Honda WN7 becomes the first electric police motorcycle in Japan and leads Hakone Ekiden 2026

The Governo Metropolitano of Tóquio held a public presentation ceremony of the first nationally produced electric police motorcycle in the Japão, model

The Honda WN7, initially revealed at the EICMA show in November 2025, will be used as a lead motorcycle in the initial stages of the Hakone Ekiden, a traditional university relay held in January 2026. The company will lend four units to the local government for operation in cooperation with the Departamento of Polícia Metropolitana.

This initiative is part of the Tóquio goal of achieving zero CO2 emissions, with a plan to make 100% of new motorcycles sold in the city electric by 2035. The WN7 represents a step forward as it is the first straddle-type electric motorcycle manufactured in Japão adopted for police purposes.

Presentation ceremony

The ceremony took place in the Governo Metropolitano de Tóquio building and highlighted the commitment to sustainable mobility. Governor Koike emphasized the use of motorcycles in everyday police tasks, comparing them to scooter models already used in deliveries.

Takeshi Tsuruno, a motorcycle enthusiast, tested the vehicle and praised its futuristic and silent design. Ele compared the sleek appearance, without exhaust, to elements of science fiction.

• Seamless design and imposing silhouette.
• Horizontal luminous signature as the future identity of Honda electrical companies.
• Centralized structure with aluminum battery integrating the chassis.

The chief engineer of Honda explained that the police specifications maintain the basis of the model shown in Milão, with additions such as sirens and lights.

Technical specifications

The WN7 uses a water-cooled electric motor with a maximum power of 50 kW, equivalent to 600 cc combustion motorcycles, and a torque of 100 Nm, comparable to 1000 cc models. The rated power of 18 kW classifies it as a light motorcycle at Japão.

The fixed 9.3 kWh lithium-ion battery offers a range of 140 km in the WMTC cycle, sufficient for the Hakone Ekiden sections of 21.3 km and 23 km. Suporta fast charging CCS2 and domestic standard Type 2.

A police adaptation includes a pedal on the left foot simulating gearshift, added after tests to improve the riding position. Production takes place at the Kumamoto factory, with global supply expected in 2026.

Context of electric mobility

Tokyo promotes the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce urban emissions. Motos foreign scooters are already leading events, but the WN7 marks the national debut in a police straddle format.

Honda is developing the WN7 as part of its carbon neutrality strategy by 2040. The model has no immediate plans for official adoption by the national police or widespread commercialization in the Japão.

Design and functionality details

The chassis uses the battery box as a structural element, directly connecting front and rear steering to the central power unit. Isso reduces weight and centralizes masses for better handling.

The WN7 maintains smooth surfaces in contact with the pilot, prioritizing functionality. Não uses interchangeable batteries from Honda scooters, opting for a compact fixed unit.

Participation in Hakone Ekiden

The Hakone Ekiden relay takes place annually in January, with stages within Tóquio led by police motorcycles. WN7 will guide the first and second sections in 2026.

This appearance offers a rare opportunity to see the model up close before its global launch. The Honda aims to demonstrate electrical viability in high-demand applications.

Production and prospects

Manufactured in Kumamoto, Honda’s main motorcycle plant, the WN7 begins international deliveries in 2026. Versões with reduced power for A1 license are available in some markets.

The police introduction symbolizes transition to sustainable fleets in the Japão. Observadores highlight silence and instantaneous acceleration as advantages in urban operations.