This Iris e-Trike Is A Large Crash Helmet On Wheels

Inventor Grant Sinclair is optimistic his updated version will be a well-ridden success, nearly 30 years after his uncle failed to convince about moving in battery-powered tricycles.

The C5 was shunned by the public essentially because of its design seated riders too low down, making them seldom unseen to other vehicles.

Also, the C5's poor range of 20 miles (32.18km) and the absence of protection didn't improve matters.

Sinclair's 44-year-old nephew, Grant Sinclair thinks his three-wheeled prototype Iris eTrike will prove far more favourable.

The Iris eTrike prototype, with a raised seat, the appearance of a modern day cycling crash helmet and made from expanded polypropylene foam is hoping to replace his uncle's unsuccessful eTrike.

"There's nothing else like this on the market. Regarding other e-bikes this is much lighter weight, and much safer because it's like sitting inside a large crash helmet," Grant Sinclair told Reuters.

The Iris eTrike has standard bicycle pedals and 8-speed race bike gears, along with a 250-watt electric motor with a rechargeable battery pack that comes to life automatically once pedalling is detected.

Sinclair said his eTrike prototype could reach speeds of up to 30mp/h (48kp/h) with a range of 50 miles (80km), had seized the attention of three established companies who were interested in mass producing it.

"I think the C5 would have a much easier time these days because you have cycle paths everywhere," Sinclair said.

The Iris eTrike will cost 3,999 pounds (Rs. 3.23 lakh) with deliveries expected by late 2017.