Toyota has launched the first public trials of its ultra-compact i-Road electric three-wheeled “personal mobility vehicle” to find out how it shapes up in the cut-and-thrust of real-world urban driving.

Consumer testing in Tokyo is set to run from today through to early June, with 10 of the single-seater vehicles taking to the city streets. The 20 people involved in the programme range from industry experts through to members of the general public, so that Toyota designers and engineers can gain a range of feedback on what i-Road is like to drive, how easy it is to use around town, how it affects people’s decisions about what journeys to make and driver satisfaction.

The vehicles are based on the concept versions shown at last year’s Tokyo motor show, but with adjustments to improve visibility, ease of use and manoeuvrability. With a compact bodyshape, the vehicle has a kerb weight of 300kg and aims to mix scooter-esque handling with car-like stability owing to its two-at-the-front-one-at-the-rear wheel configuration and a Toyota-engineered “leaning attitude” when cornering. Two electric motors enable the car to reach a maximum speed of 37 mph.

Additional research into i-Road’s potential as an addition to community-based transport networks is under way in Toyota City, where it has recently been introduced into the experimental Ha:mo low carbon urban transport project. It is also coming to Europe this year 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.

Source: Toyota

Tags: car design, electric vehicle, EV, Ha:mo, i-Road, scooter, Tokyo, Toyota, transport design