How does the Cixi Vigoz trike actually fit into daily life?
Imagine zipping down the highway at 75 mph, legs gently spinning, while rain taps harmlessly against your fully enclosed cabin. That’s the promise of the Cixi Vigoz—a French-built, pedal-electric trike that’s shaking up what we expect from urban mobility. Unlike your average e-bike, the Vigoz isn’t just for leisurely park loops. It’s designed to handle real-world commutes, unpredictable weather, and even the odd grocery run, all while keeping you dry and comfortable.
What makes the Vigoz different from regular e-bikes or microcars?
Let’s be honest: most e-bikes are fantastic until you hit a downpour or need to merge with fast-moving traffic. The Vigoz bridges that gap. It’s faster than quirky microcars like the Citroen Ami or Fiat Topolino, topping out at 120 km/h (75 mph). Thanks to its L5 classification, it’s legal on highways and public roads in France—something most pedal-powered vehicles can only dream of.
But here’s where it gets clever: the Vigoz uses a chainless pedaling system called PERS. Instead of a greasy chain, your pedaling is translated electronically, letting you control acceleration or braking with your legs. Want an easy cruise? Dial down the resistance. Craving a workout? Crank it up. The electric motor and a 22 kWh battery give you about 160 km (100 miles) of range, and regenerative braking helps squeeze out a few extra miles. Plug it into a standard outlet, and you’re fully charged in about six hours—perfect for overnight top-ups.
How does the Vigoz handle and keep you safe?
Three wheels, but not like any trike you’ve tried. With two wheels up front and one in the back, the Vigoz features an active tilting mechanism. Translation: it leans into corners, giving you the stability of a car with the fun of a bike. The fully enclosed body isn’t just for show—it’s aerodynamic, weatherproof, and comes with LED lights, wipers, and twin side doors. There’s even a small cargo area in the back, complete with straps for your bags or a week’s worth of groceries.
Inside, you’ll find seating for two, both with three-point seatbelts. There’s an Isofix mount for a child seat, though the idea of flying down the motorway with a toddler in tow might raise a few eyebrows. Instead of a steering wheel, you get handlebars—keeping that bicycle DNA alive but adding automotive safety features.
Is the Vigoz built to last, or is it just another gadget?
Durability is front and center. Cixi claims the Vigoz is built for at least 15 years of daily use, thanks to a robust chassis, replaceable body panels, and components that are easy to repair. Over-the-air software updates mean your trike stays current without a trip to the shop. That’s a big deal in a world where planned obsolescence is the norm.
What’s the catch—can you actually buy one?
Not quite yet. The Vigoz is still in the prototype phase, with production models expected to roll out of French factories once the design is finalized. And here’s the twist: you won’t be able to buy one outright. Instead, Cixi plans to offer the Vigoz on a subscription basis. Pricing hasn’t been set, but the idea is to make high-tech, sustainable transport accessible without the commitment (or sticker shock) of ownership.
How does the Vigoz stack up against other urban mobility options?
Let’s put it in perspective. According to the European Cyclists’ Federation, e-bike sales in Europe topped 5 million units in 2023, and cities everywhere are scrambling to balance bike lanes with car traffic. Yet, most e-bikes aren’t allowed on highways, and microcars often lack the flexibility or fun factor of pedal power. The Vigoz aims to carve out a sweet spot: fast enough for real commutes, safe enough for families, and green enough to make a difference.
The big takeaway? Urban mobility isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether that’s swapping a car trip for a pedal-powered commute or just keeping an eye on innovations like the Vigoz, the future of city travel is all about blending comfort, speed, and sustainability in ways that actually work for real people.