AKO, an EV startup from Lithuania, is developing a unique three-wheeler, the AKO Trike. The company has now completed the second prototype of its two-seater electric tricycle, which is capable of leaning into curves as well as simply steering at lower speeds. It combines the flexibility of a motorcycle with the protection offered by the body of a conventional four-wheeler.
Unlike a motorcycle, the AKO Trike has a steering wheel that can control the tilt mechanism at the same time. This is particularly useful at higher speeds in order to be able to drive better through curves.
The vehicle is equipped with a 200 kW of electric motor that controls the rear wheel via a drive shaft and allows it to reach the top speed of up to 240 km/h (150 mph). However, the top speed will probably be blocked earlier by the software, both for security reasons and in order not to reduce the range too much.
Despite its compact size, the battery is no less than 26 kWh, which means it can promise a range of more than 300 km. And while 450 kg is a lot for a motorcycle, it’s quite light considering the size of the battery and the technology onboard. Speaking of safety: the AKO Trike gets four-point seat belts and front and side airbags. The closed cabin also protects better against the elements than a motorcycle.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen this concept – you occasionally come across scooters with two front wheels that also lean over – but the AKO’s angle of inclination is much more extreme than in comparable models.
There is still a lot of work before the Trike is ready for production. Until then, we will have to wait for more information.
