Aemotion: A Tilting EV Microcar That’s Half Motorcycle and Half Car

Back in 2014, French e-mobility company AEMotion set out to combine the agility of a motorcycle with the safety profile of a four-wheeled vehicle. After years of research, testing, and seven prototypes, the company’s two-person tilting creation is now available for pre-order ahead of production next year.

The unnamed microcar rolls on four wheels and uses advanced tilting technology that lets it lean into corners like a motorcycle. Unlike pedal-assist vehicles, AEMotion’s design is fully electric, powered by a motor capable of reaching 115 km/h (71.5 mph). It has a maximum lean angle of 35 degrees and is controlled using a handlebar instead of a steering wheel. The vehicle runs on a fixed battery rated for up to 200 km (124 miles) per charge, with optional swappable battery packs that each add about 70 km (43.5 miles) of range. Drivers in France will need a Permis B license and a few hours of training to operate it.

Safety is at the heart of AEMotion’s design philosophy. Both seats come equipped with four-point safety belts, and the vehicle’s structure includes EPP bumpers and crash boxes. The EPP interior is engineered for energy absorption, functioning like a passive airbag system to cushion occupants in the event of a collision. Hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful stopping capability, and crash-test simulations have been conducted using automotive-grade methods.

With a width of just 79 cm (31 in), the AEMotion microcar is narrow enough to weave through urban traffic and park in tight spaces. It remains upright without a kickstand and features an enclosed shell to protect occupants from the weather, though the lower portions of the doors leave the driver’s legs partially exposed. The rear storage area can be expanded by sliding the passenger seat forward.

Following its global debut in late 2024, AEMotion has showcased its tilting microcar at several trade shows, most recently at Viva Technology in Paris. The company is currently targeting long-term lessees rather than direct buyers, with leasing costs expected to start around €200 per month. A pre-series “pioneer” batch will be released later this year, followed by regular deliveries projected for late 2026 and early 2027. Full-scale production is anticipated to begin after 2028.

Whether AEMotion’s futuristic tilting design will reach markets outside of France remains to be seen, but its mission to reshape urban mobility through ultra-agile, safe microcars shows that light vehicles may hold the key to the transport of tomorrow.