The strange “four-legged” electric vehicle that can even climb stairs

In the future of mobility and transportation, not only the preservation of natural resources and the environment is being taken into account, but also the comfort and autonomy of people, including those with physical limitations who face the challenge of move around the city daily.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
29 October 2023 Sunday 11:28
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The strange “four-legged” electric vehicle that can even climb stairs

In the future of mobility and transportation, not only the preservation of natural resources and the environment is being taken into account, but also the comfort and autonomy of people, including those with physical limitations who face the challenge of move around the city daily.

The Japanese brand Suzuki has just presented, at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, an innovative electric vehicle similar to a four-wheeled motorcycle, expressly designed to offer more accessible transportation for people with reduced mobility.

Named Moqba (a name that comes from “Modular Quad Based Architecture”), it is a creation based on modular architecture that stands on four legs ending in four small wheels. According to Suzuki, this type of module-based design allows its vehicle to travel on all surfaces, overcoming any obstacle effortlessly. He is even able to go up and down stairs with complete comfort and maintaining balance.

The Moqba is specifically designed to help "those who face mobility challenges on a daily basis, even in a location with a good public transportation network," according to the Japanese company.

The vehicle has a seat and handlebars like any other motorcycle, but that is all it has to do with the structure of a motorcycle. The chassis is connected to a pair of modular rails, each of which integrates two articulated legs connected to their respective wheels.

With its adaptable chassis and a variety of accessories, you can seamlessly switch between chair mode, standing mode, and even stretcher mode, making it a versatile means of transportation that adapts effortlessly to various situations.

This unorthodox configuration allows this mobile innovation to roll on flat surfaces or smoothly overcome more challenging and uneven terrain with its legs when necessary.

The Moqba has three different driving positions for its occupant: sitting, standing or lying down. This will not only give users more freedom when it comes to everyday trips, but will also allow the vehicle to venture into areas that a car, motorcycle or traditional SUV could not reach.

Apart from this new four-wheeled electric vehicle, Suzuki has also presented some other modular vehicles at the Japan Mobility Show that redefine mobility solutions for each terrain. Among them, two alternatives with rear cargo space and a motorized walker intended to help people with reduced mobility stay active in their daily lives.

In the video that accompanies this article you will be able to see some of the uses for which Suzuki's new mobile creation is intended, more similar to a robotic vehicle than a conventional motorcycle.