Two-wheeled vehicles have long promised freedom and exhilaration. For many, they offer a unique connection to the road: light, fast, and intuitive. But in dense urban environments, where road conditions can change by the block, even experienced riders can find themselves fighting physics.
Potholes, sand, and sharp turns don’t discriminate. And while cities have embraced micromobility as a clean and efficient alternative to cars, one challenge persists across motorcycles, e-bikes, and scooters alike: maintaining balance and control in unpredictable conditions.
That is the problem XOTO, a transportation startup based in Los Angeles, is addressing. Not with rider apps or training tools, but with a fundamental rethinking of the vehicle itself.
A New Kind of Vehicle Built from Aerospace Principles
XOTO was founded by Timothy Huntzinger, a veteran of NASA, Boeing, and Kittyhawk. It is part electric motorcycle, part scooter, and completely original. After decades of designing aircraft, drones, and electric aviation systems, Huntzinger turned his attention to the ground with the goal of building a safer and smarter urban ride.
At first glance, XOTO looks like a futuristic scooter: sleek, upright, and electric. But one feature sets it apart immediately. It rides on three wheels instead of two. The front features a dual-wheel, self-stabilizing system, while the single rear wheel houses the drive motor. The result is a ride that leans like a sportbike but remains steady at low speeds and through slippery or uneven terrain.
Designed for Control Without Sacrificing Fun
Unlike traditional two-wheelers, XOTO is front-wheel drive. That gives it a natural advantage in traction and handling, especially when turning or braking. Riders describe the experience as surprisingly intuitive, similar to carving on skis rather than steering a bulky scooter.
XOTO’s patented tilting mechanism allows for real lean angles without the instability that often comes with them. It does not replace the feeling of riding a motorcycle, but it opens the door to a similar thrill with a layer of confidence and safety many new riders have never experienced.
A Focus on Real-World Safety Challenges
XOTO’s approach is also shaped by rider data. Studies from transportation agencies have shown that most e-scooter injuries are caused by falls, not vehicle collisions. Even in motorcycle and e-bike incidents, rider imbalance and road hazards are frequent causes of accidents, particularly in urban settings.
Instead of ignoring this, XOTO tackles it directly. Its three-wheel configuration, dynamic balance, and low center of gravity are all designed to prevent tip-overs and give riders more margin for error in unpredictable environments.
Versatile, Electric, and Built for the City
The vehicle also brings serious practicality. It is built to carry cargo or a second passenger. Its swappable battery system makes charging easy. And its top speed of 45 mph with a range up to 90 miles makes it more than capable for city commuting.
What XOTO offers is a new category of electric mobility. It balances performance with peace of mind. It is not here to replace motorcycles or scooters, but to expand what is possible for riders who want more control, more versatility, and fewer compromises.
