Tesla's Cybercab Goes Public: Robotaxi Spotted Hitting Austin Streets, Steering Wheel Mystery Deepens

TL;DR: Tesla's futuristic Cybercab robotaxi has been seen testing on public roads in Austin, Texas, for the first time, sparking debate over whether the test vehicles included a steering wheel or pedals. This marks a significant step towards its anticipated 2026 production, intensifying real-world validation.

Meta: Tesla Cybercab spotted testing on public roads in Austin, fueling speculation about its design and 2026 production plans.

Alright, folks, it looks like Tesla's Cybercab is ready for its close-up, hitting the mean streets of Austin, Texas, for its first public road tests! We've been hearing about this futuristic robotaxi for a minute, and now it's out there, mingling with regular traffic. Photos, shared by eagle-eyed observers on X, show a production-ready Cybercab cruising through downtown Austin, making us all wonder if the future of urban transport is truly upon us.

The Great Steering Wheel Debate

Now, here's where it gets interesting: the big question swirling around these sightings is whether these test vehicles had a steering wheel or pedals. See, Elon Musk has famously declared that the Cybercab is designed to be completely autonomous, no human controls needed. But, you know, regulations are a thing. During public road testing, especially with cutting-edge tech, temporary manual controls are often a must-have for safety and legal reasons. It's like giving a baby a training leash, just in case.

Some sightings, like one at the Apple Visitor Center in Cupertino, California, did show a Cybercab equipped with a steering wheel. Meanwhile, other production-ready units displayed by Tesla itself have been proudly pedal- and wheel-free. This push-and-pull highlights the complex dance between groundbreaking innovation and real-world regulatory hurdles. Tesla's gotta prove this thing is safer than your grandpa's old jalopy before they unleash it on the masses.

Overdrive to Production

These public road tests in both Austin and California (where it even hit up an In-N-Out drive-thru, because priorities!) strongly suggest that Tesla is full-throttle towards Cybercab production. Elon Musk has previously stated that production is slated to begin in April 2026, so this real-world testing is a crucial step for validation. It's one thing to show off a concept; it's another to have it navigate rush hour traffic without a human hand on the wheel.

The Cybercab's design seems pretty locked in, with recent showcases revealing frameless windows, powered butterfly doors, and a refined interior. The focus now is clearly on software and safety, ensuring that Tesla's promise of autonomous ride-hailing isn't just a fantasy, but a reality ready for prime time.

What’s Next

Expect more sightings, more debates, and intense scrutiny as Tesla ramps up its Cybercab testing. The coming months will be critical for ironing out any kinks and securing the necessary regulatory approvals to operate these vehicles without human supervision. The path to a widespread robotaxi network is fraught with challenges, but if Tesla pulls it off, it could completely revolutionize urban transportation. Stay tuned, because this ride is just getting started.

Whether it's got a wheel or not, one thing's for sure: this thing's got style, baby!