Narrow-track vehicle

A narrow-track vehicle is a vehicle that leaves a narrow ground track as it moves forward. Narrow-track vehicles may have lateral stability when stationary but usually lean into turns to prevent falling towards the outside.^[1][2]

Yamaha MWC-4

Vandenbrink Carver

Narrow-track vehicles have unique dynamics that, in the case of wheeled vehicles, may be similar to bicycle and motorcycle dynamics and that may include countersteering.^[3] Narrow-track vehicles can roll on wheels, slide, float, or hydroplane. The narrow profile can result in reduced aerodynamic drag, increased fuel efficiency, and reduced pavement requirements.^[4][5] These types of vehicles have also been described as "man-wide vehicles" (MWV).^[4]

Generally, cars with a static stability factor (${\displaystyle {\frac {T_{w}}{2h}}}$ where ${\displaystyle T_{w}}$ = car width and ${\displaystyle h}$ = height of the center of gravity) of less than 0.6 are considered to be narrow cars due to physical reasons.^[6] Non-narrow vehicles (those with a higher static stability factor) are more safe against rolling over while turning because they begin to skid before they can undergo enough turning acceleration to roll over; however, this is not always true for narrow vehicles.^[6]

Gallery

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  Nissan Land Glider
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  Honda Canopy
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  Yamaha Tricity
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  Toyota i-Road
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  Longboarding

See also

• Tilting three-wheeler
• Tilting car