Suzuki unveils MIO: the fuel-cell powered wheelchair
From sister-blog Engadget comes word of an adorable new Suzuki that should have people rolling in the aisles. Not because it's funny looking, but because it will offer mobility to those who need the aid only a wheelchair can provide. And guess what? It's one of the greenest vehicles on the planet too. Ditching the old-school lead-acid batteries of its forefathers, the new Suzuki MIO uses a so-right-now fuel cell-powered motor. Well, it doesn't forego batteries altogether, using a "large capacity Li-ion secondary battery." Range should be around 25 miles per 4 liter methanol fill-up.
And check out the other slick features on this broken-hip whip. The MIO uses armrests that double as safety barriers, ergonomic handlebars, a ventilated mesh seating surface, and an LCD panel that displays fuel level and power status. Suzuki insists the MIO is simply a prototype, and offers no pricing details while it "judges consumer interest."
[Source: Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jpr 6:56PM (9/29/2006)
"broken-hip whip"
Excuse me? Do all people in wheel chairs have broken hips? What about those in which a mental disability or with birth defects that affect mobility?
I find this very offensive.
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rlopees 7:15PM (9/29/2006)
I'm starting to think we need some aparatus to help people with no sense of humor.
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DPC car videos 8:29PM (9/29/2006)
That is the Ferrari Enzo of wheelchairs.
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KD 12:51PM (9/30/2006)
JPR,
Take it easy. What the hell is wrong with people like you. Millions are dying in the world and you get your panties in a knot about the word broken hips! Now back to the subject at hand.
The Suzuki MIO is an excellent update to many current wheelchairs! I hope Suzuki brings it into production. 3 Cheers for Suzuki!
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Cliff 11:06AM (9/30/2006)
cool.
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shiznannigan 2:24AM (10/01/2006)
It looks kinda large for a wheelchair... Good for getting around the neighborhood, but probably inconvienient in a grocery store or whatever. Ditch the front end.
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moa 6:25AM (10/02/2006)
what? about 20mpg? or methanol is extremly diluted like 10%?
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