The Japan Mobility Show 2023 is almost here, and a record number of participants from the auto industry and beyond are getting ready to present their visions for the future. Suzuki, the Japanese carmaker, has shared its plans for the event, which focus on "various efforts for a carbon-neutral future in mobility."
Suzuki's most eye-catching concept for the upcoming Japan Mobility Show is the Modular Quad Based Architecture, or MOQBA. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has four wheels on moving legs, allowing it to go over hurdles.
Designed as a versatile vehicle, the MOQBA aims to help riders navigate flat grounds as well as ascend stairs. It's actually the first vehicle specifically engineered to climb stairs, targeting people who encounter obstacles like steps, even in areas with good public transport.
Like standard motorcycles, the MOQBA comes with a seat and handlebars. But that's where the similarities end. The frame of this vehicle connects to two modular tracks, each fitted with two legs that end in wheels. These legs enable the vehicle to smoothly navigate uneven terrain and overcome barriers.
Suzuki states that the basic frame can be paired with multiple attachments to create various configurations. Initially, the company is considering three riding options: Chair, Standing, and Stretcher.
This flexibility makes the MOQBA highly adaptable. Apart from being a stylish electric bike for daily commuting, it could also function as a stair-climbing wheelchair, a medical stretcher, or a cargo carrier. Suzuki's renderings show the vehicle in different scenarios, such as carrying groceries, packages, and trash cans.
Its compact size also enables it to access places where regular cars or bikes can't go, which is particularly useful in emergencies.
For now, the Modular Quad Based Architecture is just a concept, and Suzuki hasn't released any further details about its specs or availability. But the company believes it has the potential to change urban transportation, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
Along the same lines, Suzuki will introduce other mobility options at the Japan Mobility Show. These include the Senior Car, an electric wheelchair designed for elderly people's daily errands; the Suzu-Ride and Suzu-Cargo, two single-seat, four-wheeled electric scooters; the Suzuki Go!, a trapezoid-shaped vehicle with joystick controls; and the LM-A, a robot designed for last-mile deliveries.
Source: Suzuki