by Thanos Pappas
- The Cixi Vigoz trike hits 120 km/h (75 mph) and is legal on public roads.
- It features chainless pedaling, active tilting, and a fully enclosed cabin.
- Offered on subscription, the French tricycle is built to last at least 15 years.
Bicycles might be fine for a lazy Sunday spin or a spirited ride, but as everyday transport they fall short. They’ll soak you in the rain, freeze you in the wind, and keep you off the highways. Aiming to dodge those drawbacks, French outfit Cixi is working on the Vigoz, a pedal-assisted three-wheeler with electric muscle and just enough refinement to pass as a proper road machine.
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The Vigoz sits closer in spirit to small urban runabouts like the Mobilize Duo, Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Microlino, though it is much faster. With a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), it qualifies in the L5 category, which means it is cleared for all public roads and highways in France, and, depending on local red tape, in other markets too.
Pedals Meet Power
At the heart of the three-wheeler is Cixi’s PERS chainless pedaling system, which lets the rider (or is that driver?) influence acceleration or braking with their legs in a more natural way. Pedal resistance can be adjusted to match the rider’s preference, offering light effort or a more involved workout.
Naturally, there is assistance from an electric motor, with a 22 kWh floor-mounted battery allowing for a range of around 160 km (100 miles). Still, extensive use of regenerative braking and more pedaling input can help it go further. A full charge is completed in roughly 6 hours from a standard household socket.
Compact But Clever
The Vigoz has two wheels at the front and a single wheel at the back, with an active tilting mechanism for improved handling. A fully enclosed body keeps things aerodynamic while providing weather protection, and features include LED lighting, wipers, and twin side doors. At the back, an open cargo area with straps offers room for small loads.
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Inside, you’ll find room for a driver and one passenger. Both seats are fitted with three-point belts, and there are Isofix mounts in the back for a child seat – although the idea of whisking a toddler down the motorway in this contraption feels like something best left to questionable parenting blogs. Instead of a steering wheel, the Vigoz sticks with its bicycle DNA and uses a handlebar with built-in brakes.
According to Cixi, the Vigoz is built to last for at least 15 years before it is recycled and disposed. This is made possible thanks to the sturdy chassis, replaceable body panels, accessible components for repairs, and, surprisingly, over the air updates.
Pay Monthly, Not Own
Unfortunately, the Vigoz is not yet available for purchase. Cixi still has to build a working prototype with a production-ready design before manufacturing begins in France. When it finally hits the road, ownership won’t be an option either, as the Vigoz will only be offered on subscription, with prices set once production costs are confirmed.
