Toyota Concept-i RIDE
• Small vehicle for universal use based on the concept of user-friendly city mobility
• Gull-wing doors, universal sliding seat and joystick control allow easy operation by wheelchair users
• Seat lay-out and automated driving functions make it possible for anyone to drive safely and securely
• Envisioned for vehicle-sharing schemes
UNIVERSAL SPECIFICATIONS AND USABILITY FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS
The Concept-i RIDE has gull-wing doors to provide easy access and an electric seat that slides towards the door opening so that people who might feel uneasy moving between their wheelchair and the car can make the transfer with ease. The opening/closing of the doors accommodates loading and unloading of the wheelchair; this can be easily stored in the rear thanks to the vehicle’s seat design.
The car is controlled using a joystick instead of a steering wheel and accelerator and brake pedals, and its compact dimensions make it easy to navigate in and out of single-car park-ing spaces. The emphasis has been placed on ease-of-use when driving, stopping or parking.
The AI Agent, a feature of all the Concept-i series vehicles, is positioned on a large display in the instrument panel. It actively presents information to support and enhance journeys, such as details of facilities with access provi-sions for disabled people.
SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND
The driver’s is positioned centrally when the ve-hicle is being driven. Assistance functions such as automated parking/automated valet parking are provided so that anyone, not only wheel-chair users (elderly people, for example) can drive safely and with peace of mind.
Toyota envisions the Concept-i RIDE being used for vehicle sharing schemes, giving more people the chance to enjoy the freedom of mobility – something that is currently acces-sible mainly through individual vehicle own-ership.