Parallel Parking Solved: Inventor Shows off Omni-Directional Wheels

If you’ve ever wanted to move sideways into and out of a parking spot or have a much smaller turning radius, Liddiard Wheels may soon have your answer. Inventor William Liddiard posted a video of what he claims is the first set of “bolt-on” omni-directional wheels for any wheeled vehicle.

In order to showcase his new invention, Liddiard bolted his prototype omni-directional wheels onto his personal Toyota Echo coupe. Liddiard says that “unlike other omni capable wheels, my wheels do not require the vehicle to be built around them. This is a world first bolt-on application for anything with wheels.” He even asserts that the wheels can be used in any weather or road conditions.

Advantages of the omni-directional wheels include the ability to drive in all directions or rotate the vehicle 360 degrees. The tires can be had with various tread patterns and with different siping and grooves.

While Liddiard says his design produces 24,000 pounds of torque, he says the production versions would likely be offered with a taller gear specific to the application.

Check out the video below to see what is claimed to be the first universal set of bolt-on omni-directional wheels.

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