I just need an all-weather, all-terrain, power wheelchair with a top speed of 100 mph and a 500 mile range, that charges in 30 seconds. I’m not asking for much!
Still got my C5, not in running order though nowadays. It's surprisingly fun to ride, even ok on the road, I used to get drivers slowing down (to gawp, point and laugh!) and passing with far more space than they do when I'm cycling. It's just slow, you'll be lucky to hit 13mph on the flat. It's heavy, so that really has an impact uphill. The ergonomics of the under leg steering are surprisingly good, but the pedalling position is no good for any length of time. Front brake is a caliper on a tiny plastic rim (so basically ineffective!) and the rear brake is a drum brake that works on the right wheel only, so if you pull that hard, you veer right into the traffic! Also, the linkage steering can get a worrying shimmy on at anything over 20mph (downhill, obvs!). It is surprisingly aero and you don't feel headwinds like you do on an upright bike. I did once try it on my commute. It took 45mins compared to the usual 35mins on the road bike, but I didn't break a sweat! I had a 56Ah 12V deep cycle lead acid and it managed the 18 mile round trip no problem. It was assembled by Hoover, but it wasn't a washing machine motor as reported by some media. The motor was manufactured by an Italian company that made motors for torpedos! The body of the vehicle was formed from two parts that were the largest injection moulded forms ever made at the time. It was absolutely ahead of its time, but also deeply flawed. Now we have better battery technology and really efficient brushless motor controllers, micromobility is a far more practical concept (if it wasn't for all the 3 tonne SUVs!).
I own and ride a tadpole configured recumbent tricycle. Mine is not electrical assisted as I have 63 gears, but I have been considering and electric assisted velomobile, which is enclosed and therefore protects the driver against the elements. As I am now in my 70s, I think that this would be an economical way of getting around locally to do my shopping and other middle to short distance commutes.
I remember seeing a C5 in a shop window as I walked to work one day. I think it was £250 or thereabouts, loved it! Anyway, I was an apprentice so that was far too much money. In later years I've also owned a couple of recumbent bicycles (Peer Gynt and Dawes Lowrider which was a re-badged Batavus Relaxx) and a recumbent tadpole trike (KMX Kart). If we had separated cycle paths throughout the country low recumbents would be amazing. The way things are, I would prefer a recumbent that is higher, so your not as vertically challenged by cars/lorries etc. Underseat steering is good for compactness but, in my opinion, is no where near as safe (controllable) as chest height steering. I wonder why and how the 250watt motor limitation was brought in in 1983? What would motivate someone to think of that well before there was any general interest in electric bikes? One last thought, what about an electric Bond Bug! That would be awesome! Great channel/s, love it.
The worlds largest selling vehicle - by far - is the Honda Cub. James May waxed lyrical about it, and they're still going strong today. 1.5 l/100 km for the new one which is able to do 100 kmh ( at a stretch ). You meet the nicest people on a Honda :)
I only ever saw two of them in the street - two of them riding together - about five years ago. I think they were part of some promotion or event. I have seen a couple in different museums too. Always fancied getting one. So thanks for the video!
It would be fun to make a copy..but with a carbon fibre body / chassis and up to date battery / motor / electronics. Oh and with proper ergonomics and brakes that work.
Nostalgia...C5 (besides the things that were mentioned in the video) didn't have any suspension and taller people couldn't fit in it. It was attempt to create a new market for , in any way imaginable , inadequate toy , for people who are now called "first adopters" of "new" technologies . Micro cars were/are much better solution in a sense of personal transportation (if it is done right , like the Smart car now , or the Inva car , or bubble car , or bond bug , back in a day). However , if one wants "imaginative" and adequate for the purpose , one must pay quite a lot money , because , R&D doesn't come cheap , as well as bragging rights . Jet pack is very imaginative , and yet , not many people use it for personal transport. Personally , I would like something like a Falcon from star wars , but don't have the cash for it. There is a "thing" (car) called Aptera , which is very imaginative (in design and promised performance for sure) , but I doubt that it'll be sold in numbers like Mini (or any other popular vehicle). There is , also , a "Jetson" in pre production trials (big quadrocopter capable of carrying people) , but , I can't see wide spread adoption of such things in a near future (cost and regulations). There are places where petrol isn't so expensive and there is a LNG and/or LPG . Or , even better , convert a car to run on Methane.
I'm sure I seen something on You Tube a two or three years ago, about some relation of Clive Sinclair, think it's a nephew, trying to relaunch a slightly modified version of the C5, wonder how he's getting on.
