Honda’s presence at this 12 months’s Japan Mobility Present was hardly delicate. The automaker’s “Dream Loop” stand showcased merchandise starting from the shock return of the Prelude nameplate as a sporty hybrid to the completely cheerful Sustaina-C Idea with Pocket Idea scooter companion, and a newly succesful model of the HondaJet.
There have been a wide range of small, electrified mobility merchandise readily available as nicely. Alongside the almost-on-sale Motocompacto e-scooter (search for our overview on Nov. 1) was the two-wheeled Uni-One “private mobility system” that debuted final 12 months. By way of a translator, I used to be capable of get much more element in regards to the Uni-One’s upcoming international rollout and take the stool-meets-scooter for a quick demo journey.
First, let’s speak about a few of the base specs for the Uni-One. Driving the system are two of the omnidirectional motivators that the corporate calls the Honda Omni Traction Drive System. These electrically pushed wheels are capable of transfer forwards and backward in addition to laterally, giving the Uni-One unbelievable maneuverability. Steering the system is a hands-free train; shifting your physique weight causes the Uni to maneuver in a corresponding course. Anybody conversant in the finer factors of hoverboard piloting will perceive easy methods to drive this factor instantly.
The Uni-One weighs in at 154 kilos, has a max rider weight capability of 243 lbs, and may obtain a high pace (when you actually lean in) of just below 4 miles per hour. Honda says the vary of the system is about 5 miles or two hours of operation, although neither the rep I spoke with nor the background supplies reveal battery capability (we’re reaching out for more information). Honda does say that the 2 detachable lithium-ion battery packs “…might be charged with a standard (AC 100-Volt) indoor outlet utilizing a devoted charger.”
Getting began driving the Uni-One is straightforward sufficient: activate the system by way of your mounted smartphone whereas seated and the scooter lifts off from the “low” positon, resting on 4 caster-like wheels, to the “excessive” place on the 2 drive wheels. From there it’s a lean-and-go operation, actually intuitive to drive in a tough sense, however taking appreciable nuance to maneuver with precision.
My demo journey was solely about ten minutes lengthy on an virtually empty part of the ground. In that point I obtained fairly good at making sweeping turns, stopping shortly with a backward lean, and making straight sideways maneuvers. However holding a gentle place with out placing the Uni again within the low place will take much more observe.
Honda envisions the Uni-One being utilized by a large swath of individuals, from those that have hassle strolling comfortably for lengthy distances, to staff in large-format workplace or manufacturing facility settings, and even youngsters. The Honda rep I spoke with stated the system could possibly be appropriate “for youngsters as younger as three years previous” – an concept that I take challenge with as a guardian of a four-year-old. I see this extra as a current-day substitute for the house occupied by the Segway scooter from a decade in the past than a toy for teenagers.
I additionally don’t assume that Uni-One, no less than within the fundamental configuration I examined, appears like a reputable substitute for a powered wheelchair. Definitely, there may be potential to be used by some folks with disabilities, however I believe the function set, stability, and total ease of use would possibly should be addressed earlier than this Honda competes closely within the medical system house.
The take a look at of Uni’s viability out there continues to be just a few years off, too. Honda says that the scooter will launch globally – with Japan and the US being the first goal markets – someday in 2025. The truth is, the demo items right here in Tokyo are nonetheless prototypes, although in a stage of improvement very close to manufacturing.
For now, Uni-One will solely be out there to lease, to not purchase. I used to be informed that tough pricing could be about ¥120,000 per thirty days. At at this time’s charges that may be just below $800, although our rep couldn’t affirm pricing for the U.S. market. Clearly, at something near that charge, leasing makes much more sense for big organizations – assume authorities amenities, giant companies, museums, retirement communities, and so on. – than it’d for people. However you by no means know.
It’s wonderful to see the fruits of Honda’s longstanding efforts in robotics and mobility analysis coming to industrial relevance (even when my very own cash could be spent on the upcoming Motocompacto first). And there’s no query that Uni-One is each enjoyable to journey and a powerful piece of engineering. I can’t wait to get one off of the present stand and into the broader world, even when I’ve to maintain it locked away from my youngsters.