But before you make fun, consider that while they look silly, the way these things are being used may make them the perfect electric vehicles.

Next month, Toyota and Grenoble will launch a program giving residents access to two of the weirder vehicles built in recent memory. Through the Cité Lib by Ha:Mo (harmonious mobility) system, Toyota is providing 70 EVs that can be rented for short periods of time. Like bike sharing, the idea is to give people a way to get from public transit stations to their destinations, covering the "last mile" so they don't feel the need to take their car.

The goal is to "be a part of creating a future urban mobility," says Toyota chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada, to make getting around cities easier and reduce emissions.