I'd often thought that it'll have had a much better chance of selling it he'd launched it in Spring-Summer and set up a cheap hire business, probably on Spanish coast, given the year, where British holidaymakers would happily spend £5 have one for half a day, nipping around in too much heat to want to walk far. I think it'll have sold a lot more, though also probably by Winter at home most would have fallen out of use again until the next Spring.
He was almost the Elon Musk of the day but hampered by his possible unwillingness to listen to advice I presume, surely there had to be those in his circle who would have tried to talk sense to him about his design for the C5 . His little electronic gimmick that made the handheld calculator practical was a success story for him . His obsession for miniaturisation was a tough tick to kick for him though . He made a range of miniature stereo equipment prone to overheating problems cos of the small size that didn't help his reputation. Many folk refused to buy the zx computer cos the small size seemed a little odd . He didn't know you gotta fake it till you make approach to marketing i.e. ..when the journalists arrived to try out the C5 , he should have presented a C5 with a 750 watt motor and twice the battery capacity. Edison wasn't averse to a bit of dodge on occasions. It was the way of the world in general .
My issue with e-bikes is the poor aerodynamics. I would love to see a much more aerodynamic version. Something like an Aptera for E-bikes. But something affordable.
Was out driving one dark and wet night and noticed something in front of me. Soon realised it was a C5. Had I been driving a lorry with a wet window, I could have missed seeing it and driven over it. Dangerous to drive. Too hard to see in some circumstances.
I can't see any way I would feel safe on a road mixing with normal traffic when my head is only about three feet above the ground. When I've seen people on recumbent bicycles I've shuddered.
I still am a bit sad tat gave away my sinclair to a stranger instead to you because I had to move house in a hurry. The thing worked fine as new but the 250 watt was a joke, no oomph whatsoever and the pedals were designed for midgest as was the he molded cabin and seat., and for a Dutch person I count as short. Had they put in a 600 watt but tuned to 250 legal limit it would have been a gem. And better neon stripes were needee and a flag on a pole like they they do with kids bikes would be much safer. When iI drove it I was alwas scared to being crushed by c ar or even a fast bycicle, the color was perfect to blend into the background and it was just centimeters from the street. Did like the design of the insides quite; a lot of effort had to have been made to make it even possible at that time.
I'd love to move away from large or midsized vehicles for regular transit. I already drive a small yaris but when I'm just going on the interstate by myself I'd much prefer less bulk.
I have two different models of the now 'antique' Sinclair Zita units: (250 watt 'bolt-on' electric propulsion units for ordinary pushbikes). One was designed to fit over the back wheel and the other operated the front wheel. Neither of these designs ever caught on either. They were uselessly inefficient. I recently discovered that they are no longer legal on British roads as they use a 'thumb throttle' instead of the 'pedal-assist' operation now legally required. (This requires that the pedals to be turned in order to bring the motor into operation). I'm not sure about the road legality of the C5 nowadays. I think they must have had a thumb throttle too rather than pedal-assist. As for the modern UK road-legal electric scooters, (available for hire only); they seem to be allowed to legally break both the no-pedals and 'no thumb throttle' rules. Likewise, mobility scooters although you are supposed to have some kind of recognised disability in order to use one. Conveniently, pavement use is permitted. The law governing small electric vehicles really needs sorting out.
The old stuff is all still legal, the updated regulations only apply to newly sold products. The C5 does have a thumb throttle (it's an on/off micro switch). You can also have a newly sold throttle controlled e-bike (ie. no need for pedalling, although pedals must be fitted). Since 2019, you've been able to register it as a 250W LPM by paying £55 for a vehicle inspection. It's then classed as a bicycle.
It was the measly 250 watt power and low weight limit that doomed the C5. One has a better power to weight ratio on a push bike! It was the same with Citizen Band radio that was limited to 6 watts effective radiated power (ERP), which is far too weak (too smaller a range) for a citizens band radio to be useful. This was a problem with the Thatcher government killing things off that they didn’t approve of by use of overly restrictive legislation. The Son of C5 will only succeed if the regulations are made more realistic. No amount of technology will over come the laws of psychics in this regard. More watts per second are needed.
I'm pretty sure the Thatcher Govt was characterised by deregulation & plasterers earning the same as lawyers but yeah, the product was limited by physics. I wonder if retrofitting with current tech could fix.
