Check out the alternative three-wheeled vehicles on the market

Four-wheeled cars are the most common, and when it comes to tricycles, the first thing that comes to mind is a simple and crude means of transportation or a human-powered tricycle, which is usually synonymous with low-end. However, for us, there are actually many high-end tricycles that have added intelligent features or new technologies such as foldable and even solar power.

As an alternative means of transportation, we don't expect tricycles to replace four-wheeled cars, but at least they can provide different options for people who pursue alternative travel or want to experience different means of transportation. Below we can take a look at some of the distinctive tricycles that exist in the world today.

Arcimoto SRK electric tricycle is full of driving pleasure

Arcimoto is a company from Eugene, Oregon, which has been producing three-wheeled electric vehicles for several years. The SRK is its third generation, with a top speed of 85 miles per hour, and will be Arcimoto's first mass-produced product.

Interestingly, the Arcimoto SRK has two wheels in the front and one wheel in the rear. It is controlled similarly to a motorcycle, entirely through the handlebars with throttle and brake levers. Its seat also imitates a motorcycle, but looks more like a car seat. The entire SRK weighs 464 kg.

The SRK has a fuel consumption of 230MPG, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 136.8 km/h. All its power is transmitted to the two front wheels, and the electric motor is also located at the front. The base model of this car is equipped with a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which can travel 112.7 kilometers on a full charge (carrying 2 people). If users choose a 20kWh battery, the range can be extended to 209.2 kilometers.

Slingshot three-wheeler with four-cylinder engine

The Slingshot three-wheeler from Polaris, the world's largest all-terrain off-road vehicle manufacturer and retailer, is equipped with a 2.4-liter Ecotec inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with peak horsepower and torque outputs of 173bhp and 225Nm respectively, matched with a five-speed manual transmission.

Slingshot has two wheels in front and one in the back. The front tire is 18 inches and the rear tire is 20 inches. The body is made of plastic polymer and aluminum, and the overall weight is less than 800 kg. In front of the driver's seat, there is a wind blade windshield for protection. This Slingshot can bring a completely new driving experience to the driver. The low chassis design allows the driver to get closer to the ground and experience the different driving feelings brought to the driver by the subtle differences in the ground.

Although the Slingshot only has three tires, its interior decoration is no worse than that of a traditional car. This three-wheeled vehicle is also equipped with a 4.3-inch LCD screen, a visual reversing system, Bluetooth, USB functions, and 6 speakers. The storage space in the car is also quite ample. The storage compartment behind the seat can hold a helmet, and there is even a glove box for the driver.

mo solar electric car that can be ridden by pedals

Spanish startup evovelo has launched an electric tricycle called mo, which can be driven by a combination of pedals and solar power. Unlike common tricycles, its two wheels are in the front and are spaced far apart, so two people can sit on it. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with lights, horns, rearview mirrors, mudguards and other equipment, and its appearance is really cute.

The top of the Mo is equipped with solar panels to charge the 48V/15Ah lithium battery pack in real time. Of course, it can also be charged through a socket. Evovelo said that after a full charge of the Mo, the tricycle can travel up to 50 kilometers and reach a maximum speed of 50km/h. In case of bad weather, the driver can continue to pedal and move forward.

Sunnyclist Smart Tricycle

Now that cars have become smart, tricycles are not far behind. The Sunnyclist smart tricycle, built by a Greek company, has an aluminum body design, two 6-kW brushless motors in the rear wheel hub, and a lithium iron phosphate battery.

As a smart tricycle, it can monitor various data of the tricycle through iOS or Android client, including battery charging status, solar panel power generation, pedal power generation, calories consumed by passengers, driving speed, etc.

In addition, Sunnyclist is driven by a combination of "three types of power". If you are from a third- or fourth-tier city, you may not be unfamiliar with electric tricycles, and some people may even drive them themselves. However, Sunnyclist, which is also an electric tricycle, just like its name, implements the concept of environmental protection in every detail. It not only uses solar energy, but also the kinetic energy of people's movement, that is, in the form of pedals. The battery of Sunnyclist can travel up to 190 kilometers, and this performance does make many people look very attractive.

The world's smallest electric folding tricycle Trikelet

In addition to large-scale transportation, tricycles can also be used as a means of transportation for short distances. The Dutch company Trikelet BV has launched a prototype of a folding electric tricycle, Trikelet, which is claimed to be the "smallest in history". It is so small that it can be put into the subway, shopping malls, and even the trunk of a car.

Trikelet is equipped with a 500-700W motor, a range of about 15km, a maximum speed of 20km/h, and consumes only about 1 kWh of electricity for every 70km of driving when fully loaded. Trikelet uses a clever folding mechanism to fold all solid parts into the inside, so that it can be pulled like a small suitcase. It weighs 12kg, which is similar to most electric scooters. After folding, the projected area is only 80×29cm, which can be put into the luggage rack or under the seat of the car.

When the user reaches the destination, Trikelet can be folded in a short time and can be towed. The user can also put it on the luggage rack, just like our usual suitcase. Such a folding mechanism also takes into account the sticky water and dust of the vehicle during driving. After folding, all the dirty parts will be covered and will not dirty the user's clothes.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.