Yamaha Tricera open-top electric three-wheeler revealed

Famed motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha has revealed what it calls a “three-wheel open-top electric autocycle”, dubbed the Yamaha Tricera, ahead of its debut at the Japan Mobility Show this week.

Cut from a similar cloth as motorcycles in terms of its commercial intent, the 2023 Yamaha Tricera is all about blending fun and engaging personal mobility with autonomous driving technology.

Powering the unique-looking three-wheeler is battery-electric drivetrain – details for which are still to be revealed – while a dual-axle steering system ensures maximum manoeuvrability in town and agility on the open road.

Yamaha hasn’t gone into much detail about the Tricera’s autonomous driving capabilities or performance but has stipulated the vehicle can be piloted manually, with the steering wheel doubling as the instrument cluster.

The Tricera should certainly be able to hit highway speeds, as shown by its integrated wind deflectors positioned in front of the driver and passenger seats, which simply fold up and out of the bodywork to prevent the wind creating a vertically gifted Sha Pei by the end of the journey.

But that’s exactly what Yamaha is after – the replication of the raw and simplistic charm of riding a motorcycle and instilling it in a unique and perhaps less intimidating package for new-generation riders.

“This vehicle for personal mobility not only delivers the unparalleled feeling of freedom of an open-top car but also a new Kando-filled driving experience with its three-wheel steering,” Yamaha said.

“The Tricera’s human-centric packaging was derived from the level of controllability felt when changing the centre point of the vehicle’s turning circle via the in-phase and counter-phase of the rear wheel.”

According to Yamaha, Kando is the Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.

“Modern mobility is shifting toward automated driving, but that is precisely why Yamaha Motor is going back to basics and exploring the Kando that is created when a person is at the controls,” the company said.

It’s unclear if the Tricera will make production, but if it does it would set up an intriguing rivalry between it and the Morgan 3 Wheeler: two three-wheeled toys representing the present and future of recreational mobility.

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