Toyota Launches Winglet, a Segway Like Vehicle

Toyota Motor is planning to launch a Segway like vehicle called the “Winglet” and appears to be a better streamlined vehicle than its competitor.

Toyota unveiled this vehicle “Winglet” this Friday with a size (18 inches wide and 10 inches long) similar to the size of an A3 sheet of paper. The small unit houses an electric motor, two wheels, and internal sensors and guides the vehicle based on the rider’s position.

The “Winglet” has a parallel link mechanism that lets riders go forward, backward and turn by shifting the body’s position and weight. Cnet said this might help them maneuver tight spaces.

It has a maximum speed of 3.7 mph compared to Segway’s 12.5 mph. The Winglet comes in three sizes, 18 inches to 3 feet 8 inches with adjustable handle bars that can rise to different height levels. It takes approximately one hour to charge the vehicle. The small “Winglet” weighs only 22 pounds and can be folded easily in a bag.

Toyota plans to release this in 2009.

It looks better than Segway but I hope others don’t use this in paths meant for running, cycling and walking and act like they are exercising.

A Video demo of Toyota Winglet

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funride says:
17 months ago

It looks realy nice and very light, I´ll be anxiously waiting for it to arrive here in Europe :)

cgull8m says:
17 months ago

Funride, I think you guys will get it first, you have a stronger economy than here. But I think Toyota will release it worldwide.

Isabella Snow says:
17 months ago

I dont understand where you would use one of these, though??

cgull8m says:
17 months ago

Here I see them use it in pathways meant for walkers and runners, they wear atheletic clothes with glasses and look ridiculous in them. But I think it may be useful for senior citizens in Malls and buildings so they can go one place to another. I have seen Segways used by cops here, instead of bicycles and horses, some use this. Also I saw in a big factory outlets, the managers go from one corner to another with Segway instead of walking.