Urban Transport

Grant Sinclair releases pics and specs of production-version Iris eTrike

Grant Sinclair releases pics and specs of production-version Iris eTrike
Plans call for the Iris eTrike to ship in the first quarter of 2024
Plans call for the Iris eTrike to ship in the first quarter of 2024
View 5 Images
Grant Sinclair in the existing fully functional Iris eTrike prototype
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Grant Sinclair in the existing fully functional Iris eTrike prototype
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Riders enter and exit the vehicle via a hinged Plexiglass canopy
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Riders enter and exit the vehicle via a hinged Plexiglass canopy
A streamlined body greatly boosts the vehicle's aerodynamics
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A streamlined body greatly boosts the vehicle's aerodynamics
Plans call for the Iris eTrike to ship in the first quarter of 2024
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Plans call for the Iris eTrike to ship in the first quarter of 2024
View gallery - 5 images

Back in 2017 we told you about a prototype electric-assist velomobile known as the Iris eTrike. Its designer has now provided us with images of the planned production version of the vehicle … and it's breathtaking.

To quickly recap our previous coverage, the existing Iris eTrike is basically a pedal-electric recumbent tricycle which is fully enclosed in a plastic fairing.

Like other velomobiles, it is claimed to be more aerodynamic than a traditional bicycle, thus allowing it to reach higher speeds (for a given amount of effort) on flat roads and when going downhill. The trike also puts the rider in a more comfortable seating position, plus it protects them from inclement weather. It was designed by British inventor/tech entrepreneur Grant Sinclair.

Grant Sinclair in the existing fully functional Iris eTrike prototype
Grant Sinclair in the existing fully functional Iris eTrike prototype

His uncle, Sir Clive Sinclair, created the famous Sinclair C5 pedal-electric trike back in the 80s. Among other things, he was also the creator of two of the earliest home computers, the ZX-81 and Spectrum. Sir Clive's son Crispin more recently developed the Babel Bike, which he touted as being "the world's safest bicycle."

But getting back to Grant Sinclair's Iris eTrike …

The just-announced production model features a chromoly steel chassis, an EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam body with a polymer shell, a clear Plexiglass hinged canopy with a water-repellant coating, a 9-speed drivetrain and a relatively high (but still reclined) seating position which allows the rider to better see the road around them.

Riders enter and exit the vehicle via a hinged Plexiglass canopy
Riders enter and exit the vehicle via a hinged Plexiglass canopy

The production Iris also sports a full LED lighting system (including headlights, turn indicators, strip lighting and a brake/tail light), a HEPA air filtration system, a 120-degree rearview camera which streams live video to the user's docked smartphone, plus a cooling system which channels filtered air into the cabin.

The rider's pedaling power is augmented by their choice of a 250, 500 or 750-watt mid-drive motor, which should reportedly take them to speeds of over 30 mph (48 km/h). One charge of the 48V/20-Ah lithium-ion battery is claimed to be good for a range of up to 30 miles. The Iris rolls on carbon wheels (24-inch in front, 26-inch in the back) clad in puncture-proof Tannus cargo bike tires.

Some of its other features include a 100-liter (26-gal) lockable cargo compartment, Spyre mechanical disc brakes, Shimano A530 SPD double-sided pedals (for riding clipless or platform) and a backlit LED screen which displays data such as speed, distance travelled, battery charge and electric assist level. The whole thing measures 260 cm long by 94 cm wide by 128 cm high (102 by 37 by 50 inches), and should ultimately tip the scales at 50 kg (110 lb).

A streamlined body greatly boosts the vehicle's aerodynamics
A streamlined body greatly boosts the vehicle's aerodynamics

The Iris eTrike is available now for a special preorder price of £4,999 (about US$6,252) in color choices of black or silver. Shipping is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year.

Source: Grant Sinclair.com

View gallery - 5 images
7 comments
7 comments
Nobody
Great if you have a place to ride it. It will likely go the way of the Segway which didn't fit in on most walking and riding paths. Visibility to other drivers would be bad for driving on the edge of highways. It will be too fast or too slow for most situations.
Trylon
Style over substance. That sleek acrylic canopy is going to be a major problem. In the sun, the interior is going to bake unless the tint is very dark for solar rejection. And if that's the case, I wouldn't want to try to look through it in anything other than full daylight given the shallow angle of the sight line. Cooling won't be great because you can either channel air smoothly around the body or you can put it through the interior, but you can't do both.
Brian M
Clearly hasn't leaned from the failure of his Uncle's C5 - A disaster of bad design. Its way too low on the road to be safe, but worse it doesn't feel safe -
Even if you stick a flag on a pole on it. But could be wrong!
Gordien
It reminds me of the Bug-E from 20 years ago. NEV. Fits the comments of the first 2 commenters. I love the 3 wheels, and a cover for the rain - and if it could lean on the corners, that would be great.
jerryd
Just what I thought a modern practical C5 would look like and we need. I'd more move it to e moped category.
Gordien
The BugE by Mark Murphy, Blue Sky Design LLC was built in 2007 (listed on Wikipedia) has no pedal power, but is licensed as a motorcycle, and from the writings I can't figure out if a kit is still available. Some good ideas.
ReservoirPup
So cheap compared to pure velomobiles. All the best to the inventor!