me), I settle on the machine. To start the Cuv E:, whose system is contactless (Keyless), just use the starter button.
A logo will then appear on the dashboard to point out to us that the vehicle is ready to leave. The electric motor delivers 6 kW. Its responsiveness and power remind me of sensations close to a 125 cm3 thermal scooter.
On the start, I select the standard mode for my first round in the streets of Oxford. And from the first meters, I notice that the acceleration is linear and fluid. No jolts, just a progressive thrust that propels me effortlessly through the traffic jams of the “High Street”.
GPS via roadsync was configured before our departure. I note that this is a complete navigation with follow -up of the layout, unlike the navigation point by point of the previous versions of the application. In addition, the route indicates not only the distance and time, but also calculates an approximate remaining autonomy on arrival. And that’s right (to 1%)!
A point that marks me and proves the urban practicality of the machine: the impressive turning radius of 1.9 meters is a major asset in narrow alleys.
I slalom between pedestrians and bikes with disconcerting ease. The Cuv E: does not ask me for any effort. I almost feel like I ride on a bike.
The 12 -inch wheels and the telescopic fork correctly absorb irregular pavers, although the double rear shock absorbers are a little firm on the more marked bumps.
Braking with a 190 mm disc at the front and a 110 mm drum at the rear provides sufficient and reassuring deceleration power, despite the absence of ABS.
CBS combined braking, active on the rear brake, acts by distributing stop force on the front brake. If you are sensitive, you can feel the physical manifestation of the phenomenon directly on the brake levers.
Performances: three modes, a goal
The Cuv E: offers three driving modes: sport, standard and Econ. In sport mode, acceleration becomes more frank and lively. I am having fun on the Oxford ring road to push the scooter to its maximum speed.
I reach the 91 km/h on the clock, a respectable figure for a vehicle with urban use. However, little room for doubt here, autonomy melts quickly.
So I decide to iron in standard mode to balance performance and efficiency. This opinion looks at me, but for the use of such a machine, a sport mode has little sense. The difference in power and the autonomy loss are not worth it.
During the test, I note some peculiarities of the behavior of the scooter. After a frank acceleration, by relaxing the handle, I observe a slight latency before the machine slowed down.
It is a phenomenon linked to the artificial engine brake, characteristic of electric vehicles, but also to the configuration of the electronic accelerator. This minimal and constant engine brake regardless of driving mode, is designed to imitate the feeling of a thermal scooter.
For our photo and coffee break, I exploit the integrated parking brake, compensating for the absence of a mechanical gearbox.
In addition, as soon as the side crutch is deployed, the engine is cut automatically, requiring reactivation via the start button to leave. I also had fun testing assistance in reverse, operating up to 3 km/h, to maneuver in narrow car parks or steep passages.
To do this, it involves keeping the starter button and then managing the reverse using the “bottom arrow ” button on the menus selection, on the left commodo.
It is a practical detail which can reassure certain users and which does not require a huge technical investment. Although I find the maneuvers without the help of the engine of this scooter with childish ease.
I go back to ECON mode, the answer is softer, too soft … maybe ideal for maximizing the 70 km of autonomy announced, but it makes the 50 km/h damage painful.
It is a mode that I think useful for crossing pedestrian areas or limited to 30 km/h with confidence. But beware of your dodge maneuvers, the reaction to acceleration in this mode does not allow to start on the wheel hats!
The 7 -inch TFT screen is one of the strengths of the Cuv E:. Intuitive and clear display, it allows you to focus fully on the road while keeping an eye on the information, even during a GPS navigation.
The ergonomics of the scooter is simple and intuitive. On the left, there is a joystick to navigate in the four directions and two keys (high and low) to go from one menu to another. The steering indicator button is just below the selection joystick, as on any two -wheeled Honda with an engine.
On the right side, there is the start button coupled with that of reverse, just below the mode selection button.
Practitioner: removable rechargeable batteries at home
The two removable batteries, with a substantial weight of 10 kg each, have an ergonomic design which facilitates their withdrawal and transport. In other words, they have a handful.
Note that the two batteries are necessary for the operation of the scooter. To remove them, it’s very simple. Just lift the saddle and slide the locking arm. After that, they withdraw effortlessly.
A recharge from 0 to 75 %, to be made on a domestic socket, takes less than 3 hours, and a full load in requests about six. They have a lifespan of 2,500 charging cycles.
Recharge batteries and decks can be purchased separately, and for recycling, just turn the battery from your Honda dealership. Too bad the battery exchange system (“Battery Swap”), available in certain countries in stations, is not yet offered for Switzerland.
This system consists of a place where the user can go, remove his discharged batteries and replace them with already loaded copies.
These exchange stations are generally installed in strategic places (service stations, parking lots, urban centers) and managed by Honda or partners. Each station stores loaded batteries and automatically recharge those that are deposited.
Verdict: an ideal companion for the city?
After a day to cross Oxford, from the historic center to the outskirts, the Honda Cuv e: convinced me by its versatility and its ease of use.
Its 6 kW engine offers sufficient performance for the city and peri -urban journeys, while its removable batteries and its fast charging time make it practical on a daily basis. Connectivity via Roadsync Duo is a real plus, even if it requires an adaptation time to exploit all the potential.
At the price of 4990 francs, the Cuv E: is an interesting choice for your urban trips. However, its autonomy of 70 km and the absence of ABS could slow down certain buyers. For urban use, as in Oxford, it checks all the boxes: silence, agility, connectivity and respect for the environment.
Conclusion
The Honda Cuv E: is much more than a simple electric scooter. It is an intelligent response to the challenges of urban mobility, combining Honda quality with modern innovations.
In Oxford, he turned out to be an ideal companion to navigate between historic colleges, animated streets and residential areas. If you are looking for a practical, elegant and affordable electric two-wheeler, the Cuv E: definitely deserves a test.
It could address users who want more comfort, safety and a lesser effort than when using a bicycle or a scooter. It is ideal for short journeys. Its lack of storage space can slow down some users, but adding a top case is a completely legitimate option.
The scooter will be available in September and in three colors; Pearl white, matt black or metallic gray.
For more information, you can inquire about the official Honda Switzerland website or from one of our Honda partners of our Motorcycle Pros Directory: Michel Moto in Lausanne, Moto Rush and Motosport in Geneva, Facchinetti in Neuchâtel, Zufferey Motos in Martigny (VS) and the Modern Motocycles Garage (FR).