If you live in the city and commute daily, you are undoubtedly aware of the worsening traffic conditions caused by the fact that urban centers are growing denser by the day. Light electric vehicles, like e-bikes, scooters, trikes, and even microcars, are now seen by many as the solution for getting around town without stress.
In a quest to improve traffic flow and solve parking woes, companies worldwide propose new and intriguing micro EV designs. The SARIT, a made-in-Canada compact electric three-wheeler, emerges as a sustainable urban mobility solution that promises to help commuters avoid spending long hours in traffic jams.
The SARIT, whose name is an acronym for Safe Affordable Reliable Innovative Transport, is the brainchild of Frank Stronach, the founder of Magna International, a global automotive parts supplier based in Aurora, Ontario. The man gave up control of Magna a decade ago and is now focusing on other ventures, the latest being Stronach International, whose mission is "to enhance society and the environment through Zero Emission Micro-Mobility Transportation and Organic Regenerative Agri-Business."
SARIT is Stronach's vision for the future of urban mobility, and the idea for the petite vehicle came to him, predictably, while he was caught in a traffic jam. The innovative EV may look like a tiny automobile, but it actually boasts a tricycle configuration with a covered aluminum safety cage. It is basically a fully enclosed motorcycle with three wheels, two doors, and a small trunk. The company came up with this design because they believe e-bikes are not suited for everyone, especially in Canadian winters.
Photo: SARIT Mobility
According to the US Census Bureau, 90 percent of the individuals who travel by car, truck, or motorcycle are usually alone in the vehicle. So why drive a vehicle sized for more people if you are the only one using it? While the SARIT is not meant to replace your car or SUV, it would be a good solution for short rides, like work commutes, rides to the gym, visits to the doctor, grocery shopping sessions, and the like. Its main selling point is that it offers the convenience of e-bikes and e-scooters with all the benefits of a vehicle, though a really small one.
The compact three-wheeler is indeed tiny, measuring just 3 feet wide, 7.5 feet long, and 5.5 feet high, but it can comfortably transport not just one but two people. The passenger will travel behind the driver, similar to a motorcycle two-up setup, as the seatback slides rearward.
The design cues from the motorcycling world continue with handlebar controls, with a twist throttle and hand-operated disc brakes on all three wheels, meaning there are no pedals in sight. The bars also incorporate a three-speed selector and forward/reverse selector.
Photo: SARIT Mobility
The heart of the SARIT is a 96-Ah lithium-ion battery that promises a range of 100 km (62 miles) on a single charge. A standard 120-volt household outlet can be used to recharge it in about four and a half hours, so owners will be able to power it up almost anywhere. As for performance, the manufacturer says it will be able to reach a top speed of roughly 37 mph (60 kph).
Despite being quite zippy, the weight distribution of the low-slung battery and motor ensures stability during turns, while the motorcycle-style controls ensure easy maneuverability even in tight spaces. For added safety and convenience, the three-wheeler can be optionally equipped with a rearview camera and a stereo system.
The design incorporates removable doors so that the rider can enjoy an open-air experience when the weather is fine. During colder days, the enclosed cabin will remain comfortable enough due to the heat generated by the electric motor. What's more, the company guarantees the three-wheeler is perfectly capable of handling snowy conditions if equipped with adequate winter tires.
A small storage compartment behind the seatback will take care of the rider's hauling needs. It can fit a few grocery bags or a backpack and is accessible through a trunk-style lid at the rear.
Photo: SARIT Mobility
The vision for the SARIT is to be used as an all-weather alternative mobility solution for short inner-city commutes in situations where a bike would be too exposed and a car would be too inconvenient. The company's aim with this small EV is to alleviate traffic congestion and significantly increase parking efficiency, as no less than four SARITs fit in a conventional parking space.
Moreover, applications for the two-seat EV extend beyond public roads. It could be used on university campuses, within business parks, or in gated communities. Actually, a fleet of SARITs is currently involved in a pilot project at Toronto's York University.
Production for the SARIT electric three-wheeler is set to begin this summer in Ontario, Canada. In addition to the standard version presented here, the company is also working on a four-wheeled electric truck model targeted at local delivery and maintenance services. Pricing for the three-wheeled SARIT is not yet definitive, but initial estimates hover around the CAD $8,500 mark, which is about US $6,250 at current exchange rates.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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