Toyota’s I-Road is an ultra-compact mobility vehicle that delivers the suitability of a motorbike and the luxury and constancy of a car. Basically, it’s a combination of the best parts of a car and motorcycle. Even the unusual number of wheels is a concession between the two. Using “Active Lean” technology, it is safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet. This three-wheeled electric personal mobility vehicle concept was shown at this year’s Geneva motor show which is the most anticipating car purchase in 2013.
Toyota never said that how many I-Roads it would put into test fleet, and there’s no promise to build them in large numbers. But clearly automakers see a need in the not-too-distant future for a vehicle with more than two wheels that’s driven by more than pedals.
I-Road have two in-line seats that bends like a motorcycle. With only five horsepower, a top speed of 45 km/h (30 mph), and a range of 50 km (30 mi). It measures 2,350mm long and 1,445mm high and has a 1,700mm wheelbase. At only 850mm in width, it is no wider than a conventional two-wheeler. Not only does this make for easy maneuvering through congested traffic, it also means four can be parked in a single parking bay.
The external design of I-Road is certainly weird. The single visible headlight gives the front a cyborg-like look. The crystal clear panels, from the outside, give the car the feel of movement from the side, I-Road looks like a soaring bird’s spread-out wing. The wheels appear to be moving parts taken from a larger machine.
The internal part of I-Road is simple and will need a few luxuries. The seat is enjoyable enough. The head and shoulder room are also enjoyable. But room for leg is awful, particularly if you have taller legs than usual. There are five or so switches to control the vehicle’s core functions and there’s a digital info on speed, charge and mileage. This design also allows for a more car-like atmosphere on panel, with the potential for features such as lighting, heating, audio and Bluetooth to be delivered.
No special assistances are required to drive I-ROAD. Actually it is very thrilling. Really very exciting that you might want sell your ride to get it. It’s almost like driving a Jet Ski. As you turn, the wheels seesaw up and down, making it feel like you’re cutting down into the road beneath you. The Active Lean system keeps I-Road totally level when roving over rough surfaces.
Regardless, I-Road is a great resolution to the problem of growing, consolidated populaces that entail efficient and importantly small types of transport which is comfortable, offers better weather protection and is safer with similar benefits of low running costs, easy parking and around-town maneuverability. Toyota envisages I-ROAD concept has the potential to play a significant role in reducing urban traffic congestion and air pollution. Commuters can use public transport or conventional private vehicles to travel to urban perimeter transportation hubs where they will transfer to the Toyota I-ROAD to complete their journeys into the city center.
