Honda Motor plans to commercialize its UNI-ONE mobility device in 2025, targeting rental operations at shopping centers, airports and entertainment venues rather than individual consumers.
The automaker will offer the hands-free scooter exclusively through leasing arrangements, with Japanese pricing set at approximately ¥120,000 monthly (roughly $800), according to company representatives. The steep rental cost suggests Honda expects institutional clients rather than personal users to drive adoption.
The device allows users to navigate by shifting body weight while seated, keeping hands free for other tasks. A height-adjustment feature enables riders to position themselves closer to eye level with standing individuals, addressing limitations of traditional wheelchairs in social interactions.
Weighing 154 pounds with a maximum speed under 4 mph and range of five miles, the UNI-ONE builds on Honda’s decade-old research into personal mobility devices. The company has conducted trials since 2022 at locations including Suzuka Circuit Park and shopping outlets.
Honda has integrated Nidec’s omnidirectional drive technology to enable sideways and diagonal movement through its proprietary wheel system. The company demonstrated virtual reality integration at SXSW 2024, positioning the device for entertainment applications beyond basic transportation.
The rental-only model reflects uncertainty about consumer demand for a mobility device that requires significant infrastructure investment while serving a relatively narrow market segment.
