This wasn’t the first time I’d seen a tri-wheeled automobile, also called a tricar, but it was the first time I had seen on in the States. Previously, while spending some time in the UK I’d spotted a sporty-looking blue Vandenbrink Carver carrying a large Exxon Mobile signature flying down the M11 outside of London.
On the whole, three-wheeled cars are quite a concept. More aerodynamic and often smaller than conventional vehicle, these tri-wheels by nature afford better gas mileage. The Carver specifically has an interesting way of mimicking its motorcycle cousins by tilting into curves, and coming what appears dangerously close to the ground.
The Aptera, a futuristic-looking two-passenger electric car that boasts up to 120 miles to a charge, is another tri-wheeled wonder, still in the concept phase. Future models will likely be hybrids and include a solar panel on the roof for extra power.
Other models prove to be not-so-sporty in design, sacrificing some of Carver and Aptera’s sleek looks for more durability. The ZAP Xebra is one of these. A small, boxy looking car, the ZAP is used mostly in the manufacture of utility vehicles. Being fully electric and getting only 40 miles a charge, these are often used as delivery vans as was the case in 2007, when 42 models were shipped to UPS services in California for extra use during the holiday season. But models like the Xebra specifically can hold up to 4 people, more than most 2-seater tricars.
Most tricars weight so little thanks to their decreased size and need for lighter structure, that they are in fact classified as motorcycles. It is true that while motorcycles do not need to live up to the same vehicle safety rules as most 4-wheeled automobiles, both manufacturers of the Carver and Aptera say their tricars both surpass motorcycle safety tests and live up to traditional automobile safety rules in higher classes.
Tricars are not just a cool concept, they are a practical way to reduce automobile weight and gasoline consumption, especially on the commuter level if public transportation is not available. Not to mention, they look very fun to drive.
I think cars like these could be a solution for high traffic downtown shopping areas. You could drive your car to a point and park there, and then rent a car like this one to do whatever you need to do. I think this could be a way of saving the environment too: only electric cars in high traffic areas of cities.
It’s definitely the first I’ve heard of them in the States! That’s kinda cool.
This is really a unique looking car. I wonder though how it would do in the winter? I would only be able to use it in the summer here.