A sterling engine powered by iron powder. I saw a sterling powered car someone made back in the 2000's that had about 100 horsepower. I'm sure we could get 150 horsepower to move these newer fat-butt cars.
A small vegetable oil powered 50cc moped would be nice. Or using a carbon felt in line with your fuel air mixture to the engine from the carburetor could act as a diffuser for kerosene fuel or a piezo electric kerosene fuel fogger may work for some small gas bike.
I have an e-bike with 4" tyres, it looks a bit like a moped, and I have a trailer for it to carry stuff. now if the C5 had a lithium battery, it would probably get better range and be more useable- for example my e-bike boasts a 60-80 mile range, and although my longest trip was only 25 miles, that was the only time I have manage to drop the battery down by one bar off max.
The C5 always looked naff, not least because its a 3-wheeler, but mostly because of its styling. I wouldn't be seen dead in one.. 😹. Having said that, I've always thought that there might be a market for a lightweight, naked 4-wheeler, kinda like two electric bikes sitting side by side joined by cross members providing seating and storage capacity. For bad weather, a kind of foldaway material cowl for the whole vehicle.
What's your thought with turbine powered cars like the Chrysler Turbine Car, with it's Chrysler A-831 gas turbine engine. and turning it into an electric hybrid, by using the turbine to passivity charge the batteries or a bank of capacitors. Turbines have an advantage of running on multiple fuel types.
One of the problems is that even if you build something awesome Politicians will legislate it away! Someone commented about 50cc moped. A 50cc moped can be tweeked to go at 100mph and was a category in bike racing at one time. Alas no longer! You are limited to the output you can get. There is one guy in Ireland trying to make a small wooden pedal powered car, but there is legislation that stops him! He has gone down the 3 wheel route (I advised to go for 5 wheels) and his results are more unstable because of it ........ even if he IS having fun doing it! So you need to eather constrain your efforts to within legislation (like the size of motor) or come up with a novel idea that is so far left of field they did not think it worth legislating for!
Way Out West - Workshop Stuff is the channel. Anyone reading this far would likely be interested in what they have going on. Some of the road restrictions are a bit absurd. I guess if you're a car company then anything that restricts people moving without your car is good for you, but it's bad for everyone else. One of the biggest problems is perception. Like others have mentioned here, they don't want to be seen in something unusual, no matter how much money it could save them. That's a shame. The other issue is people's outrageous fear of Lithium Ion batteries. If people would just add a bit more protection in the form of ceramic fiber blanket and steel this perception issue wouldn't exist. Saving a couple dollars and a couple kg has completely ruined the perception of batteries. Even if newer, safer technologies replace Lithium Ion in price per unit of energy stored, it will be at least a century before misinformation and fear are dispelled. I've been working with my own electric trike build (using an existing adult trike, if I didn't get it for free it would not be worth the effort), and I hope to do a reverse trike like the Way Out West people one day.
Nah, sorry, not sexy, they were essentially a kids go-kart with an electric motor option. I'm not saying that electric is not the future, but the C5 was hardly ahead of its time. We've had electric cars since the early part of the the last century and we've had go-karts going back way before that. You might scoff at e-bikes but they get people around cities nicely. There is a need for smaller electric cars at a price that the smaller car buyer can afford but a C5 really isn't going to make a comeback.
Or you could move from the US Empire to somewhere in BRICS. 1 litre of petrol is GBP 0.43 in Russia, GBP 0.92 in Brazil, GBP 0.95 in China, GBP 1 in South Africa and GBP 1.05 in India.
I just need an all-weather, all-terrain, power wheelchair with a top speed of 100 mph and a 500 mile range, that charges in 30 seconds. I’m not asking for much!
Still got my C5, not in running order though nowadays. It's surprisingly fun to ride, even ok on the road, I used to get drivers slowing down (to gawp, point and laugh!) and passing with far more space than they do when I'm cycling.
It's just slow, you'll be lucky to hit 13mph on the flat. It's heavy, so that really has an impact uphill. The ergonomics of the under leg steering are surprisingly good, but the pedalling position is no good for any length of time. Front brake is a caliper on a tiny plastic rim (so basically ineffective!) and the rear brake is a drum brake that works on the right wheel only, so if you pull that hard, you veer right into the traffic! Also, the linkage steering can get a worrying shimmy on at anything over 20mph (downhill, obvs!). It is surprisingly aero and you don't feel headwinds like you do on an upright bike. I did once try it on my commute. It took 45mins compared to the usual 35mins on the road bike, but I didn't break a sweat! I had a 56Ah 12V deep cycle lead acid and it managed the 18 mile round trip no problem.
