Sinclair C5 is a small, one-person battery electric recumbent tricycle created in the mid-1980s by British inventor Sir Clive Sinclair. Though often described as an electric car, it was technically classed as an “electrically assisted pedal cycle” under British law, meaning it could be driven without a driver’s license, tax, insurance, or even a helmet.
Design and Technical Details
The C5’s design was unconventional and futuristic:
- Body and Structure: A streamlined polypropylene plastic shell housing a lightweight steel chassis developed with assistance from Lotus Engineering.
- Dimensions: About 174 cm long, 74 cm wide, and 79 cm tall, making it very compact.
- Weight: Roughly 30 kg without the battery and about 45 kg with it installed.
- Configuration: Three-wheeled, recumbent layout with one front wheel for steering and two rear wheels for drive.
- Powertrain: A 12-volt lead-acid battery powering a 250 W electric motor.
- Pedal Assist: Unlike a traditional car, the C5 was also equipped with bicycle-style pedals so riders could help power it manually.
- Performance: A top speed of about 15 mph (24 km/h) and a typical range of around 20 miles (32 km) per charge.
- Controls: Steering was handled by handlebars under the knees, and braking and power controls were mounted nearby.
- Luggage: A small rear storage area (around 28 L) for parcels, groceries, or a briefcase.
Because it lacked a reverse gear, reversing meant the driver had to exit and physically turn the vehicle.
Sinclair C5 remains a fascinating chapter in automotive and technology history—a quirky, small, battery-powered recumbent tricycle that embodied visionary thinking but struggled in real-world conditions. It anticipated modern electric personal mobility solutions yet also highlighted the importance of user safety, comfort, and performance in transportation design
A heavily modified C5 reached a top speed of 150 miles per hour (240 km/h) and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds taking the speed record for an electric vehicle. The C5 also became the world’s first electric stunt vehicle when it was driven through a 70ft tunnel of fire. A “turbo conversion” converting the C5 to 24 volts and boosting the speed to 27–30 miles per hour (43–48 km/h) is available.
- Simplified Relay Controls for your C5 by John Wilson
- Testing the C5 – Recollections by Perran Newman
- Gallery.
- Timeline. Follow the story of the Sinclair C5’s development
- Every original Sinclair C5 document and quite a few press clippings await you in our unique Time Machine.
- The only 3D printed C5 components on the web.
- Sinclair C5 Models created on the 3D printer.
- Retro and C5 themed games.
- Unique projects for the C5, you wont find these anywhere else.
- What to look out for and restoring Sinclair C5’s. There’s no secrets here.
- Online Shop, grab C5 compatible parts at the lowest prices and also parts re-made with a 3D printer.
Sinclair C5 Owners: Home of the Sinclair C5 Electric Vehicle