TOKYO—Two high-end resorts here—the Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Big Week Karuizawa—are giving their guests access to personal mobility devices that wouldn’t have seemed out of place in Star Wars and Star Trek.
Personal mobility device manufacturer WHILL, which has headquarters here and in San Francisco, has created a “wheelchair on steroids” of the same name that can transport disabled guests in comfort and style, which eliminates the “unfortunate stigma attached to the personal mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters that are currently available,” according to Chris Koyama, director of marketing.
The story of the WHILL (pronounced “will,” not “wheel” as some would expect) device began in 2010, “with someone saying, ‘I’ve even given up on going to the grocery store two blocks away.’ This simple statement came from a wheelchair user—a friend of our founder and CEO Satoshi Sugie—who did not want to be seen in public due to the stigma associated with his condition,” said Koyama. “He disliked the negative perceptions associated with wheelchairs; that he must be ill or weak. At the time, Sugie and a group of young engineers and designers had been meeting on weekends trying to create problem-solving technology. When Sugie heard his friend’s story, he wanted to help. We realized that many people desired this kind of innovation in the mobility industry. We saw how meaningful what we were creating could be for people with mobility issues. This is why we founded WHILL in 2011.”
WHILL began as a wheelchair add-on that debuted in October 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show. After receiving feedback from wheelchair users, the company developed a standalone device, known as the Model A, which launched last month.
“WHILL’s four-wheel-drive capabilities and large front wheels allow it to clear obstacles of up to three inches high. A full battery charge gives it a range of up to 10.6 miles,” noted Koyama. “WHILL’s maximum speed is 5.5 mph and it has a 10-degree incline capability. Its slim and compact design, in combination with the all-directional front wheels, help it maneuver around tight spaces.
“It is accompanied by an iPhone app, which connects via Bluetooth and allows for remote control of the device,” he continued. “The app also allows you to adjust the seat, driving and control settings, and even includes a security locking mechanism to keep the device secure when you’re not using it.”
For now, WHILL is only being offered at the two hotels in Japan, but Koyama believes there are opportunities in the U.S., “especially with the high-end hotels. WHILL’s award winning design will be an important factor for the luxury hotel market because it lives up to their brand image. WHILL’s premium quality meets the standard these hotels have for accommodating their guests at the highest level.
“Considering 7% of the U.S. population can’t walk further then a quarter-mile, hotels will be able to provide WHILL to guests going to conferences, theme parks and tourist destinations as a five-star service to seniors and the disabled population,” he continued. “This can possibly be a promotion for the hotels. Incorporating the latest high-tech personal mobility device can also be a PR opportunity for the hotels who adapt early.”
For those who travel via the use of wheelchairs and scooters, WHILL will not only provide the transportation, but it will also have another benefit, according to Koyama. “It changes the perception of personal mobility devices through innovative design and advanced technology,” he said.
—Adam Perkowsky