How Toyota played a crucial role at this summer's Paralympics in Paris

Toyota, the world's biggest automaker, made a statement at the Paralympic Games thanks to their impressive range of mobility solutions.

The Japanese company provided more than 3,000 electric mobility solutions to athletes, organisers, volunteers and spectators with physical disabilities or with difficulties to walk, including wheelchair users, to various facilities, including places where events or competitions were held.

Toyota started to work on Paris 2024 in January 2019 as they debated on which type of vehicles they wanted to bring to the Games.

And during the Paralympics, which took place between August 28th and September 8th, we at SPORTbible were invited to to the Inclusive Mobility Park near the Eiffel Towel to use a range of Toyota’s mobility solutions, including wheelchair e-pullers that can reach speeds of up to 40kmh and wheelchairs that can drive autonomously.

Genny is a self-balancing personal battery electric transporter that empowers people with reduced mobility to move free. Image credit: Toyota

As mentioned above, one of the mobility solutions was the wheelchair e-puller.

Toyota co-developed the wheelchair e-puller, which converts a classic mechanical wheelchair into a battery-powered electric mobility solution, giving more freedom of movement to wheelchair users. At least 150 units were used by National Paralympic Committees, athletes and staff at the opening ceremony.

A GR (Gazoo Racing) version of Yosh-E, a traditional mechanical wheelchair converted into a battery-powered electric mobility device, was also on display. In fact, TV presenter and racing driver Billy Monger used the Yosh-E, as well as a range of Toyota’s mobility solutions, during the Games.

Around 200 Yoshi-E pullers were attached to wheelchairs during the Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Image credit: Toyota

Speaking about the Yosh-E, Monger said: “In previous Paralympic Games lots of the athletes didn’t go to the opening ceremony as they didn’t want to risk tiring themselves out, so devices like this mean they can attend without worrying – a bit like saving your legs a couple of days before a marathon.”

The aim of the Mobility Park was to promote inclusive mobility for all.

In total, Toyota provided 700 personal last-mile mobility products to ensure that athletes, volunteers and organisers had access to the most inclusive and sustainable mobility fleet ever seen at the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Andrew Parsons, who is the President of the International Paralympic Committee, said the Park was a showcase of how technology and accessibility can go hand in hand, and how the Olympic and Paralympic Games can drive positive change in society.

"It is great to see all the innovative inclusive solutions that Toyota is bringing to the Games in one place," he added. "Their commitment to their vision of delivering Mobility for All at Paris 2024 and beyond truly comes through in this effort."