It was assembled by Hoover, but it wasn't a washing machine motor as reported by some media. The motor was manufactured by an Italian company that made motors for torpedos! The body of the vehicle was formed from two parts that were the largest injection moulded forms ever made at the time.
It was absolutely ahead of its time, but also deeply flawed. Now we have better battery technology and really efficient brushless motor controllers, micromobility is a far more practical concept (if it wasn't for all the 3 tonne SUVs!).
Japan created their own Sinclair C5 in Japan in 1986. She was solar powered and called the Sanyo Amorton Car.
@ 6:00 - don't forget it was available for direct sale in Currys main shops.
I own and ride a tadpole configured recumbent tricycle. Mine is not electrical assisted as I have 63 gears, but I have been considering and electric assisted velomobile, which is enclosed and therefore protects the driver against the elements. As I am now in my 70s, I think that this would be an economical way of getting around locally to do my shopping and other middle to short distance commutes.
There's conflicting info on how many were sold. The real numbers are 9,000 to 19,000.
I remember seeing a C5 in a shop window as I walked to work one day. I think it was £250 or thereabouts, loved it! Anyway, I was an apprentice so that was far too much money. In later years I've also owned a couple of recumbent bicycles (Peer Gynt and Dawes Lowrider which was a re-badged Batavus Relaxx) and a recumbent tadpole trike (KMX Kart). If we had separated cycle paths throughout the country low recumbents would be amazing. The way things are, I would prefer a recumbent that is higher, so your not as vertically challenged by cars/lorries etc. Underseat steering is good for compactness but, in my opinion, is no where near as safe (controllable) as chest height steering. I wonder why and how the 250watt motor limitation was brought in in 1983? What would motivate someone to think of that well before there was any general interest in electric bikes? One last thought, what about an electric Bond Bug! That would be awesome! Great channel/s, love it.
The worlds largest selling vehicle - by far - is the Honda Cub. James May waxed lyrical about it, and they're still going strong today. 1.5 l/100 km for the new one which is able to do 100 kmh ( at a stretch ). You meet the nicest people on a Honda :)
I drove/rode one once, it was utterly terrifying……
Sinclair started off with amplifier kits (I had one), the first digital calculators and watches.
My uncle was a mechanic and he bought one for his sons. I had a go in it as a child, I've never been so jealous in all my life!!
I only ever saw two of them in the street - two of them riding together - about five years ago. I think they were part of some promotion or event. I have seen a couple in different museums too. Always fancied getting one. So thanks for the video!
It would be fun to make a copy..but with a carbon fibre body / chassis and up to date battery / motor / electronics.
Oh and with proper ergonomics and brakes that work.
Nostalgia...C5 (besides the things that were mentioned in the video) didn't have any suspension and taller people couldn't fit in it. It was attempt to create a new market for , in any way imaginable , inadequate toy , for people who are now called "first adopters" of "new" technologies . Micro cars were/are much better solution in a sense of personal transportation (if it is done right , like the Smart car now , or the Inva car , or bubble car , or bond bug , back in a day). However , if one wants "imaginative" and adequate for the purpose , one must pay quite a lot money , because , R&D doesn't come cheap , as well as bragging rights . Jet pack is very imaginative , and yet , not many people use it for personal transport. Personally , I would like something like a Falcon from star wars , but don't have the cash for it. There is a "thing" (car) called Aptera , which is very imaginative (in design and promised performance for sure) , but I doubt that it'll be sold in numbers like Mini (or any other popular vehicle). There is , also , a "Jetson" in pre production trials (big quadrocopter capable of carrying people) , but , I can't see wide spread adoption of such things in a near future (cost and regulations). There are places where petrol isn't so expensive and there is a LNG and/or LPG . Or , even better , convert a car to run on Methane.
I'm sure I seen something on You Tube a two or three years ago, about some relation of Clive Sinclair, think it's a nephew, trying to relaunch a slightly modified version of the C5, wonder how he's getting on.
I'd often thought that it'll have had a much better chance of selling it he'd launched it in Spring-Summer and set up a cheap hire business, probably on Spanish coast, given the year, where British holidaymakers would happily spend £5 have one for half a day, nipping around in too much heat to want to walk far. I think it'll have sold a lot more, though also probably by Winter at home most would have fallen out of use again until the next Spring.
