The Sinclair C5, a battery-powered electric tricycle introduced by Sir Clive Sinclair in 1985, serves as a fascinating case study in failed innovation.
Launched with a price tag of £399, the vehicle aimed to revolutionize personal transport with a 250W motor and a top speed of 15 mph. However, it was met with immediate skepticism regarding safety concerns and poor weather protection, leading to commercial disaster and the company’s collapse shortly after.
Despite its failure, the C5 is today recognized as remarkably ahead of its time. It pioneered concepts of micro-mobility and eco-friendly commuting that dominate modern urban transport discussions. Enthusiast communities persist, modifying the vehicles with modern batteries, cementing the C5’s status as an iconic cult classic of tech history.
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