Unusual: Discover the tilting three-wheeled electric bike

American manufacturer Arcimoto has unveiled the new evolution of its three-wheeled electric bike prototype, the Mean Lean Machine.

In a booming bike world, new concepts are always emerging and surprising. The American builder Arcimoto, specialized in “trike” type three-wheeled vehicles, continues developing its curious bike.

A typical blend of genres for Arcimoto

This vehicle is called MLM or “Mean Lean Machine”, meaning “Badass Machine” in French, incorporating the word “Lean” which signifies lightweight. Because Arcimoto is shifting from heavy vehicles to this bike of a new kind. Its goal is to be the antithesis of the GMC Hummer EV, the electric 4×4 weighing over 4 tons. The manufacturer presents it here in its fourth evolution, which it calls “Cybertrike”. Possibly a reference to Tesla Cybertruck?

Indeed, the rough and ready look and the solid wheels of this Arcimoto MLM are a bit futuristic. It’s also close to a 3-wheeled scooter, with the two front wheels, a high handlebars providing a comfortable position, with a straight back, all on a seat with new suspension.

To turn, you don’t pivot the handlebars but lean. According to the brand, this offers “better performance, plus increased safety, stability, and confidence”. However, the tires are very thin, like those of a bicycle. The advantage is a reduced ground surface, requiring less engine power.

A bike that can be recharged by pedaling at a standstill

Regarding the motor part, most of it is at the front. The Arcimoto Mean Lean Vehicle runs via three motors in the wheels (now made of carbon), so no chain or transmission. Of course, you need to pedal to activate the system, like an electric-assist bike. And there are no gears to shift.

It is also possible to recharge the battery while stopped! The battery is located at the front, partly balancing the masses. The designers had previously expressed the desire to house the main battery behind the axle, but this prototype still has a temporary elevated battery. The additional battery is housed at the front, in the bag visible with its blue pouch. In total, it could cover 320 kilometers using these batteries.

And this is not just a concept, since Arcimoto will launch the final version this fall 2022! No word on the price, but pre-orders have begun with a $100 deposit (about 99 euros today). However, the brand mentioned a price similar to that of electric bikes for the base version “SideWinder”. But as their prices vary from simple to ten times higher, it’s difficult to give a precise range.

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