Toyota introduces new walking-assistance mobility called C+walk S in Japan.

Japan

On March 20, 2023, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) shared news regarding the upcoming release of the C+walk S. This edition is part of the latest C+walk mobility lineup and is designed to provide aid to pedestrians. The C+walk S will be available for purchase at Toyota dealerships and can also be rented or leased starting from its release date.

Furthermore, Toyota has upgraded the upright version of the C+walk known as T(2) and the pedestrian-friendly C+pod(3). The C+walk T is set to hit the market in May(1) as a pavement-enabled model that aligns with the updated Road Traffic Act, scheduled to come into effect in April. The C+pod is now available for lease arrangements since March 20(1).

With Japan's population getting older, a recent survey revealed that around 20% of individuals aged 75 or above claimed they could only walk 100 meters without any issues. Additionally, it was determined that seniors aged 75 or above are about 10% less likely to leave their homes than younger individuals and those without a driving license are even less likely (approximately 20% less) to go out. As people age, their physical abilities often decline, which can make it difficult to perform simple tasks such as shopping or going out.

Toyota has consistently been offering its customers with diverse options catering to their mobility needs with the aim to bring mobility to all. They have different mobility options for customers from every stage of life. The C+pod is a local mode of transportation that is easy to use and the C+walk series is designed for sidewalks. This approach is aimed at creating a more inclusive society that places the needs of people at its core. Toyota is determined to expand the activity spheres of its users while promoting self-sufficiency and spreading joy to as many people as possible.

Toyota is collaborating with businesses and nearby government agencies to develop a novel approach to using the C+pod and C+walk series for the benefit of local communities alongside Toyota dealers. For instance, the C+walk S has been employed in conjunction with local government to facilitate the movement of both residents and visitors around Hanawa Town Station in Fukushima Prefecture since sometime in April. Toyota will delve into the possibilities of using these transportation vehicles to supplement regional transportation to help establish a more efficient and beneficial transportation system.

To access Toyota's statement promoting fresh modes of transportation, kindly click on the following link. (Note: The content is exclusively in Japanese.)

The C+walk S is a helpful device for people who can walk but have trouble walking long distances. It's a mobility vehicle that has three wheels and can be used on sidewalks. It can also detect the road conditions ahead. The C+walk S looks like a regular walking device and travels at the same speed. It's designed to be comfortable to use and allows for easy communication with other pedestrians. The C+walk S is also safe to use, as it has safety features to avoid hitting obstacles or people in its path.

The C+walk T is getting a revamp in terms of its size and top speed to meet the standards set for compact and leisurely modes of transportation that are allowed on sidewalks or other public paths. The C+pod is also getting some upgrades to improve the feel of the brakes, in line with regulations.

The C+walk S won't be available at every retailer or outlet.

In October of this year, the initial standing-type design of the C+walk series became available for purchase. Standard designs are not capable of functioning on public paths or walkways.

In December 2021, the lease agreements underwent alterations.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Handout from the 1st Study Group on Ensuring Mobility for Older Adults states the maximum walking distance achievable without any hindrances for both older and non-older adults. The said handout also discloses the characteristics of how older adults live and go out.

In the "Characteristics of Living and Going Out Amongst Older Adults" handout from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism's 1st Study Group on Ensuring Mobility for Older Adults, a study was conducted to determine the frequency of going out among older adults and younger adults who have a driver's license. The survey asked respondents whether they had gone out on a weekday.

According to the Toyota Transportation Research Institute's proposal, entitled "Proposal for the Creation of a Welfare Town", there are plans to build a town with a focus on improving the well-being of its inhabitants.

According to the Road Traffic Act, C+walk S is considered a pedestrian because it falls into the electric wheelchair category.

Users have the ability to adjust the maximum speed of the C+walk S using a switch designed for speed adjustments. The C+walk S offers six distinct speed options ranging from 1 to 6 km/h.

One of the revisions in the Road Traffic Act, set to be implemented on April 2023, includes a new group of vehicles called "small and slow mobility." These vehicles will have a certification sticker and will be treated as pedestrians as they are not allowed to travel on roads. The vehicles must meet specific requirements such as being within 120 cm in length, 70 cm in width, and 120 cm in height, similar to electric wheelchairs. Furthermore, these vehicles should not exceed a maximum speed of 6 km/h.

To obtain additional details, kindly check out this webpage: https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/38947604.html.

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