Imagine a vehicle that is neither a bike nor a car, but one that offers the workout and comfort of a car. A vehicle that can reach highway speeds of up to 75 mph, equivalent to 120 km/h. That vehicle is the Cixi Vigoz. It’s a three-wheeled and chainless pedal-powered machine produced by a French e-mobility company.
What is the Cixi Vigoz?
The Vigoz is a weatherproof cabin that has two seats and boasts a 100-mile range (160 km). The vehicle is developed by a French e-mobility company based in Haute-Savoie, called Cixi, as suggested by its full name.
It is powered by a chainless pedaling Energy Recovery System (PERS) that converts energy generated from pedaling into electricity. Unlike traditional e-bikes, it has a sleek and enclosed cabin.
It has a recumbent seat that allows the rider to sit in a position that enables them to pedal comfortably. It has three-point seatbelts and a seat for a passenger, pet, or cargo just behind the rider’s seat. Considering its top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) and 100-mile range, it is perfectly built for highway trips and urban commutes.
How does Vigoz’s Chainless Technology Work?
The Vigoz is inspired by Formula 1’s Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Instead of having chains like traditional bikes and e-bikes, it has a crank system that captures energy from pedaling and converts it into electricity to power a hub motor. This system enables a rider to control speed and braking intuitively by pedaling forward to speed and backward to brake.
It feels like a custom bike ride by how pedal resistance auto-adjusts in real time depending on the rider’s preference. It boasts a 22-kWh under-floor battery that boosts its power and range. The battery recharges through regenerative braking. The regenerative braking also extends brake pad life.
A rider can still drive the vehicle even when the battery dies by pedaling. However, without the electric assist, pedaling becomes a tougher workout.
What Makes the Vigoz Unique?
Here are the features of Vigoz that make it a special vehicle:
- It targets a highway-ready speed of 75 mph, which is faster than typical e-bikes. Its prototype has already been tested at 62 mph (100 km/h).
- It has an enclosed cabin with windows and an HVAS system that ensures riders are comfortable regardless of the weather.
- It has a sturdy chassis with energy-absorbing elements and an active tilting system for cornering, ensuring safety and stability at high speeds.
- It has a recumbent design where the rider sits low with their head just 51 inches above the ground. This allows optimal visibility and a comfortable pedaling position. It also enables comfortable steering via joystick-like handles.
- It also has versatile cargo space with an open rear area that can fit a passenger, pet, or luggage. This makes it a practical vehicle for everyday use.
Why the Vigoz is a Big Deal for E-Mobility?
By 2030, the global e-mobility market is expected to reach $325 billion due to the demand for eco-friendly and compact urban vehicles. The Vigoz is a perfect fit because it combines the exercise of cycling with the comfort and speed of a car. It is also capable of highway speeds, unlike many e-vehicles that prioritize low cost over performance.
Unlike traditional bikes and e-bikes, the Vigoz has a chainless system that eliminates mechanical constraints. This offers a smoother and more intuitive ride. Additionally, it transforms passive drivers into healthy and active experiences.
How Will the Vigoz Be Available?
Cixi has no plan to sell the Vigoz for private ownership. Instead, it plans to offer it through a subscription model similar to a streaming service or a food delivery app. This means that although you can be a sole user, you can’t own it outright. This model targets fleet services like parcel delivery or taxis.
Cixi will make it available for reservations once it has finalized the production timeline. Its pricing is still undisclosed.
Conclusion
The Vigoz is not just an unconventional vehicle but a foretaste of the future of urban mobility. Its pedaling system offers a greener and healthier alternative to cars. Its speed also makes it ideal for highways and practical for everyday use.
The Vigoz offers a special kind of ride, whether you are an eco-conscious driver or just a cutting-edge tech enthusiast.
Stay up-to-date for its launch.