Click above for more images of the Aptera Typ1 e

Gasoline prices in the United States are helping push along the development of many new vehicles such as the Volt from General Motors. Such game-changing vehicles as the Volt and the original Toyota Prius demand a huge amount of research and, even more importantly, money before they are able to get out of the most basic of planning stages. What's more, these hybrid or electric vehicles are often sold at a substantial loss for a number of years before they ever are able to turn any sort of profit. It's not surprising, then, that smaller manufacturers such as Aptera and Can-Am are beginning to appear on the scene which look to offer an alternative to run-of-the-mill hybrids by introducing three-wheeled vehicles.

We'll delve a bit into the three-wheelers which are already available and look into what makes them legal - or not - after the break. We'll also discuss what could take place in the near future as Washington takes notice of the three-wheeled trends.

"The extra wheel is a welcome novelty and could accurately be described as a "benefit," but is that benefit equal to the cost, weight, and technical complication?"

That is how the last paragraph from 2 Stroke Buzz's short take on the Piaggio MP3 after riding it briefly. I won't steal their thunder by pasting in their answer to that super-important question, find it here. The short version of what this scooter is: two wheels in front, one in back; powered by a clean, 250 cc, 4-stroke engine, mounted firmly to the rear wheel; leans into turns just like any other scooter, or can be "locked" straight up, with no leaning possible. If that still makes no sense, check out the video here.

I still have not been able to ride one, as there isn't really any dealers close to me. I am looking forward to my turn, though. It will come, sooner or later!

Related:

• You too can ride like an animal after watching this Piaggio MP3 video. Scary!
• A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder
• More transportation alternatives, this time plucked from Kneeslider
• Electric Vectrix maxi-scooter review

[Source: 2 Stroke Buzz]

Are you intrigued by the Can-Am Spyder, a three-wheeled motorcycle/automobile/snowmobile/ATV/trike crossover? If so, be sure to check out our past coverage of this genre-bender, and follow this link over to Rider Magazine where you can read their ride report of the new model. As a refresher for those of us who have been following the vehicle since we first heard about it, over 100 horsepower with good tourque from a rotax V-Twin engine in a lightweight package should make for serious fun. And, the built-in safety features such as ABS, traction control and stability control work to keep all three wheels on the ground.

If you like the idea of traveling on three wheels, but are not convinced that this is the machine for you, or if you cannot imagine not having a roof over your head, consider the impending XR3 hybrid model from Robert Q. Riley enterprises. I have seen this vehicle first-hand and can say that it will indeed hit the market, probably this year. You can have a Can-Am Spyder for for just under $15 grand, so start saving now if you are interested in getting one. And, if you do, make sure to share your experiences with the rest of us here!

[Source: Rider Magazine]