Tokyo, May 25, 1999 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced today the MonPal ML100-a 4-wheel electric motor-driven wheelchair designed for those with restricted walking capability and the physically disabled. The MonPal ML100, which moves at a normal walking pace, will be made available nationwide through Honda power product dealers and Honda motorcycle dealers on June 17, 1999. The MonPal ML100 is classified under "Wheelchairs for the Physically Impaired" by Japan's road traffic regulations. Users of such vehicles are regarded by law as "Pedestrians" and therefore do not require a driving license. Wheelchairs may be driven on sidewalks and special public pathways, as well as on the right side of roads that have no sidewalk. The MonPal ML100 is an electric motor-driven, 4-wheeler equipped with handlebar-type steering. This rearward tapering design is a key functional design element. The MonPal ML100 also comes with large diameter rear tires, a fully supportive seat and other features for safety and comfort. The electric motor system was specially developed to provide slope-climbing capability and ensure that drivers can negotiate hilly areas.
MonPal ML100
MonPal ML100
| Body colors : |
Available in Ocean Green and Ruby Red |
| Domestic annual sales target : |
2,000 units |
| Manufacturer suggested domestic retail price : (excluding purchase tax) |
335,000 Yen |
Distinctive features of the MonPal ML100
Simple Controls and a Comfortable Ride
- Forward and reverse motions are easily controlled by a switch. The vehicle is started by pressing down on a lever, and stopped by releasing this lever.
- Forward motion is continuously variable from 2-to-6 km/h; reverse motion is fixed at 2 km/h. A large speed-control knob is provided for easy operation.
- A built-in battery charger allows for convenient battery charging by connection to a regular household 100 V power outlet with cable and plug.
- Indicator lamps light or flash to alert the driver to warnings, protection, fault diagnosis and other vehicle information. The battery power indicator includes a buzzer to make sure the driver knows when battery power is low.
- The large-diameter, soft rear tires are designed to cushion shocks from bumps and irregular road surfaces, and maintain a smooth and comfortable ride.
- The seat allows for easy mounting and dismounting, and provides ample support and comfort for the hips and lower back.
- MonPal ML100 has a low, flat and wide floor with a mat that provides excellent grip for safe and easy mounting and dismounting.
- The drive lever is installed in the optimal position for operation by elderly drivers, and provides a comfortable operational feel during continuous driving.
- The drive lever is available in left- and right-hand configurations.
Safety Features
- The rear-wheel tread is narrow compared with that of the front to maintain clearance from obstacles and prevent scraping and snagging (rearward tapering design).
- A speed limiter automatically restricts vehicle speed to 4 km/h if the driver puts a sudden turn on the handlebars at above 4 km/h. This assures smooth deceleration for turning.
- If the driver needs to stop suddenly and grips the drive lever too hard instead of releasing it, the vehicle automatically comes to an emergency stop. This contributes substantially to the safety of the MonPal ML100.
- Good visibility in the dark is also a major feature of the ML100. The vehicle is equipped with a large, wide-angle headlight, as well as big direction indicators and reflectors.
- The ML100 is prepared to handle careless operation of the drive lever, with a system that prevents sudden start-off in the event of faulty drive lever operation.
- A warning buzzer sounds if the driver encounters a slope of more than 10-degrees.
Ultra-low Maintenance
- A large front basket is mounted on the vehicle body, providing space for baggage.
Main Specifications
| Product description | 4-wheel, electric-powered wheelchair | |
| Model name | ML100 | |
| Type | UDAA | |
| Dimensions: Length x Width x Height | 1,190 x 680 x 1,080 (mm) | |
| Curb weight (batteries excluded) | 94 kg (62 kg) | |
| Motor (30-min rated output) | DC 24 V 360 W x 1 | |
| Batteries (rated at 5 hours between recharges) | 12 V 35 AH x 2 (sealed) | |
| Battery charger | Built-in microprocessor-controlled recharger (with temperature compensator) |
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| Tire sizes | Front: 3.00-4 Rear: 70/100-8 |
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| Drive system | Direct 2-rear-wheel drive system (with differential) |
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| Brakes | Dynamo braking-electromagnetic brake - manually operated (mechanical) brake |
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| Steering | Front-wheel steering by handlebars | |
| Control system | Continuously variable control by drive lever | |
| Driver's seat dimensions (width x depth x height of seat back) |
490 x 400 x 340 mm | |
| Maximum speed | Forward | 2-6km/h continuously variable |
| Reverse | 2 km/h fixed speed | |
| Slope climbing capability | 10-degree incline | |
| Maximum continuous running distance | 25 km (6 km/h, flat road) | |
| Minimum turning radius | 1,470 mm | |
| Step height clearance capability | 90 mm | |
| Groove width clearance capability | 120 mm | |
| Maximum driver weight (including baggage) | 100 kg (including baggage) | |
- Performance values in the above table assume the use of new, fully charged batteries, a driver's weight of 75 kg, and up to 70% battery discharge.
- Basic performance complies with the JIS T9203 standard.
- The ML100 is compliant with the K98-6-type standard for traffic prescribed by the Japan National Committee for Public Safety.