Toyota i-ROAD take two

Toyota is launching further trials of a two-seater version of its i-ROAD short-range urban electric vehicle. The nimble three-wheeler is joining the Open Road project, which has been running in Japan since July with a single-seat model.

i-ROAD’S ability to carry two on board is already being put to the test in Europe, where the vehicle is playing a central role in a three-year connected public transport pilot scheme, Ha:mo by Cité Lib, in Grenoble, France. With the benefit of official type certification from the Japanese government, its performance can now be put under closer scrutiny.

The Japanese i-ROAD are being loaned for one-month periods to motorists who will specifically be using them to carry two people, for example on commuter, shopping and school runs. Toyota will use feedback and data from the tests to assess how i-ROAD can meet different mobility requirements.

Toyota i-ROAD

i-ROAD has undergone some modifications to meet Japanese requirements, including changes to its reflectors and vehicle width indicators. It has also been fitted with an “approaching vehicle” audible warning.

The local authority in Shibuya, Tokyo, has expressed interest in i-ROAD’s urban-friendly performance and will be conducting further trials with Toyota to look at the possibility of using it for a new community-based programme.

Meanwhile in Silicon Valley in the USA, the Toyota Onramp 2015 conference challenged a group of innovators and entrepreneurs to come up with ideas for how i-ROAD could be used in different ways in a Smart Mobility Challenge.

Jason Weiner took first prize with an M-i-ROAD concept, by which the vehicle can be driven as an electric bike or a car to suit different user groups, such as teenagers who don’t hold a car licence and senior citizens. Weiner was awarded $15,000 and the chance to develop his idea further in collaboration with Toyota.

32 comments

  1. Hey Japan, cutesy bug-eyed cars may sell in Japan, but in Europe and America we don’t want to buy stuff that looks quirky.

    1. I hope the agreaments will be set up to be available in UK, and hopefully, that many people will show interest in thouse vehicles.

  2. Hi Will,
    Thanks for your post. Here at Toyota we believe design is subjective and not every car is suitable for each and every person. Hopefully you see something you like in the future! Many thanks.

    1. Hi Allan,
      Thanks for getting in contact with us. The i-ROAD is a concept car which is currently being trialed. At this moment in time there are no plans to release the i-ROAD into the UK market and we have no further information on this. Hope this helps in answering your question 🙂

  3. Hi – I have used the i-road in Grenoble – and even with two adults on board it performs very well, I just wish I could buy one (or two) for use elsewhere!

    C’mon guys, start selling these little beauties!

  4. If I import an I road to England can I drive it on the road?
    Also please please please think of me if you wish someone to trilal it in the U.K.

    1. Hi Mike,
      The i-ROAD is a concept car which is currently being trialed. At this moment in time there are no plans to release the i-ROAD into the UK market and we have no further information on this. Hope this helps in answering your question!

  5. Better than a bike, but as a car? No thanks. Too limited and claustrophobic. I’d rather have something more like a Tesla.

    1. Hi Shu,
      Thanks for getting in touch.
      The i-ROAD is a concept car which is currently being trialed. At this moment in time there are no plans to release the i-ROAD into the UK market and we have no further information on this.
      Thanks.

  6. Is their any more information on a release date ? I am from a small island and this would be perfect I only do small journeys and the maximum speed limit is 35mph. Perfect place for a trial also ?

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