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Vehicle with three wheels

A three wheeler is a vehicle with three wheels. Some are motorized tricycles, which may be legally classed as motorcycles, while others are tricycles without a motor, some of which are human powered vehicles and animal powered vehicles.

Many three wheelers which exist in the form of motorcycle based machines are often called trikes and often have the front single wheel and mechanics similar to that of a motorcycle and the rear axle similar to that of a car. Often such vehicles are owner constructed using a portion of a rear engine, rear drive Volkswagen Beetle in combination with a motorcycle front end. Other trikes include that are specially constructed for off road use. Three wheelers can have either one wheel at the back and two at the front (2F1R), (for example: Morgan Motor Company) or one wheel at the front and two at the back (1F2R) (such as the Reliant Robin). Due to better safety when braking, an increasingly popular form is the front steering "tadpole" or "reverse trike" sometimes with front drive but usually with rear drive. A variant on the 'one at the front' layout was the Scott Sociable, which resembled a four wheeler with a front wheel missing. Three wheelers, including some cyclecars, bubble cars and microcars, are built for economic and legal reasons: in the UK for tax advantages, or in the US to take advantage of lower safety regulations, being classed as motorcycles. As a result of their light construction and potential better streamlining, three wheeled cars are usually less expensive to operate. Some inexpensive three wheelers have been designed specifically to improve mobility for disabled people. Three wheeler transport vehicles known as auto rickshaws are a common means of public transportation in many countries in the world, and are an essential form of urban transport in many developing countries such as India and the Philippines.

Early automotive pioneer Karl Benz developed a number of three wheeled models. One of these, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, is regarded as the first purpose built automobile. It was made in 1885. In 1896, John Henry Knight showed a tri car at The Great Exhibition.

A configuration of two wheels in the front and one wheel at the back presents two advantages: it has improved aerodynamics, and that it readily enables the use of a small lightweight motorcycle powerplant and rear wheel. This approach was used by the Messerschmitt KR200 and BMW Isetta. Alternatively, a more conventional front engine, front wheel drive layout as is common in four wheeled cars can be used, with subsequent advantages for transversal stability (the center of mass is further to the front) and traction (two driven wheels instead of one). Some vehicles have a front engine driving the single rear wheel, similar to the rear engine driving the rear wheel. The wheel must support acceleration loads as well as lateral forces when in a turn, and loss of traction can be a challenge. A new tadpole configuration has been proposed with a rear engine driving the front wheels. This concept (Dragonfly Three Wheeler) claims both stability and traction (two driven wheels), as well as a unique driving experience. With two wheels in the front (the "tadpole" form or "reverse trike") the vehicle is far more stable in braking turns, but remains more prone to overturning in normal turns compared to an equivalent four wheeled vehicle, unless the center of mass is lower and/or further forward. Motorcycle derived designs suffer from most of the weight being toward the rear of the vehicle. For lower wind resistance (which increases fuel efficiency), a teardrop shape is often used. A teardrop is wide and round at the front, tapering at the back. The three wheel configuration allows the two front wheels to create the wide round surface of the vehicle. The single rear wheel allows the vehicle to taper at the back. Examples include the Aptera (solar electric vehicle) and Myers Motors NmG.

Having one wheel in front and two in the rear for power reduces the cost of the steering mechanism but greatly decreases lateral stability when cornering while braking. When the single wheel is in the front (the "delta" form, as in a child's pedal tricycle), the vehicle is inherently unstable in a braking turn, as the combined tipping forces at the center of mass from turning and braking can rapidly extend beyond the triangle formed by the contact patches of the wheels. This type, if not tipped, also has a greater tendency to spin out ("swap ends") when handled roughly.

To improve stability some three wheelers are designed to tilt while cornering like a motorcyclist would do. The tilt may be controlled manually, mechanically or by computer. A tilting three wheeler's body or wheels, or both, tilt in the direction of the turn. Such vehicles can corner safely even with a narrow track. Some tilting three wheelers could be considered to be forms of feet forward motorcycles or cabin motorcycles or both.

Here are three notable examples of solar powered three wheelers; two race cars, the Infinium and the Sky Ace TIGA, and a vehicle planned for production, the Aptera. The Infinium, built by the University of Michigan Solar Car Team, came in 3rd place in the 2009 World Solar Challenge held in Australia, and won the 2010 American Solar Challenge. Ashiya University's Sky Ace TIGA achieved at Shimojishima Airport, in Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan, to win the Guinness World Record, on 20 August 2014. It took the record from another three wheeler, Sunswift IV, designed and built at the University of New South Wales in Australia, by a margin of almost 3 km/h. The Aptera solar electric vehicle uses a tadpole layout and is being designed to have a top speed of over 100 mph. The Aptera uses 42 KW in wheel electric motors and can be ordered with two (front wheel drive) or three (all wheel drive) motors. The Aptera's roof and dashboard, and optionally its hood and hatch, are fitted with solar panels, with the full compliment being designed to add a range of up to 40 miles per day and 11,000 miles per year in the sunniest climates. First customer availability is planned for before the end of 2024.

