Taiwan's First Enclosed Scooter 'Lean3' to Begin Deliveries in August

Taiwan's first 'cabin scooter' Lean3, is expected to begin deliveries to previously pre-ordered corporate users as early as August.

With the Ministry of Transportation's amendment of regulations, 'cabin scooters' featuring a closed cabin and a steering wheel system will be eligible for registration as early as the second half of the year. Among them, the Lean3, launched by the Taiwan-Japan collaborative enterprise Lean Mobility, becomes Taiwan's first cabin scooter. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in August for corporate users who have pre-ordered, and the personal version has been available for pre-order since April. The official road launch of the Lean3 is in countdown.

Lean3 On The Road: 5 Q&A

Q1: Is the Lean3 a scooter or a car?

A1: According to the Ministry of Transportation's draft announcement, the Lean3 falls under the category of a regular heavy scooter (white plate).

Q2: What are the requirements to drive a cabin scooter?

A2: Drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a license for small vehicles or above. Driving solely with a motorcycle license will result in a fine.

Q3: What are the road rights regulations for cabin scooters?

A3: When operating on general roads, they will be treated similarly to small vehicles. They are prohibited from lanes designated for slow-moving vehicles and do not require the two-stage left turn. However, they are not permitted on expressways or highways.

Q4: Should parking be in motorcycle or car spaces?

A4: According to the Ministry of Transportation's draft announcement, cabin scooters must be parked in small vehicle parking spaces.

Q5: Do cabin scooters require inspection?

A5: Cabin scooters are subject to regular inspections comparable to small vehicles. They must also have window tinting, with the windshield meeting a 70% visible light transmittance standard and front side windows meeting a 40% standard.

As Taiwan's first cabin scooter, the Lean3's production version maintains a highly recognizable appearance compared to its prototype. However, details have been refined for a more sophisticated look, such as the adoption of a six-spoke wheel design and black door handles, giving it a sharper visual appeal and more fluid overall lines. The heart graphic on the side has been replaced with a black circular icon, enhancing brand recognition. It also features a single windshield wiper and manually adjustable rearview mirrors, with an overall design that is simple and easy to operate. The Lean3 employs a front-two, rear-one wheel configuration, with the two front wheels handling steering and the rear in-wheel motor providing propulsion, allowing drivers to get up to speed more quickly.

The Lean3 production version (left) has some minor differences in exterior details compared to the prototype (right).

The Lean3 comes standard with a single round LED headlight, which is sufficient for urban use. The high and low beams can be switched via the central control screen.

The rear tire is 150/70 R14, aiming for better ground contact area and grip. Above the rear, there is a cooling unit for the air conditioning.

Both front tires are 90/90 R14, a standard scooter tire size.

The charging port is located on the rear left. It takes approximately 5 hours to fully charge using a home AC 220V outlet.

Cabin Interface Designed Like a Car

The Lean3 production version focuses on functionality. The new steering wheel in the cabin is more modern, featuring the same black circular heart logo as the exterior. Behind the steering wheel are dual USB Type-C ports for charging mobile devices. Expansion ports are provided below, allowing for future accessories like front radar, offering upgrade flexibility. There is also a dedicated space for a mobile phone and cup holders to enhance practicality.

The cabin is designed with a car-like layout, with steering controlled by the steering wheel. The right side features an air conditioning vent.

Most functional operations are similar to car interfaces, such as the Push Start button and the hazard light button. Behind the steering wheel is the turn signal lever. Gear selection is done via the RND buttons on the right, paired with the accelerator and brake pedals for forward or reverse movement, making it very easy for car drivers to get accustomed to. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster on the right displays speed, battery level, turn signals, and mileage, and integrates power window controls. The doors open on the left side and retain a physical door lock button. The driver's seat is adjustable for fore-aft movement and seatback recline. The rear seat is equipped with ISOFIX and retaining clips, allowing for passenger transport or flexible use for cargo.

The production version includes air conditioning as standard equipment, addressing the pain point of the prototype lacking AC. Heating is an optional feature. With a vehicle height of 157 cm, the Lean3 offers ample headroom for the driver. The rear seating space is relatively more suitable for smaller adults or children. Considering the Lean3's focus on short-distance commuting, this design is acceptable.

The left door has a physical lock button, and the door opens like a car door.

Behind the steering wheel on the left are the Push Start button and dual USB Type-C ports for charging mobile devices.

The button-type gear selector has RND positions, which are simple and clear.

The LCD screen is touch-enabled and can display information such as speed, battery level, mileage, and window open/close status.

Lean3 Production Version Test Drive Review

This test drive took place on a closed circuit. When driving the Lean3, the moment the accelerator is pressed, the acceleration response of the production version feels more direct and powerful compared to the prototype. While not aggressive, it's sufficient to keep up with Taiwan's traffic flow. During straight-line acceleration, limited by the track, the Lean3's top speed reached only 52 km/h. The actual delivered version will have a top speed of 80 km/h. While not performance-oriented, it is adequate for urban commuting.

When holding the steering wheel and cornering, the Lean3's tilt angle is controlled by the computer to simulate the leaning sensation of a motorcycle during a turn.

When entering corners, the Lean3 demonstrates its core technology, 'active body tilt.' It exhibits a leaning cornering characteristic similar to a motorcycle. Under computer control, the vehicle body naturally tilts with steering, not only reducing the anxiety of leaning but also enhancing cornering stability and fun. This is fully utilized in continuous corners, with natural and smooth body dynamics that provide a surprising driving experience.

However, the Lean3 is a new type of vehicle. Although many designs are similar to cars, it still requires time to adapt to the different driving perspectives and body dimensions compared to cars and motorcycles. The leaning sensation during turns also requires more caution and familiarity.

With the Lean3's short front end, it offers a wider forward driving view than cars, with fewer blind spots when turning left or right.

Table compiled by / Reporter Chen Ying-chieh

Lean3's First Market is Taiwan, Banking on Future Autonomous Vehicle Potential

Taninaka Masahiro, CEO of Lean Mobility, who previously worked at Toyota for 30 years and led the development of the i-Road, stated that Taiwan was chosen as the first market because the i-Road received the most enthusiastic feedback there. Furthermore, Taiwan has an extremely high density of motorcycles, making it a perfect match for Lean3's market demand. The company plans to expand into Japan and Europe next. Southeast Asian countries, with their large motorcycle populations, are also markets that Lean Mobility is optimistic about.

Taninaka Masahiro pointed out that Lean3's future plans include developing towards autonomous driving. By modifying the vehicle's drive-by-wire technology, it can be converted into an unmanned vehicle. Once regulations in Europe and Japan mature, Lean3's potential will be fully realized through a business model of unmanned self-driving taxis.

Lean Mobility CEO Taninaka Masahiro is optimistic about Lean3's potential as a future autonomous vehicle.

Prices and specifications for the above models are subject to each brand's official announcements.