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Electric CFMOTO Papio reportedly close to production

An electric minibike from CFMOTO could be close to launching in China.

Motodeal
Electric CFMOTO Papio minibike

The minibike market has all but exploded in recent years, with the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125 leading the way in many markets. However, there’s a lesser-known but just as capable minibike that could soon get an all-electric version: the CFMOTO Papio.

Available in the Philippines, the gasoline-powered CFMOTO ST Papio 125 comes equipped with a 126cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine delivering 9.3 hp. For comparison, the Honda Grom makes 9.7 hp.

CFMOTO ST Papio 125

If an electric Papio launches soon, CFMOTO would beat Honda to the punch in terms of releasing a mass-market electric minibike. It’s not a haphazard electrification, either, as CFMOTO has completely redesigned the Papio with a dedicated electric architecture. It features a new chassis and running gear, but the dimensions are still very much Grom-like. The styling seen on the prototype also closely resembles the existing Papio model.

The electric Papio measures 69.7 x 31.1 x 41.1 inches, while the gas-powered model measures 68 x 30 x 39 inches. Wheel size remains at 12 inches, although the suspension and braking system has been significantly upgraded. The electric version features inverted forks and a Brembo front brake caliper, which should help the new Papio become a more attractive minibike option.

CFMOTO likely used a conventional steel tube frame with a cast alloy swingarm. The battery pack sits at the center of the minibike and could be removable based on the opening visible where the gas tank would be. Power comes from a 5kW electric power from Blue Stone New Power, delivering peak power at 19 hp and 37 Nm of torque. The actual horsepower rating could be significantly lower, however, as peak power doesn’t account for continuous output. 

The electric CFMOTO Papio could reportedly launch in China Soon. It’s not clear whether the new minibike will have a Philippine release, although the gas-powered model is still available in the Philippines for P78,000.

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