The world's first full size self propelled land vehicle was a three wheeler. French Army Captain Nicolas Joseph Cugnot's 1770 fardier à vapeur (steam dray), a steam tricycle with a top speed of around 3 km/h (2 mph), was intended for hauling artillery. Another of the earliest preserved examples is the Long steam tricycle, built by George A. Long around 1880 and patented in 1883, now on display at the Smithsonian Institution.

The Whike is a recumbent tricycle with a sail, made in the Netherlands.

Due to the incidence of injuries and deaths related to their use, a 10 year ban, entirely voluntary for manufacturers, was placed on the sale of new three wheeled all terrain vehicles in the United States in January 1988. More injuries were sustained by riders by not applying a proper riding technique, and lack of wearing proper safety gear such as helmets and riding boots. In a search conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it was determined that "no inherent flaw was found in the three wheel design".

In the U. S, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines and regulates three wheeled vehicles as motorcycles. However, in 2015 a bill was introduced in Congress that would prevent some three wheeled vehicles from being classified as motorcycles in the United States, instead creating a new classification for "autocycles". Driver's license and registration requirements vary on a state by state basis. Some states require drivers of three wheeled vehicles to have a motorcycle license and register the vehicle as a motorcycle. Some states, including Virginia, Kansas, and Indiana, classify some three wheeled vehicles as autocycles. Virginia defines an autocycle as "a three wheeled motor vehicle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride and is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles." Indiana defines it as "a three (3) wheeled motor vehicle in which the operator and passenger ride in a completely or partially enclosed seating area that is equipped with:(1) a rollcage or roll hoops; (2) safety belts for each occupant; and (3) antilock brakes;and is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals." In other jurisdictions, such as British Columbia, Canada, and Connecticut, a three wheeled vehicle with an enclosed passenger compartment or partially enclosed seat is considered an automobile.

Name Country Years manufactured Comments Léon Bollée Voiturette France 1895–? TriPodCars Tripod 1 Australia 2012–? 400 kg Reverse Trike, Bandit 1250, ZX14R (200+ hp) and EV Berkeley Cars Berkeley T60 England 1959 Egg Switzerland 1896–99 Advance 6 hp air cooled Tri Car and 9 hp water cooled Tri Car England 1902–12 Humber Tricar England 1904 Riley Olympia Tricar England 1904 Mars Carette England 1904–05 Mars Motors Co existed in Finchley, London, White and Poppe water cooled engine, Single cylinder, 3.3 kW Lagonda Tricar England 1904–07 total production: 69 cars Anglian England 1905–07 Armadale England 1906–07 Ranger Cub England 1970–1980 Reverse Trike/Tadpole, A Series engine 848 1275cc Morgan V Twin and F Series England 1911–39, 1932–52 Morgan Super Sports 2 Seater 1937 American Tri Car United States 1912 Birmingham Small Arms Company Three Wheeler England 1929–36 1100cc engine Zaschka Germany 1929 Folding three wheeler: Zaschka Three wheeler 1929 Dymaxion car United States 1933 Concept car designed by Buckminster Fuller Mathis VEL 333 France 1946 3 seats, flat twin front engine, aluminium body, production less than 10 units Fend Flitzer Germany 1948 1951 1 seat, Messerschmitt kabinenroller precursor, production about 250 units 1951 Hoffmann Germany 1951 2 seats, aluminium body, engine mounted on the rear wheel steering pivot Velorex Oskar and other models Czechoslovakia 1951–71 Originally with leather bodies Isetta UK 1957–62 Three wheeled version of the Isetta built in the UK to take advantage of tax and licensing regulations Scootacar UK 1957–64 Messerschmitt KR175 Germany 1953–55 Messerschmitt KR200 Germany 1955–64 Peel P50 Isle of Man 1963–64 Smallest production car ever built HM Vehicles Free way United States 1979–82 Campagna T Rex Canada 1996–present Skunk SS|TAZR United Kingdom 1999–present High power internal combustion and pure electric versions released November 2010 Cree SAM Switzerland 2001 Electric, only 80 produced Myers Motors NmG ("No more Gas") United States 2006–present Single occupant all electric plug in BRP Can Am Spyder RoadsterCan Am Spyder Roadster Canada 2007–present The Can Am Spyder is a three wheeled motorcycle manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products. Brudeli 645L Norway 2008– Moonbeam United States 2008–present 100 mpg DIY, fabric covered car based on parts from two Honda 150cc motorscooters Triac United States 2009–2011 Electric, never entered production XR 3 Hybrid United States Plans–2008, Kit–2009 Front 3 cylinder diesel (125 mpg), rear electric 40 mile range (220 mpg when used as a hybrid) Aptera (solar electric vehicle) United States 2022 planned Solar powered Electric Triton Trike United States 2000–present Gas powered, 42+ mpg, front wheel drive, custom builds and kits available Nobe GT100 Estonia & United States 2021 planned Electric, powered at all 3 wheels Polaris Slingshot United States 2015–presentVanderhall Laguna RoadsterUnited States2016–2018Exotic Auto cycle, mono aluminum chassis, carbon fiber body, 200 HP, 1550 pounds dry weight, side by side seating, fwd. 1.4 liter turbo GM power plant. 6 speed Automatic with paddle shift option. Manufactured by Vanderhall Motor Works in Provo, Utah U. S. AVanderhall VeniceUnited States2017–presentThe mainstay of the Vanderhall line up, the Venice brings the soul of roadster motoring while extending effortless performance in kind. Vanderhall CarmelUnited States2020–presentThe Vanderhall Carmel brings more luxury and convenience to the Carmel lineup. With provisions to accommodate a removable capshade, the Carmel promises additional class and comfort for your journey. Vanderhall EdisonUnited States2020–presentThe Edison2: A fully electric roadster that combines refined and eye catching design while maintaining classic, elegant lines. Unplug and play has been redefined Elio Motors Shreveport, LA, United States Awaiting fundingTwo passenger fully enclosed cockpit with car controlsGirfalco Azkarra Canada 2017 All electric two passenger three wheeled vehicle, possibly the quickest three wheeler Go3Wheeler United States 2014 single person three wheeler Corbin Sparrow Piaggio MP3 Tri Magnum United States Tilting 3 wheeler capable of seating two people. Volkswagen GX3Morgan 3 WheelerEngland2012–presentThe power train is a 1983cc ‘V twin’ fuel injected engine mated to a Mazda 5 speed (and reverse) gearboxFuel Vapours AléCanada2005–presentPrototype. Gets 92 mpg. Arcimoto FUVUnited States2019–presentTwo passenger all electric, 102 mile range CityFiberfab Scarab STMUnited States1976Kit car with canopy door manufactured by FiberfabBricklin 3EVUnited StatesPlannedTwo passenger electric vehicle from Malcolm Bricklin.

