Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

In today’s uncertain financial climate (I’ve really no idea what that means, I just heard it on CNN this morning) it might not be the best time to buy that new car you’ve been dreaming of. But you’ve still got to get to work somehow right? Why not give the Auto Moto a shot? It falls somewhere between a motorcycle and a car, but thanks to its 150cc high performance GY6 engine, it gets somewhere in the neighborhood of 83mpg. And unlike a scooter, it comes with a windshield and wipers providing you with a bit of protection from the weather. (Though not the temperature.)

Given its compact wheelbase, I’m tempted to say that the Auto Moto looks like it’s ready to tip over at the slightest turn, but it features a unique tilting “rocker system” that ensures both rear wheels remain firmly planted on the road at all times. I was a bit skeptical of this claim, but the Auto Moto website features a video of it careening all over the road at relatively high speeds without it even coming close to tipping over. So I’m sold.

The Auto Moto will be available in the U.S. sometime in 2009, and since it’s technically not a motorcycle, you only need a standard drivers license in order to operate one. It also comes in your choice of nine different color schemes, features a sound system with MP3 player hookups and 4 speakers and has an MSRP of just $3,800.

[ The Auto Moto ] VIA [ Crave ]