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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Koji Sakai, Tomoko Tonami, Hiroshi Kanaji
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DOI:10.17265/2159-5542/2026.03.001
Kyoto Koka University, Kyoto, Japan
In this study, a comparative test-ride experiment involving 17 university students was conducted using the WHILL Model S (WHILL, Inc.) and the e-SNEAKER (Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.). Participants evaluated the design before the test ride, and assessed factors such as operability, ride comfort, and a sense of security afterward; follow-up interviews were also conducted. The results revealed differing trends between the pre-ride design evaluation and the post-ride operability assessment, with no significant correlation found between initial impressions and overall satisfaction. While the WHILL received high marks for seating comfort and general comfort, the e-SNEAKER was highly rated for minimal vibration and a sense of security when traversing steps. Furthermore, the sense of security was the strongest factor influencing overall satisfaction. These findings suggest that selecting an electric wheelchair requires a comprehensive evaluation based on actual test-ride experiences, rather than relying solely on catalogs or visual appearance. This study proposes a user-centered comparative evaluation method that integrates pre-ride design assessments with post-ride operability evaluations, thereby providing valuable insights for the selection of electric wheelchairs.
electric wheelchair, WHILL
Model S, e-SNEAKER, design evaluation, operability, perceived safety
Koji Sakai, Tomoko Tonami, Hiroshi Kanaji. (2026). Comparison of Design and Operability Evaluations Between Two Electric Wheelchair Models. Psychology Research, May-June 2026, Vol. 16, No. 3, 101-112. doi:10.17265/2159-5542/2026.03.001.
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