CIXI VIGOZ: You will soon pedal at 120 km/h on the highway
This page is translated from the original post "CIXI VIGOZ : vous pédalerez bientôt à 120 km/h sur l’autoroute" in French.
- 07/09/2025 10:34
With the VIGOZ, the French startup CIXI unveils a vehicle that is part bicycle, part car, reaching speeds of 120 km/h while integrating human effort into propulsion.
Pedaling at 120 km/h on the highway. The (scary) idea seems straight out of science fiction, but it could soon become a reality thanks to a French startup located near Annecy. Its name: CIXI. Its invention: the VIGOZ, an “active vehicle” that aims to reconcile the human body, electromobility, and speed, while providing climate comfort (rain protection and air conditioning) and safety reminiscent of a small car.
The VIGOZ resembles nothing known. Neither a bicycle, nor a scooter, nor a car, this two-seater tricycle offers a unique driving experience. Its uniqueness lies in a patented technology, the PERS, or Pedaling Energy Recovery System. Here, there is no chain, no belt: the rider’s effort is converted into electrical energy and directly integrated into the vehicle’s operation.
Peddling not only extends the range, promised at 160 kilometers thanks to a 22 kWh battery housed in the floor, but also assists with acceleration, activates regenerative braking, and even allows for reverse by pedaling backward. A way to make driving both intuitive, fun, and carbon-free.
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Car-like performance?
The VIGOZ claims performance worthy of a conventional motor vehicle: 120 km/h maximum speed, 6 hours of charging from a standard household outlet, and a range that allows for excursions well beyond urban trips. And above all, an approval expected for all public roads, including highways, which would make it a world first.
In terms of design, CIXI has chosen a streamlined and compact silhouette, with three wheels and an active leaning system that ensures stability and agility in curves. The enclosed cabin, standing at 1.65 meters, protects occupants from the elements and aims to reassure those who fear the exposure of a traditional bicycle.
It features 3-point seat belts, a chassis that absorbs energy in the event of a collision, ventilation, and air conditioning for year-round use. At the rear, the modular space can accommodate a passenger, a child, a pet, or luggage, transforming the VIGOZ into a versatile companion for daily life.
On the road soon?
Through this project, CIXI also displays a territorial ambition. The design, research and development, as well as assembly are carried out in Haute-Savoie. The startup is focused on local and sustainable production, with a vehicle lifecycle estimated at at least 15 years, and software updates available remotely.
Currently, the VIGOZ is not yet available for sale. Prototypes are being tested on the road, and high-speed tests have validated the concept. However, the crucial step of obtaining approval still remains, followed by the launch of pre-reservations. No price has been disclosed, but CIXI assures that it aims for a competitive pricing structure compared to small electric cars. It should be noted that it will not be possible to purchase the VIGOZ, but offers for long-term rentals promise attractive rates.
So, in a few years, could one say to colleagues: “I came to the office by bicycle… on the highway”? If CIXI manages to keep its promise, this wink could very well become a daily habit.
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