Executive Brief
A new entrant in micro-mobility, the Vigoz pedal trike blends semi-recumbent ergonomics with a chainless, pedal-to-electric drivetrain. It is engineered not merely for bike lanes but for mixed urban and peri-urban travel—right up to highway-compatible speeds in the planned series model. Two years of iterative prototypes, integration of “looks-like” and “works-like” mules, and a clear path toward certification indicate a project moving beyond concept. Improbable at first glance? Perhaps. Deliverable—on paper and in testing—yes!
Why It Matters—And to Whom?
From “assisted cycling” to “active driving”
For commuters who want EV practicality without abandoning physical activity, Vigoz proposes a middle ground: you pedal, the motor responds, and the vehicle handles like a stabilized three-wheeler with weather protection. Not an e-bike. Not a car. Something deliberately in-between.
Everyday use, not a weekend toy
Errands, school runs, crosstown commutes, shoulder-season rides—tasks that defeat many open-frame trikes—are squarely in scope thanks to a closed cabin, seat belts, and utility-oriented packaging. Real life, in other words.
Design and Ergonomics
Semi-Recumbent Posture with Road-Height Presence
- Seating: Semi-reclined position to reduce aerodynamic drag while preserving forward visibility.
- Sightlines: Head height designed to keep the pilot visible among cars—no “lost in traffic” sensation.
- Controls: Side grips near the torso minimize shoulder load; steering inputs remain precise even during tilt.
Active Tilting—Stability When It Counts
An active-tilt chassis keeps the trike composed in quick transitions, improving tire contact in bends and emergency maneuvers. The result? Greater confidence at speed and calmer corrections in gusty crosswinds.
Drivetrain and Energy Management
PERS—Pedal Energy, Electrically Routed
The Vigoz replaces chains and belts with a pedal-to-electric (generator) interface. Your cadence and torque translate directly into motor commands:
- Press to accelerate;
- Ease off to coast;
- Retro-pedal to slow or reverse—smoothly, without mechanical clatter.
Regeneration and Battery Strategy
Regenerative braking returns deceleration energy to the pack, extending useful range in stop-and-go traffic and reducing wear on friction components. Fewer moving parts, fewer maintenance touchpoints—deliberately.
Performance and Range
From Prototype Proofs to Series Targets
- Prototype testing: Demonstrated stability work and high-speed capability in controlled runs.
- Series intent: Aims for highway-compatible top speed, with commute-length range suited to daily use.
- Charging: Designed around ordinary home outlets; no dependency on public fast chargers for routine operation.
Fast starts from lights, calm lane merges, predictable braking—this is the behavior envelope the project optimizes for. Not lap records. Not stunt speeds. Everyday realism.
Cabin, Safety, and Practicality
Occupant Protection and Comfort
- Three-point seat belts and an energy-absorbing structure signal automotive thinking.
- HVAC and sliding windows extend riding seasons beyond fair weather.
Utility Platform—Because Life Carries Cargo
An open rear platform (configurable for a second seat, pet crate, or bulky items) converts the vehicle from solo commuter to school-run shuttle or market hauler. Form follows function.
Key Specifications (Target/Program Highlights)
| Aspect | Program Direction |
| Drivetrain | Chainless pedal-generator (drive-by-wire pedaling) |
| Chassis | Active-tilting, three-wheel layout |
| Seating | Semi-recumbent, belted |
| Weather Protection | Enclosed cabin with HVAC |
| Range & Speed | Commuter-length range; highway-compatible series target |
| Charging | Standard domestic outlet (home-charging oriented) |
| Utility | Rear platform for passenger/cargo |
Figures are program-level targets and may be refined during certification and industrialization.
How Is This Different?
Versus Conventional E-Bikes and Velomobiles
Most e-bikes are regulated around low assisted speeds and rely on open frames and chains. Vigoz:
- Targets greater speed envelopes and road integration;
- Uses a generator-based pedal interface, not a chain;
- Adds belts, enclosure, HVAC, and an active-tilt chassis.
Versus Micro-EVs and Quadricycles
Many micro-EVs omit pedaling altogether. Vigoz integrates meaningful rider input—not for propulsion alone, but as a primary control surface that harmonizes effort, speed, and regeneration. A different philosophy of “active transport.”
Use Cases and Scenarios
Commuting Across Mixed Terrain
Suburban hills, ring roads, city cores. Charge at home overnight, pedal in, park in tight spaces, pedal out. Range anxiety? Mitigated by predictable consumption and home-based energy.
Short Errands—Done Efficiently
Groceries, school drop-offs, gym runs. Reverse via retro-pedal for snug parking. Weather turns? Cabin warmth (or cooling) keeps the routine intact.
Development Path and Outlook
Integration → Certification → Series
The platform has moved from isolated subsystems to integrated prototypes, with series-intent design converging around manufacturable components. Next milestones:
- Certification in the target road category;
- Supplier lock-in and tooling;
- Pilot builds for early customers and fleet partners.
The Big Question
Will users embrace “active driving” as a daily habit—exercise woven into mobility—without sacrificing arrival time or comfort? Indications are promising. The proof, as always, lies in series vehicles on real roads.
Conclusion
A chainless, semi-recumbent, actively tilting trike that you control with your legs and steer with relaxed hands—built for weather, errands, and speed envelopes beyond typical e-bikes. That is the Vigoz proposition. Ambitious? Absolutely. But coherent—technically, ergonomically, and in terms of use-case logic. If the production model lands as outlined, the category between bicycle and car gains a credible, road-ready contender.
