Imagine a vehicle that requires you to pedal, accelerates up to 120 km/h, and yet looks like a small futuristic car. This is not a fantasy but a real project from the French startup Cixi – their new product Vigoz combines features of a bicycle, a motorcycle, and an electric car.
Cixi has been working on eco-friendly urban transport for ten years. Currently, they produce chainless pedal modules called Pers at their own factory in the city of Annecy, but the main goal is the serial production of the two-seater Vigoz with a tandem seating arrangement. Here, the driver and passenger sit one behind the other, and in the absence of a passenger, the backrest of the rear seat folds down, creating space for cargo. For loading, there is a separate small door at the rear, and luggage can be secured on the roof thanks to special mounts.
The Vigoz is built on a “two wheels at the front – one at the rear” scheme and can lean into turns like a motorcycle. This kinematics makes handling dynamic and allows for confident cornering. Under the floor is a 22 kWh battery that charges from a household outlet in about 6 hours and provides a range of approximately 160 km. Part of this range depends on how actively the owner pedals – the load level can be adjusted to one’s preference.
The interior is also unusual: the steering wheel resembles a bicycle’s more, there is a separate emergency brake pedal underfoot, and above the pedals – two displays. Glass inserts in the roof create an “aquarium” effect and provide excellent visibility.
The Vigoz weighs about 550 kg and does not have airbags, so its mission is not to storm race tracks but to provide fast rides through narrow streets or picturesque villages. The manufacturer promises that you won’t have to buy the vehicle – it will be available by subscription, the cost of which will depend on the chosen tariff.
Cixi has not yet announced a start date for sales, but it is already obvious that the Vigoz could become a favorite for those who want to combine their commute to work with daily fitness while remaining mobile and eco-friendly.