Oh, PLEASE. ANY decent mechanic should be able to handle it. Except for the microprocessor stuff, engines and running gear are NOT complicated. I grew up rebuilding tractors and cars, and wouldn't hesitate to tackle one of these with a decent repair manual.
Warranty work would be handled by the dealers, obviously.
Hydraulic lifts have lots of flexibility. To handle three wheels, you just don't use one of the arms, and swing the other to the center wheel.
Better mileage than an new Toyota Corolla---almost definitely. Less weight, good aerodynamics.
How do you know it won't have AC??. And air circulation can be handled with air scoops.
Same size parking spot as a car?? I doubt it--especially if you drive into the parking spot "end-on".
"I'll stick with a traditional motorcycle for fuel-efficient, zippy commuter transportation on days when I don't feel like taking the train or a car. They'll need to sink LOTS more engineering brainpower into this concept before it really makes sense."
Well, maybe where YOU live---but I live in Washington, where it rains most of the winter. NOT good for a motorcycle commute. As to engineering brainpower--do you think that Volkwagen is lacking in such?? After all, it is the Germans who produce the BMW motorcycle.
There is a mechanic near my home who specializes in Mercedes vehicles. He won't do a simple oil change on my Ford because he says he doesn't "have the right tools" to perform the work. The simple fact-of-the-matter is that there is a huge number of picky mechanics out there who will turn down trike work because they don't feel like dealing with the extra expense or hassle. If you wish to wrench on your brand-new vehicle on your own dime, that's your choice.
Yeah, the dealerships may offer warranty work on the Volkswagen or the Mercedes Benz versions if they ever see the light of day...not so easy for the Peugeot 20Cup, Aprilia Magnet, or Phiaro P67B Eternity. Oh, you mean there isn't a network of Phiaro dealerships near Milwaukee? I wouldn't have guessed.
How do I know they won't have air conditioning? Look at the vehicles, the majority of them are open to the elements just like a motorcycle. In fact, since they're much lower to the ground one would likely endure a few more stone impacts from passing cars. I'd prefer the rocks smack my shins which are covered by high boots and leather riding pants while riding a motorcycle, thank you very much.
If it rains so much near your home, why in the world would you want to commute with one of these vehicles? You could get a reliable commuter car (like a diesel-powered Volkswagen Golf) that gets tremendous fuel mileage and still have plenty of money leftover to purchase a slick and fun motorcycle. I'm not just speaking for myself, I fail to see anything compelling that would help these vehicles sell successfully in the marketplace...even if they were a hoot to drive on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
~ Blue Jays ~