There's also a "car" called the Evetta in germany... Looks interesting
He was almost the Elon Musk of the day but hampered by his possible unwillingness to listen to advice I presume, surely there had to be those in his circle who would have tried to talk sense to him about his design for the C5 . His little electronic gimmick that made the handheld calculator practical was a success story for him . His obsession for miniaturisation was a tough tick to kick for him though . He made a range of miniature stereo equipment prone to overheating problems cos of the small size that didn't help his reputation. Many folk refused to buy the zx computer cos the small size seemed a little odd . He didn't know you gotta fake it till you make approach to marketing i.e. ..when the journalists arrived to try out the C5 , he should have presented a C5 with a 750 watt motor and twice the battery capacity. Edison wasn't averse to a bit of dodge on occasions. It was the way of the world in general .
Do you still have your leaf-battery from the original twizy project?
My issue with e-bikes is the poor aerodynamics. I would love to see a much more aerodynamic version. Something like an Aptera for E-bikes. But something affordable.
Ultimately, moving stuff is energy intensive.
the solution? HORSES! HORSE DRAWN CARTS. HORTSES MR FRODO, HORTSES AND GIANT CONEYS
Was out driving one dark and wet night and noticed something in front of me. Soon realised it was a C5. Had I been driving a lorry with a wet window, I could have missed seeing it and driven over it. Dangerous to drive. Too hard to see in some circumstances.
I can't see any way I would feel safe on a road mixing with normal traffic when my head is only about three feet above the ground. When I've seen people on recumbent bicycles I've shuddered.
I still am a bit sad tat gave away my sinclair to a stranger instead to you because I had to move house in a hurry. The thing worked fine as new but the 250 watt was a joke, no oomph whatsoever and the pedals were designed for midgest as was the he molded cabin and seat., and for a Dutch person I count as short.
Had they put in a 600 watt but tuned to 250 legal limit it would have been a gem. And better neon stripes were needee and a flag on a pole like they they do with kids bikes would be much safer. When iI drove it I was alwas scared to being crushed by c ar or even a fast bycicle, the color was perfect to blend into the background and it was just centimeters from the street. Did like the design of the insides quite; a lot of effort had to have been made to make it even possible at that time.
I'd love to move away from large or midsized vehicles for regular transit. I already drive a small yaris but when I'm just going on the interstate by myself I'd much prefer less bulk.
I have two different models of the now 'antique' Sinclair Zita units: (250 watt 'bolt-on' electric propulsion units for ordinary pushbikes). One was designed to fit over the back wheel and the other operated the front wheel. Neither of these designs ever caught on either. They were uselessly inefficient. I recently discovered that they are no longer legal on British roads as they use a 'thumb throttle' instead of the 'pedal-assist' operation now legally required. (This requires that the pedals to be turned in order to bring the motor into operation).
I'm not sure about the road legality of the C5 nowadays. I think they must have had a thumb throttle too rather than pedal-assist.
As for the modern UK road-legal electric scooters, (available for hire only); they seem to be allowed to legally break both the no-pedals and 'no thumb throttle' rules. Likewise, mobility scooters although you are supposed to have some kind of recognised disability in order to use one. Conveniently, pavement use is permitted. The law governing small electric vehicles really needs sorting out.
The old stuff is all still legal, the updated regulations only apply to newly sold products.
The C5 does have a thumb throttle (it's an on/off micro switch).
You can also have a newly sold throttle controlled e-bike (ie. no need for pedalling, although pedals must be fitted). Since 2019, you've been able to register it as a 250W LPM by paying £55 for a vehicle inspection. It's then classed as a bicycle.
Thanks for proper legal info. I had suspected that the electric bike manufacturer who gave me the original duff info. was mistaken.@@shm5547
There are electric assist velomoviles if you're in the market.
It was the measly 250 watt power and low weight limit that doomed the C5. One has a better power to weight ratio on a push bike! It was the same with Citizen Band radio that was limited to 6 watts effective radiated power (ERP), which is far too weak (too smaller a range) for a citizens band radio to be useful. This was a problem with the Thatcher government killing things off that they didn’t approve of by use of overly restrictive legislation. The Son of C5 will only succeed if the regulations are made more realistic. No amount of technology will over come the laws of psychics in this regard. More watts per second are needed.
I'm pretty sure the Thatcher Govt was characterised by deregulation & plasterers earning the same as lawyers but yeah, the product was limited by physics. I wonder if retrofitting with current tech could fix.
A sterling engine powered by iron powder. I saw a sterling powered car someone made back in the 2000's that had about 100 horsepower. I'm sure we could get 150 horsepower to move these newer fat-butt cars.
