As the official mobility partner for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Japanese company Toyota has unveiled several inclusive mobility devices, either developed by itself or in collaboration with its partners. Here is a collection of six of these devices. While some of these innovations were specifically deployed for the Games, others are either already available on the market or are nearing commercial release.
Toyota is the official mobility partner for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For this prestigious event, the company has introduced a range of mobility devices designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Some of these devices were prominently featured during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
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1/ The Accessible People Mover (APM)
This electric vehicle is designed specifically for people with reduced mobility as it features an accessibility ramp. It is aimed at short-distance travel, for example, it is ideal for transporting people within the Olympic Village to event locations, which is what it was used for during the Games.
Individuals with or without disabilities can drive the APM. The driver’s seat can indeed be removed to accommodate a wheelchair, allowing the person with reduced mobility to operate the vehicle. It can accommodate six people, or four if they are in wheelchairs.
The vehicle supports urban mobility by offering a compact design that maximizes interior space while minimizing its external footprint. However, the APM is currently only intended for use during the Olympic Games and is not yet approved for public road use.
2/ The Yosh-E
The Yosh-E is a traditional wheelchair converted into an electric mobility device with a motorized third wheel.
It’s very simple to use: pushing forward applies the brakes, pulling back accelerates, and the further the user pulls back, the faster they move. The user is fully autonomous at speeds up to 6 km/h. A mechanical brake, similar to those on bicycles, activates when the user pushes forward to help slow down.
If they want to go in reverse, there is a two-step process with various buttons to push on the steering wheel that helps prevent accidental reverse operation.
3/ The C+Walk
The C+Walk is an electric scooter that can be used standing or sitting and is designed for pedestrian areas with a maximum speed of 6 km/h.
It works just like a regular scooter. To reverse or to advance, the user just needs to press buttons.
The device also has an electric brake and even slows down when it detects an object in front of the user.
4/ The Genny
The Genny is a self-balancing device that combines Segway technology with a wheelchair. It is the result of a partnership between Toyota and Swiss company Genny.
It’s essentially a seat on wheels equipped with a steering mechanism. The key for the user is to control the machine’s forward or backward movement with their body. The challenge is finding their balance point. If the user leans backward, the system moves backward; if they lean forward, it moves forward. Genny can handle various terrains and speeds up to 15 km/h.
After a decade of using a wheelchair, Paolo Badano, the CEO of Genny, faced a severe shoulder injury from prolonged wheelchair use. One day, he saw a police officer riding a Segway, and the idea struck him—what if he could combine the technology of a Segway with a wheelchair? This realization led to the creation of the Genny Zero, a device designed to break down stereotypes and barriers associated with disability and mobility.
The Genny seamlessly integrates innovation and design, making it difficult to categorize as a traditional wheelchair, e-device, or e-scooter. This ambiguity is intentional. Its design aims to break stereotypes and make users feel more included in society.
Unlike the Segway, which ultimately failed in the market, Paolo’s Genny represents a new era of mobility. It is commercialized for 13 000€.
5/ Eppur and The First Braking System For Manual Wheelchairs
Eppur, a French startup and partner of Toyota, has developed an innovative braking system for manual wheelchairs. Traditional wheelchairs require users to push on the handrail to move forward and risk burning their hands when braking, as there is no built-in braking mechanism. Eppur’s solution is a pair of wheels, called Dreeft that easily attach to manual wheelchairs, featuring a hub inspired by the coaster brakes found on Dutch bicycles.
We met Lancelot Durand, co-founder of the start-up during the Paris 2024 Olympics:
“This system allows users to perform four actions—move forward, coast, brake, and reverse—without needing gloves or risking hand injuries.”
The design also improves propulsion and eliminates the need for slippery aluminum handrails, making it easier to navigate slopes independently.
“This is particularly beneficial for individuals with upper limb conditions, such as quadriplegics, those with multiple sclerosis, or amputees, who often struggle with traditional wheelchairs.”
The system is compatible with over 90% of wheelchairs. It is also possible to add a small motor at the back, creating a versatile combination of manual and electric mobility.
6/ WHILL: An AGV For People
Power chairs manufacturer WHILL has developed the model C2. This innovative automatic-powered wheelchair can operate either on a predefined path or via a tablet. This technology addresses a common challenge faced by individuals with mobility issues: how to efficiently and effortlessly load their wheelchair into a vehicle. With WHILL’s system, the wheelchair can automatically park itself at the rear of a vehicle equipped with a ramp, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
The true ingenuity of WHILL lies in its autonomous capabilities. For instance, in large spaces like airports, the wheelchair can be programmed to navigate users directly to their departure gate. For those who prefer more independence, the wheelchair can also be manually controlled.
The system can detect obstacles and automatically stop to avoid collisions. The unique front wheels are designed to facilitate sharp turns, while the rear wheels handle the primary steering, ensuring stability and precise maneuverability.
Once its task is completed, the wheelchair can autonomously return to its starting point.
Toyota’s focus on inclusive mobility is driven by Japan’s aging population, which necessitates innovative and technological solutions. Some of these smart mobility solutions will also be implemented in Woven City, Toyota’s smart city project near Tokyo.
