This one nearly got past me. Toyota announced this new concept vehicle at the Tokyo Auto show. This vehicle, the Fine-X is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with some obvious accessibility features.

While I applaud Toyota for thinking about the needs of an aging population, their approach here seems simplistic. Sure the seat that swivels and presents the passenger curbside is excellent. But what about the needs of a person that would need a seat like this? Chances are they would need a walker or rollator. Does a vehicle like this have the storage needed for a walker? It's also likely that someone in need of a swivel seat would use a three or four wheeled scooter. Wouldn't it be cool if a concept vehicle was designed around the full needs of a disabled person?

The huge gull-wing door is impractical at best. Even if the vehicle could be engineered to accommodate such a huge opening, who could find the space to use it.

Sure looks purdy though!

Technorati Tags: accessibility, concept car, disabled, Fine-X, Toyota

Comments

[Paul W. Swansen]

Having driven a Wheel Chair Accessible Van for the local Yellow Cab Company here in Denver, this caught my eye. The vans were a roll on, roll off, configuration and well received by all who used them. I also looked into other configurations for the van. A year or so ago, General Motors, was offering a configuration like Toyota's swivel seat in some of their vans. While yes, some folks might need a walker, I had several clients who just needed the extra ease of having a larger door opening, and a swivel seat would have been very welcome. I'd give Toyota, credit for making a great first start. Fail quickly and often.

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Having driven a Wheel Chair Accessible Van for the local Yellow Cab Company here in Denver