Sinclair C5 - time for a comeback ?

joe cassidy · March 23, 2021, 11:31:35 AM

During the past few years I have noticed 2 changes to the urban landscape in Paris where I live :

- an increase in the number of dedicated cycle tracks

- an increase in the use of electric scooters (by this I mean overgrown kid's scooters with a motor, not Vespas/Lambrettas)

It occured to me that it might be a good time to bring back the Sinclair C5 as it must be safer and more confortable that these new scooters ?

Sir Clive - are you there ?

RailGooner · March 23, 2021, 11:36:27 AM

It was a bad idea in 1985. It'd be a diabolically terrible idea now.

joe cassidy · March 23, 2021, 11:42:09 AM

Why ?

railsquid · March 23, 2021, 11:56:00 AM

Hmm, I imagine if kitted out with more accessories, like a compact TV, a digital calculator, and an onboard computer with a massive 16k of RAM, it could go head-to-head with the latest Tesla.

NTrain · March 23, 2021, 11:58:25 AM

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/business-38960275

Newportnobby · March 23, 2021, 12:25:51 PM

The Citroen C5 is marginally better than the Sinclair, but the Sinclair has a better range than most electric cars

emjaybee · March 23, 2021, 02:02:19 PM

I know where there's two brand new, boxed, unused, NOS, C5's for sale if you're interested.

£2,200 plus carriage.

Bob G · March 23, 2021, 02:46:43 PM

Quote from: emjaybee on March 23, 2021, 02:02:19 PM
I know where there's two brand new, boxed, unused, NOS, C5's for sale if you're interested.

£2,200 plus carriage.

Horse drawn carriage?

RailGooner · March 23, 2021, 02:51:41 PM

Quote from: joe cassidy on March 23, 2021, 11:42:09 AM
Why ?

Have you ever driven one on a public highway? Save yourself the cost of a C5 and just hurl yourself into traffic.

Flange Squeal · March 23, 2021, 03:12:59 PM

Buy a Renault Twizzy instead. The advantages are it has a roof and two seats, I believe doors are a popular aftermarket accessory too. The down side of Twizzy ownership is the thing's width. Too wide to sneak through Parisian traffic jams

ohlavache · March 23, 2021, 04:41:49 PM

What about the new Citroën Ami ?
https://www.mobile.de/magazin/artikel/citroen-ami-elektro-2020-test-42868

https://www.automotorinews.it/2020/10/14/citroen-ami-italia-prezzo-acquisto/

Steve Brassett · March 23, 2021, 07:15:20 PM

The main problem with the C5 was all the hype beforehand, where Sinclair was launching an electric car. Then the C5 cam out, and everyone laughed their socks off. It also had no weather protection, if I remember correctly. Nowadays, it is not so different from a recumbent bicycle. If it was able to use cycle lanes, it would stand a chance. Probably still a little too niche, though.

railsquid · March 24, 2021, 12:11:28 AM

Quote from: Steve Brassett on March 23, 2021, 07:15:20 PMIt also had no weather protection, if I remember correctly.

I'm pretty sure I remember they solved that issue by selling an optional cape...

PLD · March 24, 2021, 07:55:01 AM

I remember seeing an idiot in one of those things making it's way down the hard shoulder of the M62 - the effect of the draught from lorries passing at 56mph was quite horrifying to observe...

Quote from: Newportnobby on March 23, 2021, 12:25:51 PM
The Citroen C5 is marginally better than the Sinclair, but the Sinclair has a better range than most electric cars

Sinclair C5 or Citroen C5??? Suddenly Bus route 5 is looking the most attractive option...

Bealman · March 24, 2021, 09:01:29 AM

I catch a #35 home from the club, but that's close enough.