etupyörillä

Etupyörillä is a Finnish term that translates to "on front wheels" or "with front wheels." It most commonly refers to a type of vehicle configuration where the primary steering and load-bearing wheels are located at the front of the vehicle. This is in contrast to rear-wheel steering or four-wheel steering configurations.

In the context of vehicles, "etupyörillä" is the standard design for most cars, trucks, and buses, where the front wheels are responsible for both directing the vehicle's path and, in many cases, providing the power through the drivetrain. This arrangement offers good maneuverability and predictable handling, especially at lower speeds. The steering mechanism is directly connected to the front wheels, allowing the driver to turn them.

The term can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where a vehicle is supported or moving on its front wheels. For example, a stunt where a vehicle is deliberately lifted onto its front wheels would be described as being "etupyörillä." However, its primary and most frequent usage relates to the fundamental design and operational characteristic of a vehicle's steering and drive axle placement. The simplicity and effectiveness of the front-wheel-drive or front-wheel-steering setup have made it the dominant configuration in personal transportation.