The Vivel Trike Isn't a Motorcycle or a Car, But Some Weird In-Betweener

The world of mobility is shifting. Gone are the days when the default choice was a massive gas-guzzling SUV or a hulking pickup truck—or at least, in some parts of the world. Cities are embracing smaller, more efficient, and more eco-friendly ways to get around.

Whether it’s e-bikes, electric scooters, or ultra-compact EVs, the trend is clear: smaller is the new smart. And now, we have the Vivel Trike—a three-wheeled electric vehicle that sits somewhere between a car and a motorcycle, but isn’t really one or the other. What we do know is that Vivel has designed it to be ultra practical, despite its petite size.

But can it really replace your car? Let’s dive in.

The Vivel Trike is an electric three-seater that can be charged at home using a standard power outlet. Unlike a motorcycle, it falls under the category of a “normal vehicle” under the Road Traffic Act in Japan, meaning it can legally be driven on public roads and highways with a standard driver’s license.

And since it’s technically not a motorcycle, you’re not even required to wear a helmet. Sounds convenient, right? Well, it depends.

To put things in perspective, the Vivel Trike is even smaller than the Smart ForTwo, making it one of the tiniest car-like vehicles of its kind. That means it’s small enough to be nimble, but large enough that it doesn’t belong on bike lanes or pedestrian paths.

Power-wise, Vivel seems to offer the Trike in two options:1,500W and 2,000W, translating to about two and 2.6 horsepower, respectively. So clearly, it’s meant for slow, urban commutes or transport within private property—not for tearing up the freeway. Plus, its top-tier model only boasts around 75 miles of range on a single charge. Not great, as some pedal-assist e-bikes promise more range than that.

What it does offer, however, is practicality. The latest version comes with several accessories, including a roof carrier for surfboards and camping gear, a dashcam with front and rear recording plus a built-in tire pressure monitor, a waterproof rain cover for outdoor storage, a smartphone holder with wireless charging, and rain protection side covers that come as standard to shield passengers from wind and rain.

Here’s where things get a little tricky. The Vivel Trike, while technically road-legal, has no business being on highways or major roads. Its speed, size, and structural limitations mean it’s a potential hazard—both for its occupants and for other road users. On the flip side, it’s way too large for bike lanes or pedestrian paths.

Well, for now, I think the best use case seems to be as a micro-mobility solution within controlled environments. Think golf courses, resort towns, university campuses, or private communities where top speeds don’t need to exceed 20 miles per hour. If cities start developing infrastructure to accommodate vehicles like this—perhaps dedicated lanes for low-speed electric mobility—then the Vivel Trike could become a much more viable option.

So to answer the question I posed at the start of this story: No, it’s not a car replacement, at least not yet, and not in its current form. While the Vivel Trike is undeniably convenient for short trips and controlled environments, it doesn’t have the safety, range, or versatility to replace even the smallest city cars. But does it have a place? Absolutely.

It’s not badass. It won’t give you an adrenaline rush. It’s more like a cross between a golf cart and a mobility scooter than anything resembling a real car. But in the right setting, it could make a lot of sense. Whether that setting becomes more widespread depends on how cities adapt to the changing landscape of personal transport. Until then, the Vivel Trike remains a cool but niche alternative in the growing world of compact mobility.