Honda's Concept Trike for the Urban Commuter

I like it, but 3-wheeled vehicles are notoriously unstable. A low center of gravity might help, but not truly solve the problem. I'm not sure I understand the aversion to adding a fourth wheel, but superior safety to a scooter in any case.

@Whys333

That's only true when the single wheel is steering and in front, this is a reverse trike.

@Whys333

Three wheels means it can be classified a motorcycle, no heavy bumper and less safety regulations (...well different, but read as cheaper and lighter). That and the added stability compared to a two wheel design means no putting your feet down at red lights. Not to mention the top CLOSES (at least per the picture) meaning no squishy wet seat, and the controls stay dry.

This vehicle reminds me of something i saw in A.I.

I agree with Abigaygayle, it does remind me of some that I saw in A.I. The the style of the vehicle is striking as body magic. I think I would purchase one if I didn't have such a large family. I currently trying to get my shape back, so maybe I could fit on that thing. milliondollarshape

Mikhailian, a chair with 3 legs is less stable than a chair with 4, no matter how you arrange them. But you have a point; better to steer with 2.

Aliasless, that makes a lot of sense now. Thank you.

@Mikhailian

The reason that the old trikes were unstable was because their center of gravity was too far towards the back, and sudden forward acceleration would flip them. This trike has the same potential to flip if sudden reverse acceleration occurs (if the driver hits the brakes hard). However, Honda could have accounted for this problem by placing more weight in the rear of the vehicle. It just depends on where the engineers put the heavy stuff like, in this case, the batteries.

@ Whys333

you got that wrong idea there because a 3 legged chair is always more stable then a chair with 4 legs. it takes a lot of work to make a 4 legged chair not rock, but it doesn't matter how uneven the legs on the three legged chair are because it will always have equal contact on each leg.

the same hold true for wheels and legs in machines like this.

mad_max, been there, done that. It's not so much the realizing you've flipped over that sucks, it's the smell of gasoline pouring down on you.

dex drako, rocking due to unevenness has little to do with tip-over potential. A chair with 20 legs can rock due to unevenness, but would definitely be much harder to tip-over. Anyway, I do at least have confidence in Honda's ability to make the wheel struts the same length. :)

In reality, it is really no more practical than a regular motorcycle. How many people would want to drive it to work in the rain?

@HBillyRufus
When the alternative is to walk, bike, or get on the bus with smelly wet people? Quite a few, I would imagine.

looks like a mod from CAN-AMs Spyder
probably not quite as safe... ive driven a Sypder and i almost threw myself off trying to see if i could tip it! (it took alot of work just to do it) i tried leaning off from the turns, power clutching while turning.
for as small as it is, its pretty accurate. and well balanced for a trike bike.
on this trike/car the ACG (average center of gravity) doesnt look to safe for someone close to 6ft. but then again im sure they already thought that this wouldnt be for everyone.

ROTF! The PUMA looks like something from an old ROBOCOP movie.

It wont work if it isnt advertised well. It is also pointless for people who live in rural areas, or those that have to commute to the city for work. But for people who live in the city it looks like it could make you waste alot less money. People still wont buy it ecause it does not look like a conventional car.

*sci_fi_guy* Totally correct, I thought the same thing when i saw it. I actually own a spyder and love it, and drive it every day, even in the rain.

Is it the perfect family vehicle, no of course not but for the solo commuter its perfect. Its stable enough that its probably better than the average motorcycle but its not a car. Only advantage a motorcycle has is ability to split lanes and perhaps a few miles more per gallon. Would have a hard time to give up my spyder its the most fun vehicle I have ever driven.

Sure its not going to replace cars either but between the spyder, this thing and the Puma. Spyder wins, but only cause Its real, this is nothing but a marketing tool and a Engineering Concept. If and when it crosses over into production they are still unlikely to flood the market cause people do not accept drastic change, that being said its real influence will be felt in how other designs are changed over time, car canopies that lift out instead of doors, more open air arrangements and this type of thing.

Love to see one and test drive it though.

what if it rains while your driving?

It seems with a little more effort they could make a complete canopy to cover the rider. Then we would not need the helmets, certainly much better for us ladies. They could make it streamlined hinging forward.

I think the best thing about a two-wheeler is that you would be able to drive through heavy traffic between car mirrors, having a fat three-wheeler.. i think youll have alot of angry drivers with their mirrors broken.

Just my $.02 :P

They should turn it into a three-wheeled car that has the hatch down. That way the vehicle could be more streamlined.

no this would just make the honda reputation worse, just look at the T:Prius, it has brake problems, this car or vehicle whatever you wanna call it will be a trouble maker...

It does look like a regular scooter with loads more plastic. Yet it so cool and futuristic. I am sure it will be a hit with scooter riders.

www.getapproved.com.au

What a trend setter. I can see many of the Asian scooters riders going for this (if its sold to that market). Very funky.

www.premierplates.co.uk

Looks good but maybe its just got too much plastic on the sides..it could have pedals for all we know.Think its the black helmet but makes the guy look like a James Bond villan too...;-)
www.carwithbadcredit.co.uk

It's all really cool!
http://www.chinaloaders.com
http://www.encarbon.com