Abstract

Looking towards the advent of an aged society, the new Monpal ML200 four-wheel scooter was developed to increase the quality of life of a greater number of users.Taking into consideration of using the vehicle in the city and suburbs, the basic framework is that of a “smart package” no wider than a bicycle. Visibility has been increased by the use, for the first time in a commercial vehicle, of the ASV-3 LONG technology employed in Honda’s Advanced Safety Vehicle.The vehicle’s affection-inspiring front “face” and the trapezoidal form that provides users with a sense of stability were designed, based on the concept of offering a new style of mobility that is also firmly within the Honda tradition.

References

1. (1) Honda, S.: Honda Soichiro Yume wo Chikarani Watashi no Rirekisho, Nikkei Inc, p. 218 (2001) (in Japanese)
2. (2) Hosaka, J., Inui, T., Maesaka, K.: Development of a 4-wheel electric wheelchair-MonPal ML100, HONDA R&D Technical Review, Vol. 12, No. 1, p. 21-26
3. (3) Ichikawa, K., Hirose, Y., Yamamoto, T., Yamagishi, Y., Ishikawa, T.: Development of Monpal ML200 4-Wheel Scooter, Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 18, No. 2, p. 28-35
4. (4) Kushida, K., Katayama, M., Tsutsumi, Y., Maruyama, K., Kamata, Y., Murata, Y.: Introduction of Honda ASV-3 (Motorcycles), Honda R&D Technical Review, Vol. 18, No. 2, p. 13-20
5. (5) Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization: “Japan Design” GOOD DESIGN AWARD YEAR BOOK 2006-2007, p. 18-21

Author (organization or company)

• Masahiko YAMAGISHI（Power Products R&D Center）

Publication Information

Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.19 No.2 (7 - 11)

PDF

Citation Information