Yokohama’s shared motor wheelchairs enhance personal mobility

Minato Mirai 21 is an urban development in Yokohama filled with museums, shopping malls and renowned hotels, all situated on a beautiful waterfront. In a bid to enhance mobility and accessibility around Minato Mirai 21, the city has initiated a sharing service using WHILL 4-wheeled personal transporters. The city of Yokohama believes that these vehicles will help visitors with physical limitations including elderly people. The vehicle will enable them to move effortlessly between indoors and outdoors and enjoy exploring the district to the fullest.

Powerful but easy to drive wheelchairs add sightseeing options

These motorized wheelchairs are designed to push the boundaries of personal mobility, offering a comfortable and smooth ride. The secret of these innovative vehicles lies in their front Omni-wheels and powerful motors. For example, they can turn tight corners and climb obstacles of up to 5cm in height. Even on upward or downward slopes, these vehicles keep you moving in a straight line without veering and allow you to brake safely.

The user can navigate by using the ergonomic controller on the right armrest, which can be controlled simply by using just the tip of a finger. The vehicle is designed to be driven without a driver’s license. Therefore, the operation is intuitive enough for anyone to master it quickly.

Although a Japanese invention, this mode of transport is making its way to the global market. It has been providing enhanced mobility to older people and those with disabilities in North America and Europe. The compact and lightweight body allow users to move from one place to another smoothly and quickly, both inside buildings and on the streets.

Green vehicle WHILL promotes environmentally conscious city

Furthermore, WHILL vehicles meet the criteria of clean transport, being solely powered by a rechargeable battery. Yokohama has been chosen as an SDGs Future City, tasked with building solutions for environmental, economic and social issues simultaneously. Specifically, the city believes that urban growth must be in line with solutions to global issues such as climate change and super-aging. WHILL’s vision ticks all the right boxes for this reason.

To borrow a WHILL vehicle for free, you can visit Cafe Animi in Grand Mall Park between 11 am and 4 pm on any day except Tuesdays, Thursdays and national holidays. Users must be over 18 years old and can drive the vehicle for up to 3 hours at a time.