TOKYO, Japan - Toyota has launched the first public trials of its ultra-compact i-Road electric three-wheeled “personal mobility vehicle”.
Image Gallery: Toyota i-Road
Consumer testing in Tokyo is set to run to June. Ten of the single-seater vehicles will hit city streets.
The 20 people involved in the programme range from industry experts through to members of the public.
NIMBLE IN TRAFFIC
Toyota said the vehicles are based on the concept versions shown at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, but with adjustments to improve visibility, ease of use and manoeuvrability.
Toyota said: "Its compact slim shape and 300kg kerb weight make the i-Road as nimble to handle in traffic as a scooter. Its two-at-the-front-one-at-the-rear wheel configuration and a clever, Toyota-engineered leaning attitude when cornering, makes it easy to drive."
More research into the i-Road’s potential as a "valuable addition to community-based transport networks" is under way in Toyota City.
The i-Road will be headed for Europe later in 2014 with two-seater models set to take part in a vehicle sharing programme that will operate in the French city of Grenoble over the next four years.
Image Gallery: Toyota i-Road
Consumer testing in Tokyo is set to run to June. Ten of the single-seater vehicles will hit city streets.
The 20 people involved in the programme range from industry experts through to members of the public.
NIMBLE IN TRAFFIC
Toyota said the vehicles are based on the concept versions shown at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, but with adjustments to improve visibility, ease of use and manoeuvrability.
Toyota said: "Its compact slim shape and 300kg kerb weight make the i-Road as nimble to handle in traffic as a scooter. Its two-at-the-front-one-at-the-rear wheel configuration and a clever, Toyota-engineered leaning attitude when cornering, makes it easy to drive."
More research into the i-Road’s potential as a "valuable addition to community-based transport networks" is under way in Toyota City.
The i-Road will be headed for Europe later in 2014 with two-seater models set to take part in a vehicle sharing programme that will operate in the French city of Grenoble over the next four years.