# Compact Human-Powered Autos The 'CityCar' Bridges the Gap Between Electric Cars and Bicycles By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-01-11 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citycar References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3054602/these-tiny-reimagined-cars-are-perfect-for-city-dwellers) & [cp.media.mit.edu](http://cp.media.mit.edu/mobility-on-demand/) [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogen-motorcycle) is on a mission to change the face of urban transport with a hybrid vehicle called the 'CityCar.' In recent years, many city dwellers have turned to bicycles and other forms of eco-friendly transportation as an alternative to driving. This unique vehicle offers the flexibility of a bicycle, while also providing the comforts of a conventional car. The CityCar was designed for MIT’s Mobility-On-Demand project, which examines different ways of replacing cars in dense urban environments. The CityCar is an example of a Persuasive Electric Vehicle, which means that it is a cross between a bicycle and an electric car. The vehicle consists of an [electric trike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-iris-etrike) that is covered by a durable canopy. To complement city driving, the vehicle features rear-wheels that can spin on the spot and the unique ability to switch from a low-down driving position to an upright parking position. With its compact design and flexible features, this hybrid vehicle offers a viable alternative to conventional transport. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Compact Urban Mobility:** The CityCar bridges the gap between electric cars and bicycles, offering a compact and flexible solution for urban transport. - **Persuasive Electric Vehicles:** The CityCar exemplifies the concept of Persuasive Electric Vehicles, combining the benefits of bicycles and electric cars. - **Mobility-on-demand:** The CityCar is part of MIT's Mobility-On-Demand project, exploring alternative ways to replace cars in dense urban environments. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** The automotive industry can explore the market potential for compact hybrid vehicles like the CityCar. - **Green Transportation:** The Green Transportation industry can leverage technologies used in the CityCar to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly modes of transport. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planning professionals can consider the impact of compact and flexible vehicles like the CityCar on urban environments and infrastructure. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hybrid Design Commuter Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-city-car.md) - [Lightweight Four-Wheeled Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/activcycle.md) - [Agile Four-Wheeled eBikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bike-car-hybrid.md) - [Compact Electric City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kg-motors.md) - [Pedal-Assist Electric Quadricycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pedalassist-electric-quadricycles.md) - [Solar-Powered City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-cars.md) - [Petite Solar-Powered EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-ev.md) - [Streamlined Two-Seater Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-electric-car-concept.md) - [Three-Wheel Pod EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nimbus-one.md)