Kairos is an experimental electric leaning trike with two proposed safety systems: a rider-coupling structure designed for frontal impacts and movable side elements intended to manage lean and brace against the road. But it is not a proven or certified production motorcycle. A rolling demonstrator has been built; independent crash results and certification have not been reported.
What is the Kairos?
Kairos is a three-wheeled electric motorcycle concept that leans into turns. Unlike a conventional fixed trike, its two rear wheels tilt with the vehicle. New Atlas reported on April 24, 2026, that a rolling demonstrator exists and described the project as belonging to no existing vehicle category; that is the project’s characterization, not an official regulatory classification.
The original concept is attributed to French transport designer Mathieu L’Hopitault, with Philippe Girardi identified as project lead. The project’s stated aim is to integrate safety features into the vehicle rather than rely on a rider choosing to use a separate restraint. Girardi put it this way: “I designed Kairos around a simple conviction: safety cannot depend on a decision the rider may choose not to make. It must be in the vehicle – systematic, unconditional.” New Atlas’ report attributes the quote to Girardi.
How are the proposed safety systems supposed to work?
Programmed Restraint Device (PRD)
The PRD is a tubular structure at the front of the vehicle. Its intended role is to partially couple the rider to the chassis in a frontal impact, absorb energy, and release the rider in more severe impacts. The proposed approach aims to make some restraint part of the vehicle rather than something the rider must remember or elect to use.
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- 18 x 3.0 inch tires - Comfort and Stability with 3-Wheel Design - Ride with confidence on this electric trike for seniors, built with a low step-thru frame for easy getting on and off. The wide 18 x 3.0 inch tires and rear differential make it stable on uneven roads, while the padded seat with backrest support helps reduce strain on your back during longer rides.
- Strong Yet Gentle Power – 1200W Peak Motor - This 3-wheel electric bike comes with a quiet but powerful 500W motor (peak 1200W), giving you smooth and steady speed up to 18+ MPH. It’s strong enough to climb small hills or carry your shopping, but gentle enough for daily cruising — perfect for seniors or adults looking for a stable and easy ride.
- Long-Lasting 624Wh Battery for Worry-Free Travel - Equipped with a removable 48V 13Ah battery, this electric tricycle can go up to 65 miles on a single charge. Whether you're heading to the store, visiting family, or just enjoying the neighborhood, the battery is easy to remove and charge indoors — safe and convenient.
- Easy to Adjust, Easy to Ride - Designed to fit riders from 4’8” to 6’2”, the seat height can be adjusted for comfort. Three riding options (pedal, pedal-assist, and throttle) let you ride your way — no pressure on the knees, no heavy pedaling required. It’s ideal for seniors, adults, or anyone seeking a more relaxed ride.
- Foldable Frame, Front & Rear Basket – Everyday Ready - This folding electric trike is practical for small spaces and daily use. Fold it for easy storage or transport. The sturdy rear cargo rack is perfect for carrying groceries, bags, or even a pet carrier — making this adult tricycle a reliable partner for your daily errands and leisurely rides.
Those functions are design intentions, not demonstrated crash performance. The report provides no independent test results establishing how the PRD behaves in a collision.
Mobile Lateral Elements (MLEs)
The MLEs are wedge-shaped components mounted low on either side of the front wheel. They tilt with the vehicle and are servo-controlled in response to its roll. The design description says the outer element is intended to counter excessive lean while the inner one avoids road contact; in a crash, the elements are intended to brace against the ground and absorb energy. They also contain small storage spaces.
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- 【Removable Battery】The electric tricycle features a certified battery, designed for ultimate safety and performance. This battery includes advanced protection against over-temperature, over-voltage, and over-charging, ensuring dependable performance and an extended lifespan. Enjoy a significantly longer battery life—up to 30+ miles on a single charge and 40 miles in PAS mode and 20% longer than standard batteries at 36V.
- 【350W Brushless Motor】Master any terrain with ease thanks to the powerful 350W motor (peak 700W) of the folding electric trike. Designed for superior performance, this rear hub motor features a specially designed transmission system that increases motor output power by 30%, allowing effortless climbing of slopes and smooth navigation through challenging terrains. With a top speed of 16 MPH, it enhances the bike's passability, ensuring an exceptional riding experience every time.
- 【3 Riding Modes & Shimano 7-Speed】Our 3-wheel electric bicycle can be used as an e-trike, an assisted tricycle, and a normal tricycle. With the LCD button, Shimano 7-speed gears, you can easily switch the electric assist level or tackle rides with human power alone. This system is perfect for fitness-focused riders, providing smooth and effortless pedaling even without any electric output. With two large detachable cargo baskets, it can meet your daily cycling and short trips.
- 【Ergonomic Design & Superior Stability】Experience unparalleled comfort and control. The extended front frame and wide Cruiser handlebars are ergonomically designed to allow a relaxed riding posture, reducing strain on your arms and legs. Paired with 18" x 3.0 fat tires and a differential system, the trike ensures stable turning and significantly reduces the risk of tipping over, offering confidence on every ride.
