Are Three-Wheeled Vehicles Like The Elio And The Cam-Am The Future?

Most people grew up riding tricycles or big wheels as young children before graduating to the two-wheeled bicycle (with or without training wheels) and eventually evolving to drive four wheels in a true road-legal car or truck. But recently, the three-wheeled vehicle has made a comeback in a huge way, and is now poised to become the “it” mode of transportation of the future.

Roadways are congested and traffic in any major city resembles a parking lot at least twice a day (or all day if you happen to live in Southern California). The three-wheeled revolution could very well be the key to cutting down on gridlock, and gas mileage. The overall cost to purchase and maintain a three-wheeled vehicle makes it the smart choice for those looking for a mode of transportation to and from work, or for very short distances.

There have been huge advancements in three-wheeled vehicles. No longer are the “trikes for adults” relegated solely to off-roading and back woods joyriding. These new three-wheelers are street legal, and depending on the make, are either classified as a motorcycle or a car. Let’s take a look at some of the few models that are out there, or will be very soon.

First up is the Cam-Am Spyder. Manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products, the Spyder comes in three different series, and it is classified as a motorcycle in most states and is subject to helmet laws where applicable. The Spyder has a 5-speed manual transmission and anti-lock brakes, which is standard on most models. According to Motorcycle.com, BRP rolled out the Spyder in 2007 and according to the Can-Am website, the 2014 “Roadster” features significant upgrades across the board.

Harley-Davidson has also joined the three-wheeled revolution with their own version, but so far only in Japan, according to a report in Forbes. The Tri-Glide is another bike-classified vehicle, and would be held to motorcycle rules and guidelines. This vehicle is only available in Japan as of now, but if demand is warranted, Harley-Davidson will most assuredly open the Tri-Glide to a more global audience.

The Polaris Slingshot is another three-wheeled bike that is also classified as a motorcycle. According to Forbes, this means the vehicle does not meet to meet certain safety standard in regards to airbags bumpers and collapsible steering columns. Also, helmet laws would apply. The Slingshot is unique as even though it is a three-wheeled bike, it is a two seater, side-by-side., and the driver uses a wheel to steer. Peculiar to look at, and as Forbes argues, possibly dangerous to ride in. It looks neat, though.

Lastly is the newest player in the market, The Elio. As reported here on The Inquisitr just recently, The Elio is a three-wheeled, all-enclosed vehicle, which classifies it as a motor vehicle. You must be licensed to drive, and you must wear a safety belt while operating. There is only one door for this two-seater, but both passengers ride tandem. The big selling point on the Elio–when it actually makes it to the market in the late 2015–is that it’s affordable at $6,500, and it is reported to get 84 miles to the gallon, making it one of the most fuel-efficient motor vehicles on the road. Not even Daimler’s Smart Car can match that, and the Smart Car sells for four times the price. Here is a video produced by Elio Motors touting their product.

With crowded roadways and gas prices that skyrocket at the first sign of unrest ’round the world, commuters are looking for new and affordable alternatives to get from point A to point B. Three-wheeled vehicles seem to be poised to take over that spot and could very well be the future of transportation as we know it. No, we won’t have flying cars–not yet, anyway–but three-wheels is cheaper and more ec0-friendly than four, wouldn’t you say?