[WHILL Co., Ltd.] WHILL Co., Ltd. releases “WHILL Model R”, a scooter that can ride on smart sidewalks
*WHILL Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 3, 2024
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WHILL launches “WHILL Model R,” a scooter that can ride on smart sidewalks *~New model with improved turning performance and detachable battery, making it easier to handle in a wide range of living environments. We have also expanded our post-purchase support system to meet demand for gifts for family members~*
WHILL Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President)
CEO: Osamu Sugie (hereinafter referred to as “WHILL”) will launch the smart sidewalk scooter* “WHILL Model” on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. We are pleased to announce the release of “R”. A high-performance model that pursues ease of use, it has the smallest turning ability in Japan, and is the first 4-wheeled scooter from WHILL to use a removable battery.
In addition to being able to be owned in a wider range of living environments, such as home garages and apartments, it is now possible to drive safely and smartly on narrow roads and in urban areas. The vehicle will be available at all car dealers across the country, and in addition to being able to easily test drive it at a store near you, we also offer a daily rental service that allows you to try it out in your home area before purchasing, as well as a post-purchase support system. We are expanding our lineup to meet the demand for gifts from families living far away.
*Short-distance mobility that travels at speeds below 6km/h
As the aging of the population accelerates, it is estimated that the number of people over the age of 12 who have difficulty walking more than 500 meters is estimated to exceed 12 million. The need and importance of short-distance mobility is increasing as a safe and comfortable means of transportation to support daily mobile life, so that everyone can live an active life in their own way in the 100-year lifespan, regardless of age or living environment. Masu.
WHILL has produced scooter-shaped “WHILL Model S” and foldable “WHILL Model F”, a premium model with excellent stability and running performance “WHILL Model”
C2″ and have proposed models and travel habits that best suit each customer’s lifestyle and driving intentions. In addition, we have collaborated with 120 automobile dealers and 1,500 stores across the country to build a sales network and after-sales service network that transcends brand and regional boundaries.
On the other hand, domestic shipments of scooter-type electric wheelchairs are only 16,000 units per year. In addition, some customers give up on purchasing Will for reasons such as “There is no outlet in the garage, making it difficult to store and charge,” “I live in an apartment, and the aisles are narrow, making it difficult to park and hold.” There were many people.
A new model was developed based on these voices.
The R is equipped with new features that are easy to incorporate into a variety of living environments, and the ride comfort has been further improved using new technology developed by WHILL, making it a model that can meet a wider range of needs.
■Main features of WHILL Model R
* 1. Smallest turning performance in Japan*
The front wheels bent almost at right angles, making it possible to turn on the spot. The minimum turning radius is 97cm, one of the smallest in Japan, allowing you to drive safely and smartly even in narrow bicycle parking lots and in urban areas where there are many pedestrians.
* WHILL’s first 2.4-wheel scooter type to use a removable battery *
You can remove the battery from the back of the product with a single touch and charge it at your home outlet. You can now store your bicycle in your home garage or in the parking lot of an apartment building such as an apartment building, greatly expanding the living environment in which you can own your aircraft. The battery weighs only 2.7kg, so you can easily carry it with one hand and charge it in your daily life without stress.
* 3. New technology for a comfortable ride *
This is the first WHILL model to be equipped with a rear stabilizer that suppresses body roll and enables stable turning, and a steering angle sensor that automatically decelerates when turning, improving driving stability when turning. Equipped with front and rear suspension that allows each wheel to contact the ground individually under all road conditions, reducing vibrations during driving. ■Reliable support even after purchase with WHILL ID
We have also improved our support system after purchase. One of these is the “WHILL” system, which links customer information and aircraft information and centrally manages them, allowing you to receive all services related to Will.
ID”. After registering your ID, by linking it with your own aircraft, you will be able to receive notifications of inspection timing at the appropriate time, as well as search for the nearest certified repair shop and apply for inspections and repairs anytime, anywhere. Automobile dealers can check the customer’s usage history, allowing them to provide better customer service through optimal proposals. ■Meeting the demands of families who want to give the gift of “peace of mind when traveling”
Approximately 40% of Will buyers give it as a gift to a family member such as an elderly parent. Regardless of whether or not you have a driver’s license, there is a growing trend for people to choose a means of transportation that suits their lifestyle and a variety of mobility options, and the need for families to provide the gift of “peace of mind when traveling” is expected to increase. If you and your family live nearby, it may be easier to go for a test drive at a car dealership or other store and consider purchasing, but WHILL has announced that it will be even more of a burden on both of you if your family lives far away. Model
We also provide a full range of services in R.
