threewheel

Threewheel refers to any vehicle or device that uses three wheels arranged in configurations such as delta (two wheels at the front, one at the rear) or tadpole (one wheel at the front, two at the rear). Three-wheeled designs appear across transportation, mobility aids, and industrial equipment, offering different trade-offs in stability, steering, and payload.

In design terms, the delta configuration typically provides sharper steering and greater front-wheel grip, which can be advantageous in urban use but may require careful throttle control on tight bends. The tadpole layout often yields improved straight-line stability and more balanced weight distribution, though handling characteristics are highly dependent on suspension, tire sizes, and load. Beyond road vehicles, tricycles and three-wheeled machinery are common in markets ranging from agricultural equipment to specialized carriers.

Notable examples include tilting three-wheeled scooters such as the Piaggio MP3; three-wheeled roadsters and cars like the Polaris Slingshot and Can-Am Spyder; and widely used auto rickshaws or tuk-tuks in many cities. Three-wheelers are also common as mobility aids, including powered or manual three-wheeled scooters for elderly or disabled users.

Regulatory treatment of three-wheelers varies by jurisdiction. Some are classified as motorcycles, others as light quadricycles or specialty vehicles, affecting licensing, registration, insurance, and safety requirements. This patchwork can influence market access, safety standards, and consumer choice in different regions.