It offers an unexpectedly high level of functionality considering its dimensions.
The world of
mobility
The shift is happening. Those times have passed where the automatic pick was always a large fuel-thirsty SUV or an imposing pickup truck—at least in certain regions. Urban areas are now favoring compact, economical, and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
Whether it’s e-bikes, electric scooters, or ultra-compact EVs, the trend is evident: compact is the new intelligent. And now, we have the
Vivel Trike
—A three-wheeled electric vehicle that falls somewhere between a car and a motorcycle, yet doesn’t fully belong to either category. We do know that Vivel has engineered it for maximum functionality, even with its compact dimensions.
However, can it truly substitute your car? Let’s delve into it.
The Vivel Trike is an electric three-passenger vehicle that can easily charge at home through a regular electrical socket. This trike differs from motorcycles as it is classified as a “standard vehicle” according to Japanese traffic laws, allowing it to be legally operated on both streets and expressways with just a basic driving license.
And because it legally doesn’t classify as a motorcycle, wearing a helmet isn’t mandatory. Seems handy, huh? It really varies though.
To provide some context, the Vivel Trike is actually smaller than the Smart ForTwo, which makes it one of the smallest vehicle options available. This size allows for agility without being too inconspicuous for regular roads; thus, you won’t find yourself riding it where bicycles and pedestrians dominate.
In terms of power, Vivel provides the Trike with two choices: 1,500 watts and 2,000 watts, which equate to roughly two and 2.6 horsepower, respectively. Clearly, this vehicle is designed for leisurely trips through city streets or moving around privately owned areas rather than high-speed travel on highways. Furthermore, even their premium version has an estimated range of just about 75 miles per full charge, which falls short compared to some pedaled electric bikes that claim greater distances on one battery load.
However, what it excels at is functionality. The newest iteration includes various add-ons such as a rooftop carrier designed specifically for surfboards and camping equipment, a dashboard camera equipped with both forward and backward filming along with an integrated tire pressure monitoring system, a water-resistant cover for protecting against outdoor elements, a phone mount capable of wirelessly charging your device, and protective sidescreens included as standard to safeguard occupants from wind and precipitation.
This is where things become somewhat complicated. Although the Vivel Trike meets legal requirements for roads, it shouldn’t be driven on highways or main thoroughfares due to safety concerns. These include low speeds, small size, and inadequate structure which pose risks not only to those inside but also others using these routes. Conversely, this vehicle is far too big to fit into bicycle lanes or walkways meant for pedestrians.
Then, where exactly does it belong?
For now, the ideal application appears to be as a micromobility solution in regulated settings such as golf courses, vacation destinations, college campuses, or gated neighborhoods where maximum speeds do not have to surpass 20 miles an hour. Should urban areas begin constructing facilities tailored for these types of vehicles—including special lanes designed for low-velocity electric transport—the Vivel Trike might turn into a far more practical choice.
To address the query I initially raised in this narrative: It isn’t a substitute for automobiles just yet, particularly in its present configuration. Although the Vivel Trike undoubtedly proves handy for brief excursions within confined spaces, it lacks the necessary safety features, extended travel distance, and adaptability required to take over from the tiniest urban vehicles. Nonetheless, does it serve a purpose? Definitely so.
It doesn’t exude toughness. You won’t get a surge of excitement from it. Instead, think of something halfway between a golf kart and a mobility aid rather than a conventional automobile. However, under certain conditions, this vehicle can be quite practical. The extent to which these situations become common will depend on how urban areas evolve with individual transportation trends. For now, the Vivel Trike stays as a trendy yet specialized choice within the expanding realm of small-scale travel options.
More Quirky Mobility Contraptions
- This Bizarre E-Bike, Skateboard Hybrid Seems Insanely Enjoyable
- Would You Hop On This Bizarre Solar-Assisted Electric Scooter?
Source:
Vivel Trike
,
Young Machine
