Innovator Grant Sinclair tested the IRIS eTrike with astronaut Tim Peake and is now taking orders from future owners of the vehicle. Mass production will begin in the first quarter of 2024.
The design echoes the C5 tricycle his uncle, Sir Clive Sinclair, created in the 1980s. That model struggled back then because it was vulnerable on the road. Grant Sinclair says the new trike is safe by comparison.
The project he’s been working on for six years is currently on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England.
What makes the IRIS eTrike special?
The bicycle is lit by a bright LED strip that frames the headlights and brake lights. It signals to other road users that a space-age rover is approaching.
Grant Sinclair’s team says the model is designed for urban travel. The 50-kilogram IRIS eTrike has an aerodynamic shape inspired by cycling helmets and can reach up to 48 km/h. A single battery charge gives it a range of 48 kilometers.
Sinclair explains this is a consumer-friendly electric take on the world’s fastest bicycle, which is human-powered. The motor is powerful enough to tackle steep hills, Designboom reported.
In the standard configuration, the team installed a cooling system with HEPA filters that will protect the driver from smoke, microbes, and viruses.
The futuristic bicycle features an ergonomic semi-reclining, bucket-shaped seat. The rear compartment, which also serves as a trunk, is designed to hold over 100 liters of cargo. You can access it from inside or outside using an RFID electronic key fob.
This electric tricycle has advantages over other bikes. It withstands harsh weather thanks to a weather-resistant body made of foamed polypropylene. The canopy, made from aviation-grade acrylic, also serves as protection and has an anti-fogging coating. The frame, with two front wheels and one rear wheel, is made of chrome-plated steel. The tires are puncture-resistant.
The cabin features a display that shows speed, distance, battery charge, and power mode. The rearview camera with a 120° viewing angle transmits real-time images to the driver’s mobile device. Additionally, there is a universal docking station for smartphones inside the electric bicycle.
Potential owners of the new vehicle can choose the eTrike in black, white, or red. The price is £4,999.
