3 Minutes
Tiny off-roader, big personality
Chelsea Truck Company — best known for creating oversized, heavily reworked Land Rover Defenders through its connection to Project Kahn — has surprised the automotive world with a very different kind of vehicle. The Chelsea Riot is a single-seat, micro off-roader roughly the size of a bicycle that trades brute force for playful simplicity and a pure outdoor driving experience.
Design and cabin: minimalism meets retro charm
Think of the Riot as a cross between a classic roadster and a compact farm tractor. It rides on 17-inch wire wheels with chunky, knobby tyres and features an exposed, roofless layout — no doors, no windshield. The cockpit is intentionally sparse: a three-spoke steering wheel, two analog gauges, a handful of switches for LED lights, and a single adult-sized seat. An oddly positioned external gear lever adds a quirky, mechanical feel to the driving experience.
Under the skin: lightweight engineering
The Riot’s backbone is a ladder-frame steel chassis. Power comes from a 125cc petrol engine — likely sourced from a motorcycle — producing just 7 horsepower. That number seems tiny until you consider the Riot weighs only 230 kg. With that low curb weight, the micro off-roader reaches a top speed of about 60 km/h (37 mph).
Drivetrain, brakes and practicality
Transmission duties are handled by a semi-automatic gearbox with three forward gears and one reverse. Disc brakes on all four wheels provide stopping power for off-road trails, and the aggressive tread tyres make the Riot suitable for dirt tracks and light trails rather than extreme rock crawling. The package is clearly designed for fun, short excursions rather than long-distance touring.
Highlights
- Engine: 125cc petrol, ~7 hp
- Weight: ~230 kg
- Top speed: ~60 km/h (37 mph)
- Transmission: semi-automatic, 3 forward + 1 reverse
- Brakes: discs on all four wheels
- Price: starts at £4,000
For buyers seeking a novelty off-road buggy, the Chelsea Riot offers an affordable entry point. At a starting price of £4,000, it competes more with ATVs and recreational UTVs than full-size SUVs. It’s a statement piece: less about towing capacity or trail conquest, more about fun, minimalist motoring and Instagram-ready aesthetics.
"The Riot flips the script: instead of more power and bigger wheels, it celebrates light weight and simplicity."
In a market that often equates off-road capability with larger engines and heavier suspension, the Chelsea Riot is a refreshing reminder that driving enjoyment can come from clever packaging and a focus on pure outdoor engagement. Whether it becomes a niche hit among enthusiasts or a weekend toy for estates and farms, it’s already earned attention for doing something unexpected.
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