Toyota has announced that 20 lucky Japanese participants will have the opportunity to test the novel i-ROAD EV concept starting next week. The consumer trial involves a fleet of 10 i-ROADs, which will float among the roughly 20 testers for about two months as Toyota gathers feedback on how the three-wheeled motorcycle/space pod fares in the real world.
Falling somewhere between a mini-car and a scooter, the i-ROAD is steered by its rear wheel, and can lean into turns thanks to its self-articulating front wheels. There is no need for the driver—the only occupant—to put a foot down at stoplights, because the i-ROAD steadies itself when at rest. Power comes from a pair of 2.7-hp electric hub motors (one per front wheel) and a lithium-ion battery; total range stands at 30 miles, which is perfect for urban locales like Tokyo, where Toyota’s conducting the consumer trials.
As a video released by Toyota shows (see it below), the oddball concept looks like a blast to drive, or at least a refreshing respite from run-of-the-mill four-wheeled transport.
