Toyota I-ROAD Concept is Half Scooter, Half Car
Toyota unveiled its unique i-ROAD concept today at the Geneva Motor Show; a compact, all-electric, three-wheeled personal mobility vehicle (MPV) with a comfortable and enclosed two-seater cabin.
Unfortunately, the Japanese automaker is also employing a “you can look from far away, but don’t touch” philosophy on its MPV concept, so checking it out up close and personal is out of the question. Nonetheless, the i-ROAD is everything it appears to be in its concept video, with the automaker’s “Active Lean” technology being demonstrated on the show floor.
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The three-wheeled vehicle has an easy time automatically balancing itself when cornering or traveling over stepped surfaces. It features a near-silent EV powertrain that allows it to travel up to 30 miles with zero emissions. Recharging from a convention power outlet takes just three hours from empty to full.
Toyota also claims that no special skills are required to pilot the i-ROAD, and since the driver’s feet doesn’t have to touch the surface at any time, it is fitted with a safer, weatherproof, closed body. That also allows it to be driven without the use of a helmet. This is just a part of the future that Toyota is envisioning… is it a future you want to be a part of?
GALLERY: Toyota i-ROAD Concept
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Toyota has a great concept (Narrow, Enclosed, Tilting, Commuter); BUT its limited performance (30 mi. range, 28mph speed) severely limits its practicality and marketability in today's society. While
Isn't there 'full size' electric cars with a better range?