Toyota unveiled the innovative i-ROAD concept vehicle, an electric three-wheeler that the automaker describes a personal mobility vehicle.
The little front-drive three-wheeler seats two passengers and measures 33.5 inches in width, 56.9 inches in height, with a length of 92.5 inches-a size that Toyota claims is no wider than a two-wheeler.
The i-ROAD is intended to provide urban dwellers with a motorcycle-like experience while protecting them from the elements with a fully enclosed body.
And there is no need to wear a helmet when inside the vehicle because it is completely enclosed, according to the automaker.
But because the vehicle is totally encapsulated, the driver is not able able to stretch any of their extremities outside of the vehicle. So to remedy the issue of keeping the three-wheeler upright when stopped, Toyota created a front-wheel arrangement-known as Active Lean technology.
As far as innovative technology goes, the way the new front-wheel drive system works is definitely of interest as it is able to adjust for balance-threatening obstacles on the road and features a computer system that actually calculates the degree of lean of each front wheel and adjusts accordingly.
The i-ROAD is steered by a steering wheel, as opposed to handlebars.