Honda Fastport: a right-sized alternative for deliveries
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
For many businesses, a full-size delivery van is more vehicle than the job actually requires, and more cost than the budget needs. Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to take a close look at a compelling alternative: Honda’s Fastport eQuad delivery vehicle.
At a glance
Payload Capacity
Up to 650 lb
Speed & Range
Top speed: 12 mph
Range at full payload: up to 23 miles (range varies with load and conditions).
Power & Technology
Electric pedal-assist (Class I) with pedal-by-wire system
Swappable rechargeable battery packs
Regenerative braking and automatic parking brakes
About the Fastport
The Fastport eQuad is classified as a Class I e-bike under current state legislation. That means it can operate anywhere a traditional two-wheeled e-bike is allowed without the roadway restrictions that often apply to Low-Speed or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (LSEVs, NEVs).
It has a top speed of 12 mph and uses a pedal-by-wire electric drivetrain. While it requires the operator to pedal, there is no physical chain or belt, reducing wear and ongoing maintenance. The system senses cadence and torque to determine how much electric power should be delivered to the wheels.
Honda tells us the batteries on board can provide power for up to 25 miles of use, and charge in as little as four hours on a regular 110/120v household outlet. Many operators choose to purchase additional batteries, as swapping them mid-route is quick and straightforward.
The cargo pod attached to the demo unit we rode was spacious, secure, and capable of carrying up to 600 pounds of cargo. Honda notes that this cargo unit can be tailored to meet individual customer needs, including customized layouts, tools, storage configurations, and amenities based on specific use cases.
Why an eQuad?
We believe that right-sizing vehicles for their application makes our roads safer for all users, is better for the environment, reduces barriers to employment, and can save businesses both time and money.
According to Honda, the Fastport eQuad costs less than one-third the price of an electric delivery van such as a Ford eTransit. It also avoids the need for expensive Level 2 charging infrastructure, vehicle registration, commercial insurance policies, or a licensed driver—significantly reducing total cost of ownership compared to traditional delivery vehicles.
Use Cases
On the Westside, an eQuad like the Honda Fastport offers a right-sized solution for office, industrial, and business campuses where traditional cargo vans or trucks may struggle to navigate tight driveways, require large loading zones, or need to double-park to complete deliveries. The Fastport can drive directly to its destination without blocking traffic or requiring a dedicated parking space.
Common applications include:
Internal mail and package delivery on office or industrial campuses
Facilities, IT, or maintenance teams transporting tools and equipment
Landscaping and grounds crews already using NEVs or utility carts
Short-distance deliveries where parking and curb access are limited
Many of our members already rely on smaller electric vehicles such as NEVs or LSEVs for campus operations. The Fastport eQuad represents another electric option with even lower capital and operational barriers.
How Westside Transportation Alliance can help
We've successfully applied for funding traditionally used for electric cars, vans, or trucks and utilized it for e-bikes. Our staff e-bike fleet was made possible entirely by the Portland General Electric Drive Change Fund, and our new fleet of e-bikes for lending library programs was partially funded by a similar funding opportunity.
We’re committed to helping our members explore right-sized electric vehicle solutions like the Honda Fastport eQuad. If you’re curious whether an eQuad could work for your operation, or assume it wouldn’t, we encourage you to talk with us first. We can help assess fit, identify funding opportunities, and reduce the upfront cost of making a pilot possible.
