Worth a good chuckle, eh?
I found myself at StrangeVehicles.com and ran into a couple of interesting specimens. The photo above and this little concept covered trike.
What do I know about this sweet machine? Nothing. Any clues?
***UPDATE***
One of our super sluth readers picked out the Renault badge on the front and discovered this was the 2001 Ublo concept. It was introduced along with the Groomy to compete with the BMW C1. You can read all you need right here. Pretty sweet, but as Arturo pointed out, it could have used something bigger than a 125cc engine, although 500cc’s would be overkill (IMHO).
13. December 2005 at 11:04 pm
Google search for “renault three wheel scooter” suggests that it’s an Ublo concept bike.
14. December 2005 at 1:15 am
Too bad it doen’t come in a 500 cc
14. December 2005 at 11:28 am
I sure wouldn’t mind an Ublo, 500 would have been perfect.
14. December 2005 at 3:10 pm
While Renault was hawking re-badged Benelli bikes, they floated this handsome conept. It wasn’t enough to keep Renault in the business… they bailed.
14. December 2005 at 3:55 pm
Here’s a rough translation of a press release from the Ublo intro, 2001:
Ublo, the concept-bike from Renault
Following the BMW’s lead with the C1, Renault looks to provide urban transport with a level of safety, protection and storage heretofore missing from scooters. To this end, Renault presents at World 2001 the Ublo: a concept-bike with three wheels.
The three wheel concept isn’t new, but it is the first time that one sees a European manufacturer embracing the idea: a marketing pledge compared to previous prototypes which were conceived but remained prototypes without financing.
Ublo offers many advanatages compared to the two-wheeled vehicles, in particular stability and balance. During stopping, the bike remains upright even without the rider putting his feet down. In turns, Ublo can skid but not lie down. During braking, blocking before or back is not likely to destabilize it.
Power is carried to the two aft wheels, which remain independent. Ublo inclines during turns like a motor bike, with a maximum angle (allowing a constant balance). It will be equipped with a 500 cc engine, to permit long distance touring.
With three wheels, design can finally tackle equipment and storage: Ublo thus offers storage of 120 liters, distributed between the back trunk and the saddle. Ublo is designed to be flexible and exist in version with roof, without roof, and splash plate.
Lastly, there remains the dimensions of a motor bike (at the same time in length and width) and makes it possible to plan to cross more easily and quickly circulation. It offers finally a protection with its roof that offers neither the motor bikes, nor scooters (except the BMW C1).
In short, Ublo precedes the urban vehicle of tomorrow, intended for a population of motorists who would never have put themselves at the motor bike differently. Its design allows in more of considering a level of equipment closer to car than of motor bike. Expect to see and test the Ublo in 2003.
(front wheel:16, rear wheels 13)