Morgan and Vanderhall have shown how to create cool electric three-wheelers, but Arcimoto didn’t get the memo as they introduced a rather unsightly Roadster prototype at Daytona Bike Week. Designed to preview an upcoming production model, the prototype is a two-seater trike that features looks only a mother could love. The front end is particularly jarring as it’s decked out in lights and says semi more than motorcycle.
The Roadster also features a slender
windscreen, covered front wheels and two Corbin seats with backrests. We can
also see an exposed tubular structure and what appears to be a massive battery
pack. Arcimoto didn’t say much about the model, but confirmed the Roadster
rides on their patented all-electric platform and features a dual-motor
front-wheel drive system. There’s no word on specifications, but the FUV has a
dual-motor powertrain that produces 77 hp. That being said,
Arcimoto did confirm the Roadster will have a top speed of 121 km/h and a range of 164 km in the city.
In a statement, Arcimoto CEO Mark
Frohnmayer said “For 80 years, Daytona Bike Week has been ruled by some of the
most amazing bikes on the planet, almost all of them powered by fossil fuels.
We think it’s time for a breath of fresh air” and “we’re stoked to introduce …
a completely new way of riding, a three-wheel thrill ride unlike anything else
on the road today.”
Full details will be announced in the
coming months, but production is slated to begin later this year and Arcimoto
is accepting reservations for US$ 100. The production model is targeted to begin
at US$ 23,900 which would make it US$ 4,000 cheaper than the Harley-Davidson
Freewheeler.
