Pedal-Powered Vehicle Makes a Splash

Driving a vehicle called the Cixi Vigoz is a lot like riding a bicycle.

Courtesy of Cixi

The Cixi Vigoz looks like a small car but pedals like a bike.

Imagine a vehicle that combines the comfort of a car with the pedaling power of a bicycle. That’s the idea behind the Vigoz.

Made by a French company called Cixi, the Vigoz is a three-wheeled vehicle that’s powered by pushing on pedals. But the Vigoz isn’t just a fancy tricycle. When the pedals are pushed, they help charge a battery that powers an electric motor. The motor gives the driver a boost, making it easier to pedal and making it possible for the Vigoz to travel much faster than a bike.

The Cixi Vigoz is displayed at a bicycle show called PRODAYS 2025 Velo, in Paris, France.

Just how fast can the Vigoz go? According to Cixi, the vehicle’s top speed is 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour). This makes it fast enough to travel on a highway. The Vigoz can go slow or fast, depending on how hard the driver chooses to pedal. Like many bikes, its brakes are controlled by the driver’s hands.

The Vigoz looks a lot like a regular car and has some of the same advantages over a bike. These include shelter from rain and wind, plus space in the back for a passenger, a pet, or items such as groceries. Like a traditional car, only a licensed driver can operate it.

The Vigoz will first be available in France and may also be purchased by drivers in other countries, depending on local laws. But don’t expect to spot the Vigoz on the road anytime soon. Cixi is still perfecting the design.

Courtesy of Cixi

A man tries out the pedals that help power the Cixi Vigoz.

NEWS BREAK

Best in Show

Penny and her handler, Andy Linton, celebrate their victory.

A Doberman Pinscher named Penny was named Best in Show at the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3. This was the fifth time a Doberman has won the top prize at the show, which is now in its 150th year.

“She is as great a Doberman as I’ve ever seen,” said Andy Linton, Penny’s handler.

Penny was chosen from among seven finalists, including Graham the Old English Sheepdog, Zaida the Afghan Hound, JJ the Lhasa Apso, Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier, Cookie the Maltese, and Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Cota was the runner-up in the competition.

Did You Know?

Courtesy of Greenfield Historical Society

Frederick Patterson’s 9-year-old son, Postell, poses with a Patterson-Greenfield Roadster, the car made by his dad’s company.

Frederick Patterson was the first Black automaker in the United States. In 1915, five years after inheriting his father’s carriage company, C.R. Patterson & Sons, Patterson introduced a car called the Patterson-Greenfield Roadster. C.R. Patterson & Sons went on to produce trucks and vans.

Three-Wheeled Automobiles

We’re used to cars with four wheels, but some automakers have chosen to do things a little bit differently. Check out these three-wheeled automobiles!

1933 Dymaxion (United States)

Bus-like cars called minivans were popular in the 1980s and 90s, putting the 1933 Dymaxion ahead of its time! But the Dymaxion was only a concept car. This means it was built to explore design ideas but was never sold to the public.

1947–1949: Davis Divan (United States)

The Davis Divan’s front end looked like an airplane, making the car seem totally modern. Planes weren’t new in the 1940s, but most people hadn’t flown in one. Unfortunately, only a few Davis Divans were made before the Davis Motorcar Company failed.

1946–1981: Invacar (United Kingdom)

Between 1946 and 1981, the British government provided Invacars to people with disabilities. The tiny cars could hold only one person. The photo shows Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II with an Invacar.

1953–1956: Allard Clipper (United Kingdom)

Produced between 1953 and 1956, the Allard Clipper was made with cheap materials, keeping costs low for buyers. Sadly, the Clipper didn’t run very well!

1955–1964: Messerschmitt KR200 (Germany)

The narrow KR200 can fit two people—as long as the second person sits in the back! More than 40,000 Messerschmitt KR200s were sold, which means you may be able to find one today.

1965–1966: Peel Trident Bubble Car (Isle of Man)

To enter this tiny two-seater, just pull up the lid (the top of the “bubble”). But you may not have the chance. Only a few bubble cars were ever made!

1995–Present: T. Rex Campagna (Canada)

Most three-wheeled cars didn’t last long, but the T. Rex Campagna is still being made. It’s not a traditional car—and that’s exactly why it has earned so many fans!

Tearing Down the Track!

Did you know that race cars can go faster than 200 miles (320 kilometers) per hour? That’s more than three times faster than the speed limit on most U.S. highways!

You can learn more about automobile racing at Britannica.

Word of the Day

propel

Part of speech:

verb

Definition:

: to push or drive (someone or something) forward or in a particular direction

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