It’s not really a car, though it has the safety features of one. And it’s not really a motorcycle, though the U.S. government classifies it as one. But it is cheap, and it gets incredible gas mileage.

In the the fall of 2015, Elio Motors will begin manufacturing the “Elio,” a three-wheeled commuter vehicle that gets 84 miles per gallon on the highway, and costs $6,800. Already, 27,000 people have reserved one.

With two wheels in the front, and one in the rear, the Elio is actually classified as a motorcycle by the U.S. government. But neither a helmet, nor a motorcycle license will be required to drive it. Elio Motors founder, Paul Elio, assures the Associated Press that the vehicle has all the typical safety features of a car, such as anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, and a steel cage surrounding the occupants.

But that is where the Elio’s resemblance to a typical car ends. Forbes describes it as about the length of a Honda Civic, but half as narrow, with only a single conventionally hinged side door. Adding to the unique look, its front wheels extend beyond the front-end bodywork, exposing the vehicle’s suspension.

While Paul Elio hopes that the car’s affordability and fuel economy will eventually give it some mass appeal, the majority of his current reservation holders are are older, more affluent consumers who plan to use the Elio as a second or third car for commuting, the AP reports.

“It’s an ‘and’ purchase for a lot of folks,” Elio told the AP. “So keep your SUV or your minivan or your large sedan, and when you’re driving back and forth to work all by yourself, take the Elio. At this price point and this mileage, that works financially for folks.”

Photo credit: Elio Motors