threewheelers

Threewheelers are road vehicles that use exactly three wheels. They cover a range of designs, including pedal-powered tricycles, motorized tricycles, and three-wheeled cars. Depending on local law, they may be classified as motorcycles or as light cars, which affects licensing, registration, and safety requirements.

Two common wheel layouts are the tadpole configuration, with two wheels at the front and one at the rear, and the delta configuration, with one wheel at the front and two at the rear. The tadpole layout is often favored for steering grip and stability at speed, while the delta layout emphasizes rear-wheel load distribution and can exhibit different handling characteristics, including rollover risk in aggressive maneuvers.

Threewheelers are used for a variety of purposes. Auto rickshaws, or tuk-tuks, are widespread for passenger transport in many countries and are also used for lightweight cargo. Three-wheeled light commercial vehicles, such as the Piaggio Ape, serve urban deliveries and small businesses. Recreational and performance-oriented three-wheelers, like the Morgan 3-Wheeler, illustrate the category of three-wheeled cars. Pedal trikes and recumbent trikes are popular among enthusiasts and for mobility or rehabilitation needs.

Safety and regulation vary widely by jurisdiction. Some threewheelers are treated as motorcycles and require motorcycle licenses, helmets, and specific safety standards, while others are certified as light cars or utility vehicles with different protections. Crash statistics and performance characteristics differ from four-wheeled vehicles, and handling can be more sensitive to weight distribution and road conditions.

Historically, three-wheeled designs date to the late 19th century, with early motorized tricycles and tricar vehicles paving the way for later three-wheeled cars and commercial vehicles. Today, threewheelers remain common in light transport, commerce, and specialty markets worldwide.