Suzuki has applied fuel-cell technology to a wheelchair to overcome the range problem of normal battery power and is hoping customer interest will spur full production.
The fuel cell on the prototype Mio uses methanol as a fuel source to generate hydrogen and electricity. Its fuel tank holds four litres, enough to power it for 40km, and an LCD display shows fuel level and power source.
A large-capacity, lithium ion secondary battery stores the electricity generated and acts as a back-up power source.
The Mio has armrests that double as safety barriers, ergonomic handlebars that require minimal effort even on full lock and a mesh fabric seat for ventilation and better springing.
It's only 1200mm long, 650mm wide and a metre tall so is nimble in shops and city streets.