WHILL

About WHILL

WHILL was founded in 2012 by Satoshi Sugie, Junpei Naito, and Muneaki Fukuoka. The founders, with respective backgrounds in automotive design at Nissan, engineering at Sony, and medical equipment R&D at Olympus, were inspired to create a new type of mobility device after a wheelchair user shared his reluctance to go even short distances due to the stigma associated with traditional wheelchairs. This led to the development of a device focused on empowering individuals with confidence and style. The company was incorporated in the U.S. in 2013 and launched its first product, the Model A, in 2014. The company operates with a dual business model, serving both individual consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B). Revenue is generated through direct sales of its personal mobility devices and through service fees for its Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) offerings. In 2018, WHILL expanded its service model by merging with Scootaround, a major provider of mobility equipment rentals. This strategic move enhanced its ability to offer short-term rentals and on-site fleet services. For consumers, WHILL designs and sells a range of electric power chairs and scooters, including the portable Model C2, the foldable Model F, and the Model R scooter. A key feature of its chairs is the patented front omni-wheel, composed of multiple smaller rollers, which allows for a tight turning radius and the ability to navigate uneven terrain. The devices are designed to be stylish, portable, and controllable via a smartphone app for functions like remote control and checking battery status. The B2B segment focuses on a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform, providing autonomous and manual transportation services for large public spaces. This service is primarily deployed in airports, hospitals, and other large venues to assist passengers with reduced mobility. The autonomous service allows a user to select a destination on a touch screen, after which the device navigates autonomously to the location before returning automatically to its base. This system is operational in major airports across North America, Europe, and Asia, including Tokyo (Haneda), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and Rome Fiumicino. The service aims to improve operational efficiency for airlines and airports by reducing reliance on manual wheelchair pushers. Keywords: Personal mobility vehicles, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, autonomous mobility service, Mobility-as-a-Service, accessibility solutions, airport mobility, omni-wheel technology, short-distance mobility, portable wheelchairs, foldable power chairs, fleet management, passenger assistance, assistive technology, personal electric vehicles, transportation services, last-mile transport, independent living, mobility device rental, Scootaround, Satoshi Sugie