A small vegetable oil powered 50cc moped would be nice. Or using a carbon felt in line with your fuel air mixture to the engine from the carburetor could act as a diffuser for kerosene fuel or a piezo electric kerosene fuel fogger may work for some small gas bike.
1:04 - Bitcoin
In Panama, $1/Lt USD.
I have an e-bike with 4" tyres, it looks a bit like a moped, and I have a trailer for it to carry stuff. now if the C5 had a lithium battery, it would probably get better range and be more useable- for example my e-bike boasts a 60-80 mile range, and although my longest trip was only 25 miles, that was the only time I have manage to drop the battery down by one bar off max.
Has anyone upgraded one of these with current tech - lithium batteries or lighter/more powerful motors?
The C5 always looked naff, not least because its a 3-wheeler, but mostly because of its styling. I wouldn't be seen dead in one.. 😹. Having said that, I've always thought that there might be a market for a lightweight, naked 4-wheeler, kinda like two electric bikes sitting side by side joined by cross members providing seating and storage capacity. For bad weather, a kind of foldaway material cowl for the whole vehicle.
Diesel is £1.56.9 near us
I think the reason they failed is how low to the floor they are. Its just too easy to be ran over by a bus
What's your thought with turbine powered cars like the Chrysler Turbine Car, with it's Chrysler A-831 gas turbine engine.
and turning it into an electric hybrid, by using the turbine to passivity charge the batteries or a bank of capacitors.
Turbines have an advantage of running on multiple fuel types.
The guys who originally founded Tesla are working on just that.
It's too low to the ground for my taste.
My e-bike I built, does 36 mph for 20 miles.
Back in 2020, the battery alone was $650.00 USD.
Hi just looked there are a few on ebey now, 👍🐝🌞
the solution is an ammonia powered engine.
It would be Illegal today.
Why?
@@markthomasson5077 Same reason they made e-scooters illegal, I don't know what it is.
E scooter are not e bikes…the C5 is.
One of the problems is that even if you build something awesome Politicians will legislate it away!
Someone commented about 50cc moped. A 50cc moped can be tweeked to go at 100mph and was a category in bike racing at one time. Alas no longer!
You are limited to the output you can get.
There is one guy in Ireland trying to make a small wooden pedal powered car, but there is legislation that stops him! He has gone down the 3 wheel route (I advised to go for 5 wheels) and his results are more unstable because of it ........ even if he IS having fun doing it!
So you need to eather constrain your efforts to within legislation (like the size of motor) or come up with a novel idea that is so far left of field they did not think it worth legislating for!
Way Out West - Workshop Stuff is the channel. Anyone reading this far would likely be interested in what they have going on. Some of the road restrictions are a bit absurd. I guess if you're a car company then anything that restricts people moving without your car is good for you, but it's bad for everyone else.
One of the biggest problems is perception. Like others have mentioned here, they don't want to be seen in something unusual, no matter how much money it could save them. That's a shame. The other issue is people's outrageous fear of Lithium Ion batteries. If people would just add a bit more protection in the form of ceramic fiber blanket and steel this perception issue wouldn't exist. Saving a couple dollars and a couple kg has completely ruined the perception of batteries. Even if newer, safer technologies replace Lithium Ion in price per unit of energy stored, it will be at least a century before misinformation and fear are dispelled.
I've been working with my own electric trike build (using an existing adult trike, if I didn't get it for free it would not be worth the effort), and I hope to do a reverse trike like the Way Out West people one day.
Nah, sorry, not sexy, they were essentially a kids go-kart with an electric motor option. I'm not saying that electric is not the future, but the C5 was hardly ahead of its time. We've had electric cars since the early part of the the last century and we've had go-karts going back way before that. You might scoff at e-bikes but they get people around cities nicely. There is a need for smaller electric cars at a price that the smaller car buyer can afford but a C5 really isn't going to make a comeback.
Nope. A bad idea ink the 80's and still a bad idea now.
Errr no
Yes it is it will keep the tree huggers happy as long as they don't start catching fier
Human Extinction isn't out of the question. It is the question.
If you had a Sinclair C5, you would have to be careful of your speed if you lived in Wales😉
No ... Buy Aptera EVs
Or you could move from the US Empire to somewhere in BRICS. 1 litre of petrol is GBP 0.43 in Russia, GBP 0.92 in Brazil, GBP 0.95 in China, GBP 1 in South Africa and GBP 1.05 in India.