2021 Arcimoto FUV Is a Quick and Responsive EV

The Arcimoto FUV three-wheeler currently for sale on eBay has a small but passionate cult following. The vehicle’s name is FUV, which stands for “fun utility vehicle.” The name might also be considered a made-up vehicle segment to describe its blend of driving engagement and usefulness.

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Feel the Wind

After reflection, this is how the eBay seller, Liam Thurkettle of Williamsburg, Va., sums up the Arcimoto:

It feels so good on the road, and you feel the wind. The handling is nice and tight, too.

Thurkettle is well-qualified when it comes to unusual vehicles. Best described as a “car chaser,” he finds and ships specialist machinery all over the world. He said:

Military vehicles, rare cars, motorcycles. You name it. We recently shipped a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia all the way to Australia.

Community Support

With any specialty vehicle, a vibrant and enthusiastic online community of owners is preferable. Thurkettle found this to be the case with the Arcimoto. It has almost a cult-like following with groups of thousands of owners.

He shared some of their feedback:

The only real issue was with one of the original batteries, which were known to be compromised and didn’t hold up for long. Owners recommended an Interstate battery, which has given no issues since.

Car or Motorcycle?

None of the above. Federally speaking, the FUV is classed as an autocycle, although it is ultimately up to each state to define this unusual machine. Generally, autocycles are defined as having:

• Three wheels with two up front and one out back
• Three full seats and seatbelts as opposed to a saddle
• Been certified by the manufacturer to comply with all applicable federal motor vehicle and safety standards as of the date of manufacture

Some states do not require the driver to wear a helmet. As with any doorless vehicle, this is probably not a great idea.

Are They Good?

If you’re in the market for a quirky, local-use EV, the answer seems to be yes. After a 2022 road test, MotorTrend said:

The FUV largely lives up to its name when driven on surface streets. As you’d expect with a twin-motor EV—especially one weighing about 1,300 pounds—it feels quick. Arcimoto’s claimed 7.5-second 0-60-mph time feels about right… though we suspect it could be quicker.

Sub-eight seconds to 60 isn’t to be sniffed at. Once you’re familiar with the quad-like riding position, handling seems to be above par, too. Quick and responsive was MotorTrend’s verdict.

Potholes take some getting used to, though. Having navigated the front wheels on either side of a hole means that the rear wheel will probably crash straight through it. But as far as drawbacks go, that’s about it.

Do You Need One?

Single-vehicle households clearly have little need for the FUV. However, with a 100-mile range and 75-mph top speed, this is surely the weapon of choice for local courier and delivery services. Unfortunately, future parts availability is uncertain.

That said, reviewers are so enamored of its performance and character that you may need one just for fun.