The Toyota i-ROAD packages an enclosed cabin into a vehicle roughly as wide as a motorcycle. Toyota introduced the three-wheeled electric vehicle in 2013, then developed it through public-road and car-sharing trials. Its defining feature, Active Lean technology, automatically tilts the body through corners while the driver steers.
Toyota i-ROAD Dimensions: Concept vs Tokyo Test Vehicle
Toyota revised the dimensions before launching Japanese consumer trials. The table compares the 2013 concept with the 2014 Tokyo test vehicle; the 2015 Park24 version retained the latter's external dimensions.
| Dimension | 2013 concept | 2014 Tokyo test vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2,350 mm / 92.5 in | 2,345 mm / 92.3 in |
| Width | 850 mm / 33.5 in | 870 mm / 34.3 in |
| Height | 1,445 mm / 56.9 in | 1,455 mm / 57.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 1,700 mm / 66.9 in | 1,695 mm / 66.7 in |
How Does Active Lean Technology Work?
The driver turns the steering wheel. Specifically, an electronic controller uses steering angle, vehicle speed and gyro-sensor data to determine the required lean. An actuator and gearing move the front wheels vertically in opposite directions, tilting the cabin into the bend to counter cornering forces.
The system also handles two everyday tasks:
- Compensating for stepped road surfaces to keep the body level.
- Maintaining balance during low-speed maneuvering and stops, keeping the driver's feet inside.
Power, Range and Speed Compared
Toyota specified two 2 kW front-wheel motors for the original concept, totaling 4 kW, or approximately 5.4 hp. A lithium-ion battery supplied power, and Toyota quoted approximately three hours for a full recharge from a domestic electricity supply.
| Specification | 2013 concept | 2014 Tokyo test vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Two, in tandem | One |
| Maximum speed | 45 km/h / 28 mph | 60 km/h / 37 mph |
| Unladen weight | 300 kg / 661 lb | 300 kg / 661 lb |
| Range target | 50 km / 31 miles | 50 km / 31 miles |
| Minimum turning radius | 3.0 m / 9.8 ft | 3.0 m / 9.8 ft |
Toyota i-ROAD range figures need context. Toyota set the 50 km target at a constant 30 km/h, approximately 18.6 mph. That condition defines the claim; a mixed-route commute requires its own range evidence.
What Did the Tokyo Car-Sharing Trial Offer?
Toyota and Park24 scheduled the initial Tokyo car-sharing trial for April 10 through September 30, 2015. The plan used five vehicles, one pickup station at Yurakucho ITOCiA and five return locations. Participants needed i-ROAD training, and each booking allowed up to 2.5 hours.
Pro-Tips for assessing a city commute:
- Check seating capacity by version before planning a passenger trip.
- Compare total daily mileage with route-specific range data and check pickup and return locations for a sharing service.
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