The i-unit is an ultra-compact single seater four wheeled Toyota concept car. It debuted at the World Expo 2005, held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The vehicle is a cross between a Microcar, a motorcycle, and a vehicular exoskeleton. The goal of Toyota is to provide a personal mobility, which can be used on roads but also does not hinder interaction with pedestrians. For this the i-unit has two possible setups. First, there is an upright low speed setup, where the rider has a higher position and can have conversations face-to-face with pedestrians and can move among people. This upright position can be transformed while driving to a low position, where the rider sits much lower and more reclined. This high speed setup has a much lower center of gravity and is for driving at higher speeds. The i-unit weighs 180 kilograms. It contains a lithium ion battery and features Intelligent Transport System technology. The rear wheels are powered by electric motors, and the device is steered with the front wheels. In the upright position it has a turning radius of 0.9 metres (35.4 in), which means it can turn on the spot. The vehicle is controlled by two joystick-like devices at the front of the armrests, and uses a Drive-by-wire technology. An Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
The color of the lights can change according to the preferences or emotions of the operator. The shape was designed to symbolize a leaf, and the design incorporates environmentally friendly materials such as kenaf.[Wikipedia]
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Neat looking little vehicle. Fuel Efficient, too, I'm sure. Strikes me as something you'd see a kid pedaling down the street with though, if that. Looks a little dangerous.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason to not take a walk.
ReplyDeleteThis is cute and would be okay if this was the only car available and on the road. However, this looks extremely dangerous and they would be stupid to put this out on the road.
ReplyDeleteNot exactly made for family vacations obviously. I could see myself using one of those to go from work or school... anywhere I know I want return with a lot of items. Also, there'd have to be smaller vehicles on the road like it as well. No giant SUV's that could run me over.
ReplyDeletei can't see that on an american road. if that gets into a crash, good bye!
ReplyDeleteThis is cool, but it is only a glorified wheelchair. Their is no evidence of speed. I cannot see this going forty miles per hour which is what is needed to drive on pretty much anything other than a private road or parking lot. Not to mention that everyone else already agrees that it's a deathtrap on the road, since a crash with any real car would kill you.
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ReplyDeleteThis looks to juvenile to me. There is no way this would be a good idea for the real world. Could you imagine this thing in I95 and 476 OMG!!
ReplyDeleteThis is cute, but like the other posts have stated- not good for major roads! This is something I could see in small towns like Key West FL where everyone is riding around on scooters.
ReplyDeleteild be completely clastrophic! if this was the only vehical on the road it would be one thing but this on the road with all the other cars out there today? that be ridiculous and on top of feeling clastrophobic i wouldnt feel even a little safe.
ReplyDeleteToo small for a car, too big for a wheel chair. I don't see a market for this toy other than just that - a toy. It is cool looking but beyond that, I don't see any practical use.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a modified electric scooter. Although it is a neat idea, it doesn't seem very practical. I would not be able to stand up to other vehicles in an accident and the death rate would be at almost 100%. I think I'll walk...
ReplyDeleteThis will probably not succeed in the market. Maybe that’s why it is only a concept. Plus there is already that step on-wheels thing, I don’t think this will create much competition for it.
ReplyDeleteIs this supposed to be like a little car? It reminds me of like a space age wheel chair or something. I couldn't see myself ever riding one of these, but its a cool idea and pretty neat looking, but takes all of the exercise out of your life.
ReplyDeleteThis is really weird I can't see it being that useful other than it being fuel efficient. It looks really dangerous to be on the road with other cars.
ReplyDeleteNow the handicapped can ride in style! Where would you put stuff, like your purse (this was probably designed by a man) or shopping bag? I want to see how it does on uneven terrain.
ReplyDeleteThis would work in smaller urban areas.
ReplyDeleteHow practical would it be for communiting with your family, though?
Wow yeah I don't think this car would make it down the highway. One pothole is all its gonna take to get you stuck! There isn't anywhere to even put anything and you obviously can't use it in the cold or rain or snow or any other weather for that matter.
ReplyDeleteA great vehicle idea since it's so compact and efficient, but definitely not the safest or most attractive vehicle on the road today. I agree that this would work in small urban areas, or even in a city environment if enough of the population switched to something around the same size. But in our current city this would be a death machine on three wheels. The crumple zone consists of your knees into your chest, but at least you'll be getting 60 MPG!
ReplyDeleteThis model actually reminds me of the hover crafts that were used in the WALL-E movie...Everyone got fat. Anyway, cool idea i could see every kid getting them like cell phones.
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt want to be in one of these vehicals when there was a head-on collision. Besides for that i think its a good idea because it has to be fuel efficient.
ReplyDeletethe japenese always come up w/ cool gadgets, now theyve made a car agadget. This would be great for city/campus life. really great to a city like tokyo where its very crowded!
ReplyDeleteIt is probably no more dangerous than riding a motorcycle, so you can't say thats what will keep it off the road. If anything does I'd say the price and production of it. Also it is really strange looking. Motorcycles are fuel effecient too, and based on looks I'll take the bike.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the other posts this would not be a good idea to see in a major highway or road. This could be a great idea for people that need wheel chairs. Fancy looking, changes colors (great for night travel) you could ride it sitting or practically laying half way. It looks comfortable.
ReplyDeleteIf your gonna ride this thing, you should just sit in a wheel chair and ride around town. These things would be a pain the you know what and not very comfortable or usefull.
ReplyDeleteas much as i am into being green i don't know if i could get past the fact that it looks like a baby carriage to me
ReplyDeletebut the fact that it is so efficient would at least make me try it out
Definitely a cool vehicle. I would love to give one a test drive. It does look like it might be dangerous though
ReplyDeleteits a neat idea, but dangerous when you consider the other kinds of vehicles on the road. As we move forward into the future, i think cars will get smaller and smaller, making these other small cars not so dangerous to drive. I would not want to be caught in one of these driving next to semis, SUVs, pickups, or crossovers.
ReplyDeleteWow... this is a pretty cool looking gadget but looks completley unsafe to be on the road, atleast at this day and age. Could u imagine getting into an accident in this thing. You would be shot around the road like a pinball.
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