14 DAY TRIAL // This is definitely not the first time Toyota picks up one of its favorite extreme personal mobility theme. Its first attempt was when it introduced the i-Swing in its last show. I-Real reminds me of the cute Segway that has successfully made its entrance worldwide. The vehicle is a single seater, fully environmentally friendly device, which simply catches your attention if used in one of those fancy humongous European supermarkets.
The 100% battery powered vehicle features three wheels, which besides looking cool are said to be pretty stable. Using the "Segwayanic" basic principles, the i-Real can extend itself back for greater stability. It uses two wheels on the front and one at the back, in low-speed mode, shortening its wheelbase to allow it to perform its maneuver naturally among pedestrians.
According to Toyota, when being in hi-speed mode, the wheelbase extends to provide a lower center of gravity and better driving performance. Apparently, the giant company has some great plans with the i-Real, since it's already planning to send the device into commercialization. It looks pretty futuristic and it might become even more popular that the two-wheel Segway. I-real is closely following other hot vehicles released by Toyota, after the development of the PM, i-unit and i-swing.
The company's official representatives have stated that i-Real ensures safe handling - both to the driver and those around the vehicle - by employing perimeter. In addition, the vehicle comes packed with some extra options, which you do not get to see on other devices of this kind, such as the wide array of monitoring sensors, useful when you want to detect when a collision with a person is imminent.
For this particular purpose, it emits a noise and a vibrating feeling to alert the driver. I wouldn't try one of these on the open highway, anyway! Still, it's a only a concept for the time being, but knowing Toyota's experience in this area, it will probably see the light maybe even in the near future!
