City streets are getting tougher to navigate. We’re all looking for ways to cut down on traffic jams, reduce pollution, and still get around easily. Bikes are great, but sometimes you need more speed or weather protection. Cars offer comfort, but they’re often too big and thirsty for fuel. What if there was something that blended the best of both worlds?
Get ready for Vigoz, a new machine that’s shaking up urban travel. It’s a three-wheeled electric vehicle from a French startup called Cixi. Imagine pedaling a “car” that doesn’t have a chain and can hit speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour. That’s right, highway speeds from a pedal-powered vehicle, with a little help from technology.
A New Way to Move
The Vigoz isn’t just another electric bike or a tiny car. It’s something entirely new. Cixi designed it to tackle big city problems like traffic, emissions, and the need for more sustainable options. This ultralight electric vehicle offers a fresh approach to how we move around towns and nearby areas. It promises a smooth ride that’s good for the planet and good for your commute.
Smart Tech Powers Your Ride
What makes the Vigoz truly special is its clever engine. It uses something called the Pedaling Energy Recovery System, or PERS. This system is a chainless and beltless wonder. When you pedal, your effort turns into electricity. This power then feeds a motor built into the wheel hub. It’s a clean, quiet, and surprisingly strong way to get moving.
The system also recharges the battery when you brake. This helps you go further and reduces wear on the brakes. Plus, the pedaling resistance changes as you ride. This means you can keep a steady pace without extra effort, even when going uphill. It’s a smart way to make pedaling feel natural and efficient.
Comfort and Safety for Daily Rides
Cixi built the Vigoz for people who want to skip the car without giving up comfort or safety. It has a closed cabin with air conditioning to keep you cozy. Inside, you’ll find three-point seatbelts, just like in a car. Its strong frame includes parts that absorb bumps and impacts. An active tilting system helps the Vigoz stay stable when you turn corners.
At just 1.65 meters tall, it’s big enough to be seen in traffic but small enough to park easily. It also weaves through city streets with ease. You can bring a passenger, your pet, or some groceries along. The back compartment is open, making it handy for carrying things.
Ready for Real Journeys
The Vigoz comes with a 22 kWh battery. This gives you a range of up to 160 kilometers on a single charge. That’s plenty for daily trips or even a weekend getaway. With a top speed of 120 km/h, it can comfortably handle highways. That’s a rare feat for such a light electric vehicle.
Compared to typical electric cars, the Vigoz uses much less energy. It moves less weight with a smaller battery. Its estimated power use is about 13 kWh per 100 kilometers. This makes it one of the most efficient vehicles you can find.
Cixi’s Vision for Tomorrow
The French startup Cixi has been working on this technology for ten years. They’re based in the Haute-Savoie region and focus on sustainable, ultralight vehicles. The Vigoz is the result of years of research into digital transmissions. It’s currently going through its final checks before production starts.
Cixi hasn’t announced the price yet. However, it’s expected to be similar to premium electric scooters or small urban cars, not full-sized vehicles. The goal is to offer a middle ground. It’s safer and faster than an electric bicycle, but much more eco-friendly and affordable than a car. You can learn more about their active vehicle on the Cixi website.
Fitting into Europe’s Future
The Vigoz arrives at a time when cities across Europe are changing how people get around. Places like Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona are redesigning roads. They want to cut down on car traffic and encourage alternatives. This includes electric bicycles, personal mobility vehicles, and light electric quadricycles.
A new European rule for urban mobility vehicles will start in 2026. This rule will make it easier for vehicles like Vigoz to get approved. These new categories focus on low environmental impact. This could speed up how quickly cities adopt the Vigoz, especially in areas where regular cars are restricted.