Header: Courtesy of cocoa motors.
Developed by cocoa motors. in Japan, the WALKCAR 2 and WALKCAR 2 Pro are small, portable vehicles designed for short-distance travel in urban environments. What separates this product from others in the market is the fact that both models are compact enough to fit in a backpack or be carried like a laptop, weighing around 2.9 kg and roughly the size of an A4 sheet. They were designed as a lightweight option for personal transport, having been created after the fleeting thought, “What if I could carry my car around?“
The WALKCAR moves on four wheels and is powered by an electric motor built directly into the front wheel. It is controlled entirely by shifting body weight and using simple foot movements: to move forward, the rider presses down with both feet; to slow down or stop, one foot is lifted slightly; turning is done by shifting weight side to side. But what if you fall or want to stop? Easy: when the rider steps off, the vehicle automatically comes to a stop.
The two models differ in speed, power, and handling. The WALKCAR 2 has a top speed of 10 km/h and a maximum range of 7 km per charge, making it suitable for shorter trips on flatter terrain and offering a tighter turning radius of 0.8 metres – great indoors or in narrow spaces. The WALKCAR 2 Pro, on the other hand, can reach speeds of up to 15 km/h, travel up to 8 km on one charge, handle steeper slopes, and climb inclines of up to 12 degrees. Furthermore, its turning radius is slightly wider, at 1.1 metres.
Both models include a suspension system designed to absorb small bumps and vibrations. Each wheel was given a structure that cushions movement both vertically and horizontally, improving comfort and stability even on uneven pavement. The WALKCAR 2 Pro has additional adjustments to make travelling at higher speeds or on uneven surfaces more comfortable.
The small vehicles are made from carbon-reinforced plastic, which is commonly used in the aerospace industry for its light weight and high strength. The material allows the frame to be thin—just 3.3 mm—while still providing enough support to the rider and maintaining flexibility. This also helps the tyres stay in contact with the ground, a detail that can make the whole difference during turns or stops.
Both models have a quick-charging system, with the battery reaching 80% charge in about 30 minutes when using the dedicated charger – users can top up the battery during short breaks at a café or workplace.
While compact and simple in appearance, the WALKCAR only exists due to the innovative technology it was built upon: an in-wheel motor and heat dissipation system support performance during extended or uphill use, plus control is handled through four sensors located in the foot platform, which is what allows the product to be ridden hands-free.
The WALKCAR can actually be used on public roads in Japan, either in residential neighbourhoods, parks, or urban paths. It is available in four colours: Sonic Yellow, Celeste Blue, Sand Beige, and Sumi, a dark charcoal tone.
