Toyota unveils concept vehicle in the three-wheeled segment

Toyota, the Japanese automaker, has unveiled a three-wheeled concept vehicle named the Land Hopper Concept. Visor Down reported on Monday, 18 May local time, that the Land Hopper Concept is intended for efficient three-wheeled electric mobility in urban areas due to its compact dimensions. The concept vehicle also represents Toyota’s ongoing effort to develop environmentally friendly transport. The Land Hopper Concept blends elements of an electric scooter, a rickshaw, and something from futuristic racing arenas, with an overall size of 1,355 mm in length, 600 mm in width and 930 mm in height. The design uses two front wheels connected by a tilting mechanism, allowing the front section to tilt and move independently on uneven surfaces, while providing greater stability for riders than conventional two-wheeled vehicles. Toyota said this arrangement offers a “driving experience that is intuitive and engaging, unlike any car or bicycle”, while making the machine easier to ride for users with less experience. One of the most interesting aspects is how Land Hopper is designed to work alongside a car rather than replace it. The compact engine can be folded down to a size small enough to fit in a car’s boot, meaning owners can drive to a destination and then use the Land Hopper for shorter trips, sightseeing, or simply touring in crowded areas. This makes sense for a brand closely tied to touring and overlanding culture. Many Land Cruiser owners already carry bicycles, scooters, and camping gear for the same reason. Toyota believes the concept could help broaden mobility for older users or those who have relinquished a full driver’s licence. Based on revised Japanese traffic laws, the company envisions the Land Hopper qualifying as a small motorcycle, potentially allowing riding without a conventional licence by riders aged 16 and over.