Basically, 3-wheelers are vehicles that have three wheels with power being supplied either by motor or human or beast. Most 3-wheelers based on motorbikes have a single wheel in front and two at the back and are known as trikes. However, due to better handling (especially during braking), the "reverse trike" with two front wheels and one rear wheel is becoming more popular. 3-wheelers have a long history - from 1885 when Karl Benz built the first 3-wheel automobile till today.
In line with the advancement in technology, these vehicles are now furnished with equipment that makes them safer, more comfortable, and, unfortunately, more expensive. Some high-end brands like the Campagna T-Rex, the cool Morgan 3 wheeler, and Campagna V13R command premium prices in the market. Nevertheless, some can be purchased without dipping too far into the pocket. So, read on for a list of the coolest 3-wheelers you can buy for cheap.
10 Polaris Slingshot ($19,999)
The base model of the Slingshot comes with an open-air cockpit, offering a perfect way to enjoy the weather while zooming around the city. Power is supplied by a 4-cylinder engine displacing 2 liters to produce 178 hp, 120 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 125 mph.
Foremost among the standard driver-assist features offered are an antilock braking system, power steering, cruise control, and electronic stability control. Although it is an entry model, it is loaded with the appropriate tech features to warm every heart.
9 Vanderhall Speedster ($26,950)
The Speedster is the ultimate 3-wheeler car built without doors and designed to treat one person at a time to a thrilling ride. Sending 180 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels is a 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
That much motivation behind a 1450 pounds car can only mean one thing, speed - a top speed of 140 mph in this case. Although it lacks a second seat, it has decent storage space that is more than what other 3-wheelers have.
8 Vanderhall Venice ($29,950)
The Vanderhall Venice is a beautifully designed 2-seater roadster built on a mono-aluminum chassis and fitted with features that provide comfort. A 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission delivers 194 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque.
For warmth on cold days, the Venice comes with heated seats while a Bluetooth-enabled sound system serenades through waterproof speakers. Apart from 2 years unlimited warranty, Vanderhall also offers two years of 24-hour roadside assistance covering towing, tire change, battery jump, and several other services.
7 Vanderhall Venice GT ($33,950)
Vanderhall offers the stylish and well-accessorized Venice GT in two colors, Ida Rose and Ivory White, for adventure lovers. The tan leather interior sports a locking gloves box, heat vents, heated seats, and a Bluetooth-enabled sound system paired with a 200-watt amplifier.
To bring the 194 hp 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo 4-cylinder engine to life, all you need is to push the start button. 203 lb-ft of twist is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission that you can operate semi-manually with a bump shifter.
6 Vanderhall Venice GTS ($36,950)
Springing for this 3-wheeled beauty, you have a choice of 3 exterior colors with tan leather interior or two exterior colors with cranberry leather interior. The Venice GTS is powered by a 194 hp turbo engine that mates with a 6-speed automatic transmission designed to improve performance and fuel economy.
To assist the driver, adaptive shift control and cruise control are provided while a set of Brembo brakes are fitted to bring the 1460 pounds GTS to a stop. For two years, you can enjoy the luxurious comfort of the GTS with peace of mind knowing that you are covered under Vanderhall's warranty and roadside assistance.
5 Rebel TR1ke ($29,799)
The Rebel TR1ke is a 3-wheeler designed for those who want to enjoy motorbike performance with car-like handling. Superbly engineered, the Rebel TR1ke has a stiffened chassis that has been designed to withstand loads efficiently.
Motivation for the TR1ke is provided by a potent Yamaha-sourced engine capable of blasting it from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds. How the TR1ke handles is left entirely in your hands - you can adjust the shock absorbers and the ride height to suit your preferences.
4 Rebel Triabusa ($33,856)
Powered by the sensational Suzuki Hayabusa engine, the Rebel Triabusa is an exciting and fast 2-seater 3-wheeler. The chassis is made with strong but lightweight materials resulting in a vehicle that weighs only 805 pounds and has a power to weight ratio of 500 hp per ton.
You can set up your Triabusa to perform in different ways by adjusting the suspension settings so that it rides lower or higher. Before embarking on those adventures, always remember your helmet and seatbelt because this 3-wheeler can fly.
3 Vanderhall Carmel Blackjack ($35,950)
Designed and hand-built to provide optimum riding pleasure for two passengers, the Vanderhall Carmel Blackjack is offered in three exotic exterior colors. The interior, tastefully finished in black upholstery, is home to things like heated seats, cruise control, cup holders, door pulls, and a good sound system.
Power to move the 1570 pounds vehicle comes from a 194 hp turbocharged I-4 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Electric power steering and traction control are offered to assist the driver in operating the Carmel Blackjack safely.
2 Vanderhall Edison 2 ($34,950)
Like the gas-driven models, the Edison 2 delivers impressive performance, but unlike them, the Edison 2 does it in an eco-friendly manner. A 28.8 kW battery feeds two 52 kW electric motors that combine to send 140 hp to the front wheels for propulsion.
The powertrain gets the Edison 2 from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has an estimated range of 200 miles on a single charge. Heated seats covered in diamond-stitched leather are provided to ensure your comfort on those freezing days.
1 Vanderhall Carmel ($39,950)
Even when it is a 3-wheeled vehicle, the Vanderhall Carmel, offered in two colors, is designed to stand out from the crowd. For protection from the elements, a capshade is provided for comfort, heated seats and cup holders, and door pulls for convenience.
The beating heart of the Carmel is a 1.5-liter turbo I-4 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to produce 194 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Driver-assistance features include cruise control and automatic grade braking, which keeps the transmission in a lower gear when the Carmel decelerates.