Electricar / Auto Bijou (France) - AllCarIndex

Electricar Auto Bijou was a French automobile manufacturer that operated from 1919 to 1924, based in Couillet, St Ouen, Seine. The company specialized in producing a unique three-wheeled electric vehicle known as the Auto Bijou.

The Auto Bijou featured a distinctive design with a single front wheel and utilized wheel steering. Its innovative gear-changing and braking system allowed the driver to adjust the column for better control. The vehicle was powered by a modest electric motor rated at 0.5 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 8 miles per hour (12 km/h) and a range of approximately 30 miles (50 km) on a single charge.

The design of the Auto Bijou included a single-seater body that lacked weather protection, making it suitable primarily for fair weather conditions. Despite its compact size, the vehicle could accommodate around 44 pounds (20 kg) of luggage, provided the driver was not excessively heavy. The rear suspension utilized semi-elliptic springs, while the front wheel remained unsprung, contributing to its simple yet functional design.