Name Country Years manufactured Comments Apino Brazil unknown Mini Truck Benz Patent Motorwagen Germany 1886–93 Eco Fueler USA 2009–2011 2 seater built in Oregon. La Va Bon Train France 1904–10 50–100 believed built Davis D 2 Divan United States 1947–48 about 13–17 built, including the 494, a Jeep like military vehicle Scammell Scarab England 1948–67 Autoette United States 1948–70 Daihatsu Bee Japan 1951–1952 Daihatsu Midget Japan 1957–72 Mazda T 2000 Japan 1957–74 Mazda K360 Japan 1959–69 Mazda T600 Japan 1959–71Kia K 360 South Korea 1962–1973 Kia's first truck (OEM Mazda K 360) Kia T 1500 South Korea 1963–? 1484 cc, 60 hp, four cylinder and a maximum load of 1.5 tons. (OEM Mazda T 1500) Kia T 600 South Korea 1969–1974 577cc, 20 HP and 500 kg load. Top speed of 75 km/h. 7726 produced (OEM Mazda T 600) Kia T 2000 South Korea 1967–1981 1985 cc, 81 hp, four cylinder and a maximum load of 2 tons. 15952 produced (OEM Mazda T 2000) Piaggio Ape Italy 1948–present Electra King United States 1964?–1980s? Two seater electric car Bond 875 England 1965–70 Bond Bug England 1970–74 Reliant Robin England 1973–81, 1989–2002 Reliant Regal England 1953–1973An example of this vehicle is the iconic van belonging to Del Boy and Rodney Trotter in the long running BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, though it is often incorrectly referred to as a Reliant Robin. GM Lean Machine United States 1980s Tilt, concept car TriVette United States 1974–1976 Twike Germany 1995–present Electric human power hybrid, developed in Switzerland ZAP Xebra United States 2006–2009 electric power eTuk United States 2014– re designed tuk tuk for the US Market, including an all electric motor Snyder ST600 c United States 2011–2012Imported by Snyder Technologies / Wildfire Motors, this is a rebrand of the Fulu Motors 富路金骏马, Fulu Jinjunma in English. Referred to as the 09 golden horse internally. Carver Netherlands 2007–2009 Tilt CityEl Denmark Mini El, City El CLEVER Harley Davidson Servi Car United States 1932 1973 Harley Davidson Tri Glide United States since 2009