The Vigoz, from the French company Cixi, is a fully enclosed, three -wheeled EV that can hit 75 km / h, fast enough to drive legally on roads. This is also not the first tricycle of a French company. The unusual twist is how to control the speed: instead of a accelerator pedal, you pedal. Cixi’s Pedaling Energy Recovery System (Pers) replaces the chain that is found on regular bicycles by a software -driven, chainless setup that translates Cadence directly into propulsion. The faster you kick, the more speed and strength the system supplies. Kicking backwards even activates reverse.
The Vigoz has a 22 kWh battery (similar to some compact EVs), which yields a range of up to 160 kilometers (99 miles). For more context, this is how EV batteries relate to a car with gasoline. Charging takes approximately six hours from a household exhaust valve and regenerative braking extends that range further. Because it is legally classified as an L5-electric vehicle, you need a license to drive one, but the top speed and fully enclosed hut make it more practical for commuting than even powerful e-bikes.
The body tilts in corners like a motorcycle thanks to the active suspension, while three wheels and Ackerman control retain stability. With 165 centimeters (65 inches), it is designed to stay visible in traffic and to give the driver a clear facial line. With safety functions such as safety belts and weather protection, it is much closer to a compact car alternative than an oversized bike.
Design choices that make the part, partly e-bike
Cixi designed the Vigoz to bridge the gap between bicycles and cars. Inside, the driver is in a position overlooked comparable to a recumbent bike, which operates the pedals and joystick-like controls for control and brakes. The closed cabin comprises sliding windows and fans for active cooling, which means that pedaling less a training during living -working traffic decreases. The open cargo space at the back adds the daily utility, so that luggage or deliveries can be taken with a passenger.
The powertrain has no gears or chains to maintain, which eliminates the typical problems of stretching or lubrication. Instead, the PERP system converts each pedal stroke into electricity that the rear-wheel drive engine drives. This not only makes it maintenance light, but also quieter and smoother than a traditional bicycle drive. It is also versatile: higher cadence is equal to more help, while braking charges the battery. The Vigoz avoids the problems of cars of cars and still offers protection and stability that bicycles lack. The tilt suspension ensures stability with speed, while the compact footprint can easily maneuver in dense European cities. Safety is emphasized with crash-absorbent materials and safety belts, one step above what two-wheelers offer.
The Vigoz is still in pre-production, with certification and availability details in treatment. Prices have not been revealed, but the model will be offered under a subscription service instead of an outright purchase. If Cixi can fulfill its promises, this unusual tricycle commuters can give a new way to balance exercise and usability, and hopefully not in the list of worst tricycle of all time.
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