You might have seen a weird vehicle at any number of recent car show that sits somewhere between motorcycles and cars.
It’s called an autocycle, and while the idea is hardly new, it kind of reached its peak about 2014, only to leave most hopeful buyers cooling their heels waiting for vehicles to roll off the factory floor.
But what is an autocycle? Where does it sit in the mobility ecosystem? More importantly, can it emerge as the future of micromobility?
What is an autocycle?
Legally, an autocycle is a three-wheeled, typically enclosed vehicle, that, as the name suggests, is essentially part motorcycle and part car.
Let’s compare it to a three-wheel motorbike:
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures(NCSL) there are several key three-wheel motorcycle characteristics
- It has handlebars
- You can straddle or sit astride
- Need to be registered as a motorbike
- The driver must wear a helmet
By comparison, autocycles are defined by a number of key characteristics:
- Usually has a steering wheel
- Usually, the driver sits in a seat
- Vehicle may include side passenger or back seat
- May need a driver’s license AND motorcycle license
- The driver may have to wear a helmet (varies per US state)
In Europe, autocycles fall under Category L, including vehicles like powered cycles, two- and three-wheel mopeds, two- and three-wheel motorcycles, and motorcycles with side-cars.
In the US, things get more complicated, with requirements and regulations varying state by state. Most of these haven’t changed since 2017, but have become a priority in states where companies are building autocycles or looking to roll them out commercially.
What are the advantages of an autocycle?
- Affordability: autocycles are far cheaper than most cars.
- Less compliance with safety standards means greater freedom for designers.
- Lower carbon footprint as most of today’s autocycles are EVs. The three wheels reduce the number of friction points coming in contact with the road, which increases energy efficiency.
- A lower center of gravity and forward-weighted body increases stability compared to two-wheel vehicles.
- The opportunity to be an early adopter in a new mode of transport.
- Fun and novelty factor! People will notice you in one of these.
What are the disadvantages of an autocycle?
- Lower safety standards than cars can mean no airbags, roll cages, or even safety belts.
- While you can place orders with several manufacturers, there are few models on the road today.
- While the vehicles are smaller than typical autos, you can only use them on the road, so they don’t reduce traffic.
- Low passenger capabilities mean more vehicles on the road.
- Their use is limited mainly to urban areas.
- Their low market traction may make it hard to find an appropriate vehicle insurer.
What can I buy?
There are not all that many autocycles that you can buy. Most have been in production for well over five years without releasing a commercial autocycle, while some companies like Polaris have already brought other vehicles to market.
During the time of manufacturing, most have pivoted from gas-powered to electric vehicles.
Elio Motors
Perhaps the most well-known autocycle brand is Elio Motors. The company raised a staggering $16 million in crowdfunding in 2015, promising vehicles for a mere $6,800. Then, it was years of radio silence, with plenty of people wondering if they were scammed and would ever see a vehicle in their garage.
If I ordered a car in 2013 only to have production pushed back again and again with very little communication, I’d be worried.
Well, after years of radio silence, in September, the brand announced a pivot to an electric version of their three-wheeled vehicle.
The Elio-E is priced at $14,900, considerably higher than the original cost. It promises a range of 240 kilometers (150 miles) with a top speed over 160 kmph (100 mph) — where you could ride at that speed, is anyone’s guess.
Safety-wise, the Elio comes with three airbags, an anti-lock braking system, and electronic stability control.
But will they ever go to market?!
Aptera
While Aptera started in 2008, they’ve yet to produce a car commercially. It has, however, created three different prototypes. The company has a long history in solar vehicle development, even going bankrupt due to a lack of investment in the early 2000s.
However, the company found new traction by announcing its efforts to create a solar electric vehicle in 2019. Its vehicles aim to handle most daily driving needs completely off the grid.
Over the last year, Aptera released two alpha prototypes of its solar electric vehicle, most recently releasing a third ready for beta testing called Luna.