Cixi Vigoz

Many teams are racing to develop the next big thing in mobility, hoping to replace the traditional car. While most fall short in some way, a French company called Cixi might actually be on to something with their innovative project: the Vigoz.

This French startup has made headlines recently for its work on electrified transportation, including everything from e-bikes to full-on vehicle concepts. One of their most ambitious creations is the Vigoz — a three-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle that can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph).

That may sound wild for a trike, but this isn’t just another Can-Am lookalike. The Vigoz runs on Cixi’s proprietary PERS (Pedaling Energy Recovery System) — a chainless, gearless drivetrain that uses software and sensors to translate pedaling cadence into electric motor output. The faster you pedal, the more power you generate. It’s all assisted by a battery-powered system, and regenerative braking can help recover up to 25% more range. Solar panels can even be added to extend autonomy further.

Inside the Vigoz, riders sit in a reclined, recumbent-style position. Steering is done not with a wheel, but by leaning — an active system that uses Ackermann geometry and automatic tilting for stability and control.

The Vigoz’s motion is controlled through two joystick-style handles on the driver’s side, which also manage braking. According to Cixi, the vehicle includes regenerative braking, allowing it to recover energy and feed it back into the battery system.

The exact location of the motor isn’t specified, and since the PERS system isn’t a motor itself, it doesn’t provide propulsion on its own. With none of the wheels showing a hub motor, it’s likely that the motor is mounted within the main body of the Vigoz. This is further supported by the visible belt-driven system running toward the rear wheel.

Together, these elements create a capable vehicle. Cixi claims the Vigoz can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) “comfortably, safely, and intuitively,” with a maximum range of 160 km (nearly 100 miles) on a full charge. Once drained, it can be fully recharged in about six hours.

Although still in development, the Vigoz is expected to become a two-seat commuter designed specifically for urban European environments. Its compact footprint is intentional — many European streets are narrow, a product of cities shaped long before modern cars, and the Vigoz is built to navigate these tight spaces with ease.

Despite its small size, the Vigoz is engineered with safety in mind. Its body includes integrated crash bars and impact-absorbing materials to protect passengers in the event of a collision. While Cixi hasn’t confirmed the materials used, it’s likely a mix of composites, aluminum, and steel — common choices in lightweight vehicle construction.

So, who is the Vigoz actually for? Cixi has a strong focus on fleet applications—they’re experienced in landing major deals—so it’s likely the vehicle is being positioned for parcel delivery, ride-hailing, and other commercial uses.

That said, the Vigoz also shows real promise for personal transportation, which could significantly broaden its appeal. According to Cixi, its street debut is just around the corner, and those interested can sign up for email notifications when preorders begin.

Latest updates

While many innovative mobility startups struggle to reach production, Cixi continues to push the Vigoz toward a real-world release. Development of the project began back in 2015 in Paris, and the vehicle has now reached the design intent phase — meaning the final product is expected to closely resemble the latest prototype.

Unlike some solar EV concepts such as Aptera, the Vigoz takes a different approach. It does not rely on solar panels as a core feature and doesn’t use a traditional steering wheel. Instead, it combines electric propulsion with mandatory pedaling input, making it a hybrid between an e-bike and a compact EV.

The production-intent Vigoz is powered by a 22 kWh battery paired with a rear-mounted electric motor. However, the vehicle will not move unless the driver pedals, as the PERS system remains central to its operation. Depending on the level of electric assistance, the range is expected to reach up to 160 km (100 miles), with a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), making it capable of highway use. Charging is handled via a standard Type 2 AC port.

The cabin is designed for two occupants. The rear seat includes Isofix mounting points for a child seat, while practicality is enhanced by a rear cargo area that can be expanded by folding down part of the body, effectively converting the Vigoz into a single-seater with additional storage space.

Access is provided through two side doors, allowing safer entry depending on traffic conditions. When a door is opened, the steering bar automatically lowers to make ingress easier. The vehicle also retains its automatic tilting system, improving stability and cornering behavior. Notably, the PERS system is also used to control speed and even enables reverse movement.

In terms of size, the latest version measures approximately 3.5 meters in length, 1.65 meters in height, and 1.54 meters in width. This makes it larger than it might initially appear, while still compact enough for urban environments. Its relatively tall profile is intended to improve visibility among larger vehicles.

Safety features include three-point seatbelts, but there are no airbags or traditional climate control systems. Instead, seat-integrated fans are used for cooling. The absence of a steering wheel complicates airbag integration, and Cixi considers the existing safety setup sufficient for the vehicle’s category.

Licensing requirements may vary depending on the market, potentially requiring either a light vehicle license or a combination of car and light motorcycle licenses.

There is still no confirmed release date or pricing. However, Cixi has stated that the Vigoz will not be sold outright — instead, it will be offered exclusively through a subscription model, signaling a shift toward mobility-as-a-service rather than traditional ownership.