The French government’s 2023-2027 bike and walking plan isn’t just about pavement. It’s an economic lever. The state wants soft mobility to replace the private car for short trips. Cixi, a Savoyard company, is betting big on this shift. They secured funding under the France 2030 project to build their first factory near Annecy. The product? The Vigoz. It sits in a gray zone. It’s a three-wheeled e-velo hybrid with a closed cabin. Think of it as a small electric car that you can still pedal.
How the Electronic Pedal System Works
Cixi spent years developing a patented drivetrain. It removes the chain and belt entirely. No grease stains on your suit. No derailers to snap on a steep climb. The system is electronic and direct. You pedal. The energy goes into a battery. It also feeds the propulsion motor. This allows the vehicle to move even if the battery is dead. You aren’t stuck pushing a heavy box.
The performance specs are surprisingly sharp for a cycle-car. It carries two people plus cargo. Top speed hits 120 km/h. Range sits at 160 kilometers on a full charge. Recharging takes six hours on a standard domestic outlet. Homologation allows road and highway use. You need a standard Category B driving license.
Where and When Production Starts
Factory industrialization is wrapping up near Annecy. Completion is expected in 2025. Cixi is strict about its supply chain. They prioritize French and European suppliers. This covers parts and subsystems they don’t manufacture in-house. The goal is lifecycle management and repairability.
Sales strategy is unique. The Vigoz will only be available via subscription. Pre-reservations are paused. The company needs firm delivery timelines before opening the books. They won’t promise dates they can’t keep.
“We want to prove that soft mobility is an economic driver, not just a green gesture.”
Is this the end of the small city car? Maybe. The subscription model lowers the barrier to entry. You don’t own the asset. You rent the utility. With a top speed that beats most bikes by a mile and a license requirement that’s standard for most adults, the regulatory friction drops. It’s not a bike. It’s a vehicle. But it’s light on maintenance and heavy on versatility.
The factory doors open soon. The subscription model locks in. The question isn’t if it works. It’s if French commuters will trade their keys for a pedal assist that goes 120 km/h. The government wants you to ride. The economy wants the industry to grow. The Vigoz tries to bridge both gaps with a closed cabin and no chain. We’ll see if the roads agree.