* 1. Services unique to direct sales*
* -Daily Rental-*
Model for short-term rental service where you can use Will for a minimum of 4 days
Added R. You can try it out to see if it suits the road environment around your home and your lifestyle before purchasing. Since you can specify the delivery destination and date of the aircraft, you can apply from the WHILL official website or by phone to coincide with family members who normally live far away returning home or going on vacation. We will begin offering the service in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma), and will gradually expand the target area nationwide.
* -Visit setting service-*
By using our visit setting service when making a purchase, you can start living with a will with more peace of mind. At the time of delivery, our specialized staff will visit your home to fit the aircraft, practice operating it around your home, and register customer information individually.
We will help you set up your ID. With detailed support, you can feel at ease even if your family is unable to be present, for example because you live far away or have difficulty coordinating your work schedule.
*Limited to those who purchase from WHILL’s online store or by phone.
* 2. Outing information sharing service and dedicated app “WHILL Family App” *
In addition to insurance, roadside assistance, and medical assistance, we also offer WHILL, a service that allows families to share outing information such as the aircraft’s current location, battery level, and outing records on a smartphone app.
“WHILL Premium Care”, which includes “Family Service”, will also be applied to Model R from mid-November onwards.
* 3. Support your desire to give to your family. Get an accessory set just now* In order to support the desire to give Will to families, WHI LL will be offering Will to families at car dealership stores.
We will be running a campaign until October 31st (Thursday) for those who purchase R/S/F) to receive an accessory set tailored to each model. At our stores, professional staff who are well-versed in transportation and transportation will answer your questions and provide assistance with transportation, as well as assist you with test drives of all models.
■Campaign overview
*Period* September 3, 2024 (Tuesday) to October 31, 2024 (Thursday) *Contents* If you purchase Will for your family at a Will dealer during the period, you will receive an accessory set corresponding to the purchased model.
*Conditions* The user must be a family member of the purchaser. *Applicable models* Model R, Model S, Model F
* Target accessory set * Basic Set for each model
■Model R product overview
* Cruising range* 17.2km * Charging time* 5 hours
* Maximum speed * 6km/h * Battery * Lithium-ion 25.3v/10.6Ah * Climbing over steps* 5cm * Load capacity* 147kg
* Climbing ability * 10° * Tires * Non-puncture tires
* Minimum turning radius* 970mm * Operating environment* -15~40℃ * Product size * 1,160mm x 535-635mm x 868-925mm * Seat adjustment * 2 height levels
4 stages front and back
* Weight * 56.8kg * Color options and prices (tax exempt) * Iconic White 357,000 yen,
Garnet red/silky bronze/lapis blue 372,000 yen
Product details page: https://whill.inc/jp/model-r
Video page: https://youtu.be/84wrhpvq20U
List of stores with actual machines: https://whill.inc/jp/select-locator-map ■About Will
Will is a short-distance mobility vehicle that allows you to drive in walking areas without the need for a license. Model
The C2 features a high design, the ability to overcome 5cm bumps, the ability to turn around the rear wheel on the spot, and a smooth ride thanks to the rear suspension.
F is a foldable model that is lightweight. Model S is WHILL’s first scooter type that can run on sidewalks.
The R is a smart, high-performance model with better turning performance and a removable battery. Both have handles that allow you to run outdoors stably for long periods of time. The driving experience is particularly similar to that of a car, and by freely switching between driving and driving depending on the distance, you can travel more comfortably.
About the product: https://whill.inc/jp/
-About WHILL-
WHILL was founded in Japan in May 2012 and has developed
short-distance transportation products and services in more than 20 countries and regions with the mission of “making transportation fun and smart for everyone.” Our main businesses are the development and sale of short-distance mobility wills, which are characterized by high design and operability, and mobility services (corporate
rental/self-driving) that provide an easy mobility experience using wills. WHILL builds a world where anyone can connect to any place by covering short distances and walking areas (sidewalks, indoors and outdoors) that cannot be reached using other means of transportation, based on two core businesses. I will.