Evolving electric wheelchairs: From welfare equipment to personal mobility

J-STORIES ー Today, there is a growing effort to use electric wheelchairs as a means of short-distance transportation that can be used not just by the disabled or elderly, but by everyone.

WHILL, a venture company established in 2012, is working on a new mobility system using electric wheelchairs. Under the corporate mission of "making mobility fun and smart for everyone," the company has been working to improve the usability and comfort of electric wheelchairs, categorizing them as a means of personal mobility.

A WHILL Model C2 in use.      Source: WHILL — A WHILL Model C2 in use. Source: WHILL

The company's electric wheelchair uses the controller on the handles to accelerate, brake, and change direction. The wheelchair moves at a speed of 6 kph, and can safely negotiate 5-cm-high steps. Because of its low top speed, it is considered a "pedestrian" under the Road Traffic Law and users don't need a driver's license.

The sophisticated design and arm covers available in various colors are also features not found in ordinary wheelchairs. Some dealers of Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are already selling these wheelchairs as a means of transportation for elderly people who have given up their driver's licenses.

Examples of WHILL wheelchairs used in stations and on ramps. Source: WHILL

In addition to the regular electric wheelchair model WHILL Model C2, the company currently offers two other models: the foldable WHILL Model F, and the WHILL Model S, a scooter type for outdoor use designed to be ridden like a bicycle.

A WHILL Model S in use.     Source: WHILL — A WHILL Model S in use. Source: WHILL

The company also offers an automated driving service using their wheelchairs. At Haneda Airport, a new transportation service connecting the company's electric wheelchairs with autonomous driving began at Terminal 1 on June 14, 2021. The project extended to all areas of Terminal 2 in mid-July of the same year and was also implemented in Terminal 3 in December 2023. In this system, the user rides the WHILL wheelchair and inputs information on a touch panel. After that, the machine automatically drives them to the designated destination.

In December 2022, the first overseas automated driving service started at Winnipeg International Airport in Canada. The same service began at Los Angeles International Airport and Miami International Airport in the U.S. in March 2024. Therefore, through these partnerships, the company aims to expand automated driving services at airports in Japan and overseas.

WHILL power chairs are lined up at a U.S. international airport.     Source: WHILL — WHILL power chairs are lined up at a U.S. international airport. Source: WHILL

Other than airports, the company also rents out electric wheelchairs as a means of transportation within tourist areas such as Minato Mirai in Yokohama, Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki, Azabudai Hills, and Tokyo Dome City.

WHILL's corporate mission is to "make mobility fun and smart for everyone." The company aims to expand mobility systems with automated driving and collision avoidance features.     Source: WHILL — WHILL's corporate mission is to "make mobility fun and smart for everyone." The company aims to expand mobility systems with automated driving and collision avoidance features. Source: WHILL

WHILL collaborated with the travel agency JTB Group in March 2024 and a private travel company, TokudAw, in May to start WHILL wheelchair rental services at tourist spots. The rental services employ WHILL Model F, which can be folded up and used as a second means of transportation after getting out of the car.

WHILL Model S, which can be used as a second means of transportation in tourist areas, is now available as a rental wheelchair.     Source: WHILL — WHILL Model S, which can be used as a second means of transportation in tourist areas, is now available as a rental wheelchair. Source: WHILL

In May 2022, the company agreed to raise funds from Woven Capital, the investment arm of Woven Planet Group, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp. Woven Planet is responsible for Toyota's next-generation mobility society initiatives, including automated driving, and as its global investment fund, Woven Capital invests in innovative companies in the mobility field.

This is the first time that Woven Capital has invested in a Japanese company, and WHILL plans to use the funds raised to "strengthen resources with an emphasis on the global expansion of production and business services operations.”

WHILL electric wheelchairs offer various arm cover colors, including blue, black, white, pink, and green. This makes the wheelchair more fashionable and enjoyable to use.      Source: WHILL — WHILL electric wheelchairs offer various arm cover colors, including blue, black, white, pink, and green. This makes the wheelchair more fashionable and enjoyable to use. Source: WHILL

WHILL's public relations manager, Natsuki Niinmen, explained to J-STORIES that through this funding, the company hopes to leverage Woven Planet's extensive connections and knowledge to grow WHILL’s business.

Regarding the development of electric wheelchair products, he said,

"wheelchairs have improved in terms of technology, but their main design has not changed in over 100 years.” He pointed out that the bias toward a person who uses a wheelchair as someone unable to walk has taken root in the design.

“We want to improve the overall design of electric wheelchairs so that everyone will want to use them, including people with walking disabilities," she said.