- 【All-Round Comfort & Support】This high-efficiency, city-style eTrike is built for all-day comfort. The adjustable seat is equipped with its own shock absorption, complementing the front and seat suspension to smooth out bumps on any road. Weighing only 74 lbs, the durable high-carbon steel frame enhances maneuverability. Ideal for commuting, traveling, and sightseeing, the frame's adjustable seat height accommodates riders between 4'8" to 5'8" and rider's weight capacity up to 298lbs.
The reported functions remain claims pending testing. No independent evidence in the report shows how much lean they can control or how they perform in a crash.
What is known about the prototype—and what is not?
By the time of the April 24, 2026, report, the team had filed patents, completed the design, and built a rolling demonstrator. It was seeking industrial partners and investors, and laboratory crash testing was described as the next step. Girardi said the team hoped to achieve substantial validation, including certification, by 2029 or 2030; that is a target, not a completed milestone.
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- 18 x 3.0 inch tires - Comfort and Stability with 3-Wheel Design - Ride with confidence on this electric trike for seniors, built with a low step-thru frame for easy getting on and off. The wide 18 x 3.0 inch tires and rear differential make it stable on uneven roads, while the padded seat with backrest support helps reduce strain on your back during longer rides.
- Strong Yet Gentle Power – 1200W Peak Motor - This 3-wheel electric bike comes with a quiet but powerful 500W motor (peak 1200W), giving you smooth and steady speed up to 18+ MPH. It’s strong enough to climb small hills or carry your shopping, but gentle enough for daily cruising — perfect for seniors or adults looking for a stable and easy ride.
- Long-Lasting 624Wh Battery for Worry-Free Travel - Equipped with a removable 48V 13Ah battery, this electric tricycle can go up to 65 miles on a single charge. Whether you're heading to the store, visiting family, or just enjoying the neighborhood, the battery is easy to remove and charge indoors — safe and convenient.
- Easy to Adjust, Easy to Ride - Designed to fit riders from 4’8” to 6’2”, the seat height can be adjusted for comfort. Three riding options (pedal, pedal-assist, and throttle) let you ride your way — no pressure on the knees, no heavy pedaling required. It’s ideal for seniors, adults, or anyone seeking a more relaxed ride.
- Foldable Frame, Front & Rear Basket – Everyday Ready - This folding electric trike is practical for small spaces and daily use. Fold it for easy storage or transport. The sturdy rear cargo rack is perfect for carrying groceries, bags, or even a pet carrier — making this adult tricycle a reliable partner for your daily errands and leisurely rides.
- Reported: a rolling demonstrator, a completed design, and filed patents.
- Not established: independent crash performance, certification, an official vehicle classification, a retail launch, or consumer availability.
These distinctions matter: a vehicle that can roll is not necessarily a validated road vehicle, and proposed safety mechanisms are not proof that the vehicle is safer than a motorcycle or another trike.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What specifications have been reported?
New Atlas relayed prospective production figures attributed to Girardi. They are targets, not verified production specifications or measured demonstrator performance.
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- High-Efficiency Brushless Motor: Powerful 1200W output enables smooth hill climbing and cargo capacity. Optimised energy transfer supports urban commutes and light transport needs
- Removable Battery System: 624Wh lithium pack allows flexible charging routines. Track power levels via LCD display for predictable short-to-mid range travel
- All-Surface Traction Tires: 18×3.0-inch textured treads enhance grip on pavement, gravel, and uneven paths. Triple-wheel configuration improves riding stability
- Compact Folding Mechanism: Patented hinge system reduces storage footprint significantly. Ideal for apartment living or vehicle trunk transport
- User-Focused Control Layout: Low-step frame simplifies mounting. Intuitive handlebar integrates gear shifting and lighting controls for streamlined operation
| Item | Reported figure | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 30 kWh, solid-state | Prospective production target attributed to project lead Philippe Girardi in New Atlas (April 24, 2026); not established as a demonstrator or production specification. |
| Rated power | 40 kW (53.6 hp) | Prospective production target attributed to Girardi; not a verified production figure. |
| Maximum output | 70 kW (93.8 hp) | Prospective production target attributed to Girardi; not a verified production figure. |
| Top speed | 150 km/h (93 mph) | Prospective production target attributed to Girardi; not a measured production result. |
| Front tire size | 120/70-14 | Size reported by New Atlas; make and model not stated. |
| Rear tire size | 130/70-13 | Size reported by New Atlas; make and model not stated. |
Girardi said the team hoped solid-state batteries would become available and wanted real-world range comparable to an internal-combustion motorcycle. The report gives no achieved range or independent range assessment. Girardi also described excellent longitudinal and lateral acceleration as a design goal, not a measured performance result.
Could the Kairos replace a motorcycle—or a car?
The available information does not establish that it can. The demonstrator’s existence and the project’s stated goals do not confirm road certification, sale, range, or real-world performance. To compare it meaningfully with another vehicle, look for evidence on whether it leans, the restraint and stability systems it uses, independent crash-test results, certification, and confirmed production specifications and availability. The report provides no comparable rival-vehicle data, so it cannot support a claim that Kairos is safer than alternatives.
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At the stage described by New Atlas on April 24, 2026, Kairos was a development project seeking industrial partners and investors, not an established consumer vehicle. Its PRD and MLEs are intriguing proposals, but their safety effects await crash testing and validation. Treat the battery, power, and speed figures as prospective targets, not reasons to expect a particular production vehicle or performance.
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