Sinclair C5: The 1985 Electric Recumbent Tricycle
By
jszymborski
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
The Sinclair C5 is a small one-person battery electric recumbent tricycle, technically classified as an 'electrically assisted pedal cycle.' Produced in 1985 by Sinclair Vehicles in Wales, it features a 250W electric motor, 12V lead-acid battery, 20-mile range, and weighs approximately 45kg with battery. Despite being widely described as an electric car, inventor Sir Clive Sinclair characterized it as a 'vehicle, not a car,' representing his long-running interest in electric vehicles.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe Sinclair C5 is a small one-person battery electric recumbent tricycle, technically an 'electrically assisted pedal cycle'.
It was the culmination of Sir Clive Sinclair's long-running interest in electric vehicles.
Although widely described as an 'electric car', Sinclair characterised it as a 'vehicle, not a car'.
Production: 1985; Assembly: Merthyr Tydfil, Wales; Layout: Tricycle; Electric motor: 250 W (0.34 hp); Range: 20 miles (32 km).
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