Toyota to build an I-Road

[Richard230]

According to this report, Toyota plans to announce a concept electric vehicle that seems to be an updated version of the 1950's Messerschmidt 200, called the I-Road. 

Read more here: http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/toyota-to-build-motorcycle-like-electric-vehicle.htm

But the question is, will it fly? 

[FreepZ]

  But looking at the width, is looks as wide as a big motorcycle, os you'll be able to split lanes, while keeping dry and warm.   

Lane splitting with that machine seems quite optimistic to me.
Are there "big motorcycles" out there that are that wide?
Do they lane split?

[Richard230]

Well, we do have the 350 and 500 ci Boss Hog. That qualifies for big in my book. I have yet seen one split any lanes though. Now there is a motorcycle that could use an additional wheel.   

[Richard230]

It's back. More information and photos here:  http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/more-info-on-the-electric-toyota-i-road-motorcycletrike.htm

But I still see this more as an attention-getter and concept vehicle.  I can't imagine that there is much of a market for the Toyota i-Road.  It has been done several times before, with both IC and electric motors, and you sure don't see very many enclosed two or three-wheel passenger vehicles on the road.  I doubt Toyota could sell more than a few hundred i-Roads and that would hardly make any economic sense for such a large auto company. I think their engineers and designers are just having fun. It is kind of cute, though. But I wouldn't want to ride one in heavy traffic.

[Gavin]

well I really wanted a Carver One, was on the waiting list.

The Carver looked better than this...but I would "think" about it.


Gavin

[Richard230]

This report includes more details, a press release and a cute video showing several cars running around a town in Europe (at least that is what it looks like to me).  The vehicle uses a lithium battery that gives a range of 30 miles and each front wheel has its own 2 kW motor.  So stay off the freeway and stick to golf courses.   http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/toyota-i-road-leans-its-way-into-the-city-w-video/