Proposing Free and Secure Mobility Habits for Everyone! Toyota United Nara Begins Sales of License-Free Short-Distance Mobility 'WHILL'
Toyota United Nara has announced that it will begin handling all four models of the 'WHILL' short-distance mobility vehicle, which does not require a driver's license and can be operated in pedestrian areas. This initiative aims to provide new mobility choices to help residents enjoy free, safe, and comfortable outings regardless of age or physical condition, amidst an aging society and shifting lifestyles.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 28, 2026 at 00:26
- 🔍 Collected: March 28, 2026 at 21:59 (21h 33m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 02:21 (412h 21m after Collected)
Toyota United Nara Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nara City, Nara Prefecture; President and Representative Director: Takenosuke Kikuchi; hereinafter "Toyota United Nara") announces that, in line with the Spring National Traffic Safety Campaign, it will begin handling all four models of "WHILL," a short-distance mobility vehicle developed by WHILL, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Satoshi Sugie; hereinafter "WHILL, Inc.") that can be driven in pedestrian areas without a driver's license. With the progression of an aging population and diversified lifestyles, regulations regarding mobility are being reviewed. By offering mobility choices that incorporate short-distance mobility alongside cars—which are indispensable to daily life—in ways such as selective use based on distance or carrying the vehicle in a car, both companies propose a mobility life where everyone, regardless of age or physical condition, can go out freely, safely, and securely.
In 2024, the aging rate of the population aged 65 and over in Nara Prefecture was 32.9%, exceeding the national average of 29.3% (Note 1). As regional transportation trends downward due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the search is on for means of transportation that do not rely overly on private cars. In fact, Toyota United Nara has received consultations from customers regarding the voluntary surrender of their driver's licenses, as well as concerns from family members stating, "(Because they stopped driving) it is worrying that they have stopped going out and their physical strength is declining." Furthermore, with the emergence of diverse mobility vehicles, there have been successive legal amendments (Note 2) to revise rules for elderly drivers and bicycle users, increasing the momentum for safe and secure transportation.
With a mission to "bring excitement to tomorrow," Toyota United Nara strives daily to provide "freedom of movement" to various customers with the desire to make the region more vibrant. Handling WHILL is part of this effort, based on changes in the social environment and customer needs.
WHILL has a lineup of chair-type and scooter-type models, all of which are treated as "pedestrians" traveling at speeds of 6 km/h or less. A feature of these vehicles is that they are easy to adopt according to one's life stage and lifestyle. Depending on customer needs, the company will actively propose new styles of movement, such as "long driving habits" where customers use cars and WHILL selectively based on distance and purpose, or carrying a foldable WHILL in a car to go out with family.
Through this initiative, Toyota United Nara and WHILL, Inc., while working closely with stakeholders including local police, will contribute to creating a community where everyone can live safely and comfortably from the perspective of movement.
Note 1: Cabinet Office "2025 White Paper on Aging Society (Full Edition)" https://www8.cao.go.jp/kourei/whitepaper/w-2025/html/zenbun/s1_1_4.html
Note 2: The Road Traffic Act has been revised in recent years, including in May 2022, July 2023, and April 2026.
■ About WHILL
WHILL is a short-distance mobility vehicle that can travel in pedestrian areas without a license. Model C2 is characterized by its high design quality, ability to overcome steps of 5 cm, small turning radius allowing it to rotate in place around its rear wheels, and smooth ride quality using a rear suspension. Model F is a foldable model that has achieved a reduction in weight. Model R is a high-performance scooter-type model. Its ability to turn in place and detach the battery makes it easier than ever to integrate into daily life, regardless of the residential environment.
About the products: https://whill.inc/jp/
In 2024, the aging rate of the population aged 65 and over in Nara Prefecture was 32.9%, exceeding the national average of 29.3% (Note 1). As regional transportation trends downward due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the search is on for means of transportation that do not rely overly on private cars. In fact, Toyota United Nara has received consultations from customers regarding the voluntary surrender of their driver's licenses, as well as concerns from family members stating, "(Because they stopped driving) it is worrying that they have stopped going out and their physical strength is declining." Furthermore, with the emergence of diverse mobility vehicles, there have been successive legal amendments (Note 2) to revise rules for elderly drivers and bicycle users, increasing the momentum for safe and secure transportation.
With a mission to "bring excitement to tomorrow," Toyota United Nara strives daily to provide "freedom of movement" to various customers with the desire to make the region more vibrant. Handling WHILL is part of this effort, based on changes in the social environment and customer needs.
WHILL has a lineup of chair-type and scooter-type models, all of which are treated as "pedestrians" traveling at speeds of 6 km/h or less. A feature of these vehicles is that they are easy to adopt according to one's life stage and lifestyle. Depending on customer needs, the company will actively propose new styles of movement, such as "long driving habits" where customers use cars and WHILL selectively based on distance and purpose, or carrying a foldable WHILL in a car to go out with family.
Through this initiative, Toyota United Nara and WHILL, Inc., while working closely with stakeholders including local police, will contribute to creating a community where everyone can live safely and comfortably from the perspective of movement.
Note 1: Cabinet Office "2025 White Paper on Aging Society (Full Edition)" https://www8.cao.go.jp/kourei/whitepaper/w-2025/html/zenbun/s1_1_4.html
Note 2: The Road Traffic Act has been revised in recent years, including in May 2022, July 2023, and April 2026.
■ About WHILL
WHILL is a short-distance mobility vehicle that can travel in pedestrian areas without a license. Model C2 is characterized by its high design quality, ability to overcome steps of 5 cm, small turning radius allowing it to rotate in place around its rear wheels, and smooth ride quality using a rear suspension. Model F is a foldable model that has achieved a reduction in weight. Model R is a high-performance scooter-type model. Its ability to turn in place and detach the battery makes it easier than ever to integrate into daily life, regardless of the residential environment.
About the products: https://whill.inc/jp/