AutoMoto tilting three-wheeler: cheap, practical commuting fun
By Loz Blain
02:00 February 3, 2009 PST
There was lots of interest last year when we wrote about Sidam's Xnovo, which essentially looked like a 500cc micro-minivan on three wheels. But the Xnovo hasn't materialized on the market yet, and its USD$10,000 projected price robs it of any practical claim to economy. The California-built AutoMoto, however, achieves many of the Xnovo's aims for less than half the price. It's got a roof, a windshield, wipers, an MP3 stereo, CVT, two seats and a large, lockable storage trunk - and it has three wheels, with two at the rear, which attach to a platform that allows the body to tilt when cornering. Its 150cc engine gets 83mpg in daily use - 30mpg better than the Toyota Prius - and it's much easier to park. It can squeeze through traffic like any other scoot, but it doesn't require a motorcycle license or helmet in many US states. The AutoMoto should prove itself to be a practical and fun way to get around and it looks like a bargain too, at only USD$3800.
Check out more about the AutoMoto, including lots more photos at TheBikerGene, or if you can brave the gratuitous Shania Twain music, take a look at the AutoMoto website.
It's nothing new. The Honda Gyro has been doing this for decades.
Spirit of 76
- February 4, 2009 @ 09:02 pm PST
I checked one out at a local scooter shop. They are definitely larger than the only Honda Gyro I've encountered which was years ago at an Indycar race, and I've never seen a gyro with the enclosure in the states though I have been told a few exist. In my opinion, they are easily large enough to ride two-up on, and I'm 230lbs. Not everyone needs to commute in an Escalade. I don't know if I'd trade my similarly priced Aprilia SR50 for it, but it could definitely be a low cost city dweller alternative to a traditional Automobile.
JohnN
- February 8, 2009 @ 12:02 pm PST
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Space for TWO?? C'mon guys, let's get real. Two midgets would have big time trouble on this most interesting vehicle.
TheRogue1000
- February 4, 2009 @ 05:02 pm PST