TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Honda UNI-CUB

Honda has revealed a new generation of its UNI-CUB personal mobility device ahead of its world debut at next week’s Tokyo motor show.

The Japanese brand’s latest ‘mobile seat’ is lower and wider and therefore claimed to suit a wider variety of ‘riders’ than the original concept first seen last year

Now dubbed the UNI-CUB ß, the electrified single-seat vehicle is powered by a small electric motor that draws energy from a similarly small lithium-ion battery.

Aimed primarily at “barrier-free indoor environments” – and presumably elderly, disabled or just plain lazy people in shopping malls – it weighs 25kg, has a top speed of 6km/h and can travel for up to 6km between recharges, Honda says.

However, the battery is good for just 1.5 hours at speeds of around 4km/h.

Like the original UNI-CUB concept, the ß features balance control technology and an omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System) that originates from Honda's research into humanoid robots, including ASIMO.

Key dimensions include a 620mm seat height, plus a length of 510mm and width of just 315mm, and the UNI-CUB can move forwards, backwards, side-to-side and diagonally simply by shifting body weight and leaning toward the intended direction.

Honda says it will now study the viability of the near-production concept by offering it to businesses and organisations in Japan via a leasing program.

Honda will offer test rides at the Tokyo show, which will be held simultaneously with the Los Angeles motor show, where Honda will stage the world debut of a new fuel cell vehicle to replace the FCX Clarity.

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