Electric trikes are a thing at the moment. Not so long ago we reported on the Cabrivelo, which was looking for (and just about received) funding on indiegogo. That was an open-to-the-elements three-wheeler with two wheels at the back, and looked like a natural successor to Sir Clive Sinclair's C5 from the 1980s. This Iris e-Trike is a world away in terms of design, but has another link back to the C5: its designer is none other than Sir Clive's nephew, Grant.

"The IRIS eTrike® has been developed to be a consumer friendly version of the world’s fastest, human powered bike concepts", we read on the Grant Sinclair website. "The body design is inspired by aerodynamic helmets used for velodrome bike racing."

The Iris has a steel chassis and uses the more popular two-front-wheel layout, which tends to give better weight balance and handling than a single wheel at the front. The rider is enclosed in a plastic body with a wide-angle acrylic windscreen and integrated lighting. The recumbent position sits the rider with legs stretched out in front, and "Next generation Quantum Foam EPP" is used internally to protect the rider from impact. It's the same stuff you find in some skiing helmets.

The Iris uses an 8-speed derailleur transmission and there's a 250W hub motor laced into the rear wheel. The trike carries a big 960Wh battery and the claimed range is 30 miles; the weight of the trike is said to be around 55kg.

What else can we tell you? Well, it's street-legal, with a 250W motor and a 25km/h cut-off, although it will also be available with motors up to 1,000W for private road and non-UK use. There's also a rear view camera that can stream what's happening behind you to your smartphone; there's a dock for your 'phone in the cockpit. There are twin hydraulic discs at the front to stop you on a dime.

The Iris is available for pre-order now, you have to put down £99 to reserve one and the final bill will be a penny under four grand. If you fancy sticking your name down, head over to http://www.grantsinclair.com