Urban Transport

Nimbus tilting EV could be the non-motorcycle you've been looking for

Nimbus tilting EV could be the non-motorcycle you've been looking for
Plans call for pricing of the Nimbus to start at $6,420
Plans call for pricing of the Nimbus to start at $6,420
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The two-door Nimbus seats a driver and passenger – one behind the other
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The two-door Nimbus seats a driver and passenger – one behind the other
Utilizing a Level 3 fast charger, the Nimbus should be able to achieve a 95-percent charge within 45 minutes
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Utilizing a Level 3 fast charger, the Nimbus should be able to achieve a 95-percent charge within 45 minutes
Plans call for pricing of the Nimbus to start at $6,420
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Plans call for pricing of the Nimbus to start at $6,420
The company plans on offering Nimbus-only parking zones in certain cities
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The company plans on offering Nimbus-only parking zones in certain cities
The Nimbus will come with a full lighting package and a windshield wiper
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The Nimbus will come with a full lighting package and a windshield wiper
In its final commercial form, the Nimbus should weigh 639 to 694 lb (290 to 315 kg), and have a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h)
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In its final commercial form, the Nimbus should weigh 639 to 694 lb (290 to 315 kg), and have a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h)
Some of the Nimbus' planned safety features include three airbags (one front, two side curtains), automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, ABS and traction control
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Some of the Nimbus' planned safety features include three airbags (one front, two side curtains), automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, ABS and traction control
View gallery - 7 images

Many people like the idea of commuting by motorcycle, but are put off by the thought of being so open to the elements. The three-wheeled, fully-enclosed, tilting Nimbus EV was designed with just such folks in mind.

Perhaps inspired by Toyota's i-Road concept, the Nimbus is currently in functioning prototype form, and is being developed by a Michigan-based startup of the same name. The two-door vehicle seats a driver and passenger – one behind the other – and is made up of a steel/aluminum frame combined with a thermoplastic shell.

In its final commercial form, the Nimbus should weigh 639 to 694 lb (290 to 315 kg), and have a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). It will be offered with the buyer's choice of an 8.1-kWh or 12.4-kWh lithium battery pack, respectively delivering a range of either 78 or 119 miles (126 or 191 km) per charge. Using a household outlet, a 95-percent charge should be possible within either 5.4 or 8.3 hours. Utilizing a Level 3 fast charger, that figure drops to 45 minutes for both battery capacities.

The Nimbus will come with a full lighting package and a windshield wiper
The Nimbus will come with a full lighting package and a windshield wiper

With a length of 91 inches (2.3 m) and a width of 32 inches (0.8 m), the vehicle should be nimble like a motorcycle, and legally able to use motorcycle-designated parking spots … although the company does plan on offering Nimbus-only parking zones in certain cities. Additionally, because its two front wheels tilt, it's able to lean into turns like a motorbike – this both improves its handling, and decreases the chances of it tipping over.

Some of the Nimbus' planned safety features include three airbags (one front, two side curtains), automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, ABS and traction control. Among its optional extras are heating, air conditioning, Bluetooth speakers and a touchscreen control center.

The Nimbus company is now accepting refundable deposits, which will be put toward the planned US$6,420 base price. Rental packages are also being offered, starting at $99 a month. Deliveries are expected to take place in mid to late 2022 for the US, Europe and Latin America, with Asian deliveries planned for early 2023.

Source: Nimbus

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20 comments
20 comments
paleochocolate
I want something like it but preferably from an established manufacturer.

Like Yamaha
MarkGovers
Wow, talk about efficient! Parking, one driver, electricity, maintenance, insurance, this could end up being everywhere, especially at this price.
guzmanchinky
Well, I mean it looks really fun! That's a looong range at 50 mph in this little thing! Seems perfect for cities with wet (but never snowy) weather...
dlj1875
Piaggio MP3
3 wheels. Leans.
It gave me 60 miles to the gallon
Top speed was 90 mph
Granted no she'll but it was a ton of fun
glsooter
Piaggio MP3 is $ 9,199 and NOT fully enclosed.
Donn Engler
I hope they do realize that there is currently a motorcycle company named Nimbus, in business since the 1920's and currently developing an electric motorcycle. They are based in Denmark and are associated with the Fisker family of Fisker Karma and Fisker Ocean Fame.
Trylon
@Donn Engler, citation please. All sources say the Fisker Nimbus was discontinued in 1960. And even if the company is still active, it wouldn't matter. If they're not actively doing business in the US and own the Nimbus trademark in the motor vehicle category at USPTO, another company can legally do so.

@dlj1875, the Nimbus claims 370mpg equivalent. A lot better than 60mpg. Plus full weather protection and better safety in a crash.

If they actually can bring this in at under $7k, I'm in. Pity the highway-legal Nimbus X model will be priced almost 3x that much. Not worth it. That would be too close to the price of an Aptera, which is supposed to have much longer range and even more safety features. Should be no more than $13k.
Mace
THE trick is to have a 'best of both': the comfort and NCAP safety of a car... And the narrowness and economy of a two-wheeler...
Kevin Ritchey
When they get through all the details and price it right, it will become the road version of the Segway for individual mobility. City transport will forever change. We’re currently in that awkward point of transition.
Username
The drawings are clearly of a one seat model. The article is about a two seat model. Clever.
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