Kairos EV is a groundbreaking trike that’ll always stay upright

This Kairos EV trike has three wheels, but won’t tip over, as it has a device that keeps it upright at all times – in theory, anyway.

With more and more people opting for sustainable transport these days, electric three-wheelers are on the up.

However, tricycles are known to be less stable than cars and prone to tipping over when turning tight corners.

Fortunately, a new trike is on the scene which puts these safety concerns to rest.

The Kairos EV three-wheeler

The Kairos EV, produced by French designer, Mathieu L’Hopitault, has not one but two innovative systems to address safety concerns.

The Kairos has a modern three-wheeled tilted design which keeps riders upright at all times.

SIREMS Association, a nonprofit electric mobility group in France, is developing the trike, which is still in its pre-prototype stage.

It is designed for two passengers and has a delta configuration – meaning it has two wheels at the rear and one at the front to do the steering.

This design is accompanied by a semi-reclined, feet-forward riding position, helping to distribute weight for better balance and traction.

Kairos also offers agility when leaning into turns, as the rear wheels tilt relative to its main body.

In this sense, it operates much like a motorcycle would.

But that’s not all.

More features of the Kairos EV

The design also has a pair of Mobile Lateral Elements (MLEs) incorporated onto either side of the front wheel.

These wedge-shaped accessories prevent the vehicle from tipping over, as they tilt when the trike leans into turns, acting as counterweights to prevent tip-overs.

In addition to protecting the Kairo from toppling over, the MLEs also absorb impact during collisions and improve aerodynamics.

The Kairo’s second safety feature is the Programmed Restraint Device (PRD).

Essentially, the PRD is a chest pad mounted in the cockpit that keeps the driver from flying over the handlebars if the Kairo crashes.

The device is triangular in shape and hinged at the front.

In the event of a flip, the device unlocks, allowing the rider to be ejected out of danger.

When will it be available to buy?

Philippe Girardi, the founder of SIREMS, said: “Although safety is the backdrop to this project, we don’t want to offer a boring product.

“We’ve tried to ensure that each of the safety features also provides a visible benefit for the customer: more storage space, improved aerodynamics, a cool design, new dynamic characteristics, and a new driving experience.”

The company is hoping to get the Kairos on the market by 2028, with it looking to cost a cool $32,650 (30,000 Euros).