Three-Wheelers That Defy Logic
Let's be honest—three-wheeled cars are the weird cousins of the automotive world. They're quirky, fun, and sometimes downright questionable when it comes to road safety. Yet, somehow, they manage to pass regulations and share the streets with four-wheeled "normal" cars. So, buckle up (if they even have seat belts) because we're diving into the strangest three-wheeled cars that are somehow on the road.
1. Reliant Robin
The Reliant Robin is a legend in the world of unstable transportation. Launched in 1973, this British oddity became popular for its tiny size and impressive fuel economy, which suits rural and urban settings. On the flip side, take a sharp turn too fast, and you might end up on your side faster than you can say, "Bad idea!"
2. Morgan 3 Wheeler
Have you ever wanted to feel the wind while questioning your choices? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is for you. With its retro design and a top speed of 130 mph, this car is stylish but terrifying. What if you're in an accident? Let's say there's just air between you and the asphalt.
3. Peel P50
Imagine squeezing yourself into a rolling shoebox, and you've got the Peel P50. Originally from the 1960s (and revived in 2010), it's officially the smallest production car ever made. Yes, it's road-legal, but don’t expect much protection when you're behind the wheel of this bicycle-sized vehicle.
Philip (flip) Kromer from Austin, TX on Wikimedia
4. Vanderhall Santarosa
If James Bond ever needed a three-wheeler, the Vanderhall Santarosa would be it. This open-top roadster has a 180-hp electric engine. But with no roof, it’s best suited for leisure rides. Want a conversation starter at the next car meet? Just roll up in a Santarosa and watch heads turn.
5. Arcimoto Rapid Responder
This vehicle is actually used for emergency response. Designed for quick urban maneuvering, the Arcimoto Rapid Responder can hit 75 mph. While it’s efficient and quick, don’t count on much more than speed when navigating through traffic in this compact machine.
Arcimoto debuts RAPID RESPONDER by Arcimoto
6. Bond Bug
Produced in the 1970s, the Bond Bug is basically a rolling piece of that era. Its wedge-shaped fiberglass body makes it look like something out of The Jetsons. Fun? Yes. Stable? Not so much—especially if you hit a pothole at the wrong angle.
Mick from England on Wikimedia
7. Reliant Kitten
Reliant took a bold step into the world of three-wheelers with the Kitten, designed as a more "practical" alternative to the Robin. It's small, efficient, and has a lightweight build, but driving it can feel like an unpredictable adventure due to its uneven weight distribution.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
8. Campagna T‑Rex
If Batman had to downsize his Batmobile, it might look like the Campagna T-Rex. It's a speed demon, legal in the US and Canada, and technically a car. However, if you take a turn too fast, you might find yourself in a dramatic, slow-motion tumble.
9. Vanderhall Venice
With its open-cockpit design and sleek aesthetic, the Vanderhall Venice looks like a blast to drive, which is true. Sadly, the Vanderhall Venice doesn't offer much protection in a crash. It has just a minimal structure with no roof—just you, the road, and a lot of optimism.
Dr. Terrence Underwood on Unsplash
10. Polaris Slingshot
Part car and part motorcycle, the Polaris Slingshot is impossible to ignore. It's classified as an autocycle, so you might not even need a car license to drive one. Also, between its low-slung design and lack of a proper cabin, you'll want to avoid anything resembling a fender bender.
11. Electra Meccanica Solo
Solo, produced from 2018 to 2023, is all about efficiency. It's designed for urban commuting with a reinforced chassis and a protective battery pack. However, its limited range and small size make it less suited for longer trips or larger loads with heavy traffic.
12. Vanderhall Carmel Blackjack
The Carmel Blackjack is all about agility, thanks to its turbocharged inline-4 engine. As a result, it can reach a maximum speed of about 135 mph. Although it meets road safety standards, with no side protection or roof, it's like driving a high-speed roller coaster without a safety harness.
13. Reliant Regal
As part of the British Reliant Motor Company's range of three-wheeled vehicles, the Regal was released to build on the legacy of models like the Robin and Kitten. There's more space and comfort than other three-wheelers, but the lightweight construction can compromise stability and protection.
Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands on Wikimedia
14. Peel Trident
Though produced in extremely limited numbers, the Peel Trident expanded on the P50's concept by giving it a slightly rounder design. Nevertheless, its tiny size and questionable safety features make it a hard sell for anyone who values their personal space—or personal well-being.
Philip (flip) Kromer from Austin, TX on Wikimedia
15. Vanderhall Venice R
An upgraded version of the Venice, this model blends retro style with modern engineering for a more dynamic driving experience. While it offers impressive performance, you're still behind the wheel of a lightweight, open-air, three-wheeled vehicle that keeps the thrill factor high and the protection factor low.
16. Arcimoto Deliverator
If efficiency had a three-wheeled mascot, it would be the Arcimoto Deliverator. It is designed to zip through urban streets with minimal environmental impact and is built for small businesses and last-mile logistics. The trade-off is its compact design, which is not built for highway speeds or rough terrain.
Arcimoto debuts DELIVERATOR by Arcimoto
17. Piaggio Ape
Since the 1940s, the Piaggio Ape has been the little engine that could—serve as Italy's go-to vehicle for everything from street vending to farm work. You can steer through the narrow European alleyways, but with its modest power output and limited safety features, you won't be able to drive fast.
18. Corbin Sparrow
The Corbin Sparrow was originally a one-seater electric commuter. Currently, it has a quirky, teardrop shape. What makes it even stranger? Many were sold as kit cars, meaning some owners put them themselves, which means it's more of a collector's curiosity.
19. Carver One
Another mix of a car and a motorcycle—Carver One. There's a unique tilting mechanism that leans into turns, giving you an adrenaline rush. However, while this system makes it incredibly fun to drive, it also adds complexity, cost, and some risk.
20. Vanderhall Laguna Roadster
The Vanderhall Laguna Roadster is what happens when retro styling meets modern performance. This sleek three-wheeler is designed for people who want the thrill of a motorcycle with a bit more comfort and class. Since there's no roof, though, it's best for sunny days and smooth roads.
