It's not just a camper, it's not just a trike, it's not even a tiny house (that's for sure). But what is it, then? It's all of these things together, but it doesn't look like anything you've ever seen before. This thing called T1 is a new vision of sustainable tourism, where light mobility meets living comfort in a space of just 3 meters.
Trike: From Dream to Reality on Three Wheels
The T1 trike was born from the collaboration between two innovative companies: the startup Grounded and the company Civilized Cycles of Detroit. Together they have created something entirely new in the recreational vehicle landscape. As with any great innovation story, it all started with a seemingly simple question: Why not combine the practicality of an electric tricycle with the comfort of a micro-camper? Yeah. Why not?
The result is surprising: a vehicle that can move easily in the city like a bicycle, but offers a living space of 8 cubic meters once parked. It reminds me of one of those transforming gadgets from 80s cartoons, but this is absolutely real. The Trike-Trick, if you'll pardon the cacophony (just saying "the trick" seemed bad) is all in the numbers: 305 centimetres long, 290 centimetres high and a Starlink antenna on the roof. And despite its compact size, the interior offers a height of 2 meters, enough for even a basketball player to stand comfortably.
Technology and comfort meet
The beating heart of the T1 is an integrated electrical system powered by a 15 kWh battery. I'm not talking about a simple electric motor: this trike develops a torque of 529 Nm, more than some sports cars. Autonomy? Over 241 kilometers on a single charge, thanks in part to the 500-watt solar panels on the roof.
What's new, however, is how technology integrates with living comfort. Through the Grounded+ app, you can control every aspect of the vehicle: from battery monitoring to managing internal appliances. It's like having a smart home on three wheels.
The space you don't expect
Despite its limited width, the T1 can sleep two people on a double bed that converts into a dining area with an L-shaped sofa.
The interior is a small masterpiece of functional design. The 360-degree windows and large French-style door create a bright, airy atmosphere, eliminating any feeling of claustrophobia. The compact kitchen includes an induction hob, refrigerator and sink: all the essentials to feel trapped, yet at home. For those who want to push the boundaries of civilization, options such as a dry toilet and an outdoor shower are available. Sure, the second passenger will have to arrive with their own bike, since there is only one driver, but that is a small compromise for such an innovative vehicle.
Trike T1, a future closer than expected
Sam ShapiroCEO Grounded, has a clear vision: to create recreational vehicles that are in step with the times. The T1 will arrive in spring 2025 with a base price of just under 30.000 euros. A significant investment, but relatively affordable in the world of electric campers. Or should I say “bicycle”? Yes, because the real revolution lies in the classification of the vehicle: being legally considered a bicycle, it does not require special licenses or particular registrations. It can go wherever a bicycle can go, opening up new possibilities for sustainable tourism. 30.000 euros… nothing I can't help but think about the price.
Like any self-respecting story of innovation, the T1 reminds us that the future is not just about big revolutions, but also about small, ingenious solutions that change the way we live and travel. And sometimes, these solutions come as a trike: on three wheels.
