WHILL Launches English Website for Short-term Rental Service in Japan
Enhancing transportation services and web accessibility in response to surging inbound tourism demand.
30 June 2025
WHILL, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of an English version of its website for the WHILL Daily Rental service. This expansion addresses a significant increase in inquiries from overseas customers, aiming to provide a more comfortable and convenient transportation experience for inbound travelers with mobility needs in Japan.
WHILL Daily Rental offers short-term leases of WHILL personal mobility devices, which can be safely operated in pedestrian areas without a driving license. This new English platform will allow international visitors to easily rent WHILL vehicles for a minimum of four days, meeting the strong current demand from inbound tourists and ensuring they can explore Japan with greater freedom and comfort.
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, foreign visitor spending in Japan reached a record high of 8.1 trillion yen in 2024, a 53.4% increase from the previous year (Note 1), indicating a widespread desire among inbound travelers to visit various tourist spots across the country. This trend is evident in regions like Kyoto Prefecture, which saw a record 36 million foreign visitors in 2024 (Note 2). Similarly, Hiroshima Prefecture, home to world-renowned sites such as the Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine, has also seen foreign tourists as a driving force behind record increases in visitors to Miyajima and the number of large cruise ship calls at Hiroshima Port in 2024 (Note 3).
WHILL Daily Rental offers two versatile models:
- WHILL Model F: A foldable electric wheelchair that is lightweight and convenient for transport in cars or trains.
- WHILL Model R: A mobility scooter that features handlebars for sidewalk operation, capable of turning on the spot and equipped with a detachable battery.
Rentals are available for periods ranging from a minimum of 4 days to a maximum of 30 days. Customers can specify their desired delivery date, and the device can be conveniently delivered to their preferred location, such as their home, hotel, or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).
WHILL operates in approximately 30 countries and regions worldwide, serving a diverse user base of all ages and genders for both daily and temporary mobility needs. The recent surge in inbound tourism has led to a sharp increase in direct inquiries from overseas customers and through hotels regarding WHILL rentals.
WHILL's short-term rental service is already expanding its presence in various locations across Japan, including hotels and inns in Tokyo and other prefectures, as well as transportation hubs like airports, major train stations, and car rental companies. By launching the English website for direct sales of WHILL Daily Rentals, the company aims to further enhance convenience, improving and expanding the mobility environment to ensure customers can travel safely and comfortably across Japan without concerns about walking fatigue.
Please note: Delivery areas for the Model R are currently limited to Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, and Tochigi prefectures.
English Website: https://whill.inc/jp/en/daily-rental
WHILL SPOT where you can temporarily borrow a WHILL: https://note.com/whillcommunity/n/nd60430d92afb?magazine_key=m4213dfbe7c30
WHILL Daily Rental Service Overview
English Website URL
Available Models
- WHILL Model F: Foldable Electric Wheelchair
- WHILL Model R: Mobility Scooter
Accessories
- Model F : Battery, charger, cane holder, basket
- Model R : Battery, charger, walking stick holder, front basket
Rental Duration
- You can choose any number of days from 4 to 30 days.
Fee
- Please visit our website for details.
How to Apply
- Please apply via our website.
About WHILL, Inc.
Established in 2012, WHILL provides personal mobility products and services in approximately 30 countries. WHILL enhances accessibility in locations such as airports, hospitals, theme parks, cruise ships, and convention centers. The company's offerings range from electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters to self-driving devices, designed to give users greater mobility and independence through advanced technology.
To learn more, visit https://whill.inc.
Note 1: Japan Tourism Agency "Inbound Consumption Trends Survey" (2024 calendar year, preliminary figures) https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001856155.pdf
Note 2: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) https://www.jnto.go.jp/statistics/data/visitors-statistics/
Note 3: Hatsukaichi City "List of visitors to Miyajima" https://www.city.hatsukaichi.hiroshima.jp/site/kanko/12732.html, Hiroshima Prefecture "Passenger ship call records at Hiroshima Port" https://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/221/kyakusenkikoujisseki.html