C5ALIVE Forum

C5Alive General Category => C5 Chatroom => Topic started by: C-Star on 20, May, 2014 - 20:14:08

Title: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: C-Star on 20, May, 2014 - 20:14:08
As mentioned in my introductory thread, I am seriously considering buying a C5 to use as short distance, cheap transport. I love the idea and I think it would be much more convenient than simply riding a bike but I also want to get an idea for the shortcomings of the C5 and how these can (or can't) be remedied.

Obviously living out in the countryside means I can't ditch the car and for longer trips I'd probably be better off with 4 wheels a roof and an engine but for short journeys the idea of using a super economical fun little vehicle seems fantastic to me.
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: dansretropod on 20, May, 2014 - 21:11:03
Cons:


Pros:
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: coverman on 21, May, 2014 - 09:28:32
One inattentive driver and ,G-d forbid, your life will be dramatically shortened.
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: C-Star on 21, May, 2014 - 13:52:11
Quote from: coverman on  21, May, 2014  - 09:28:32
One inattentive driver and ,G-d forbid, your life will be dramatically shortened.

But am I going to be any less safe than on a bike? I figured the C5 was at least as easy to see as a pedal bike by most cars and with that reflector mast even the lorries can see you. Is there something fundamentally wrong with that theory?
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: Trabi1999 on 21, May, 2014 - 15:49:01
Even with a high vis mast you are still a lot lot lower and wider in a c5 than a bike
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: C-Star on 22, May, 2014 - 00:17:02
Okay, so I have learned the following so far

* Don't take any hills on unless feeling energetic
Is this something that can be rectified by upgrading the motor? Just how hard is it to pedal a C5 (both on flat ground and motor assisted uphill)

* The rain and snow are not my friend
I guess wearing a raincoat could work as long as the C5 doesn't mind getting rained on itself? I think I would mostly be using it in dry weather.

* Avoid narrow winding country roads if I don't want to end up as someone's hood ornament
I would have liked to think people were more careful, but I guess to be safe I should stick to main roads and town roads only

* Get a second battery or an upgrade
I have heard this is possible so I guess something to save up for once I have myself a nice C5 :)

Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: dantheref on 22, May, 2014 - 18:56:14
i ride a bike and the c5 here in Oxford. I feel safer in the c5, people slow down when they see it to take a look, whereas everyone is more complacent with bikes as there are so many. As others have said down country lanes with poor viabilit it will probably be a different matter.

for me Cons are:
Battery life (although car battery conversions have improved this)
open to elements if it rains.
Takes a while to get used to the riding position and to stop getting back and thumb ache!

Pros:
Cheap
Enjoyable
Gets lots of attention and positive comments.
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 22, May, 2014 - 20:09:57
Hi there welcome ...You could take a look at my Videos on youtube ......JORDAN8ISH

BYE Chas
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: C-Star on 22, May, 2014 - 23:23:43
Quote from: dantheref on  22, May, 2014  - 18:56:14
i ride a bike and the c5 here in Oxford. I feel safer in the c5, people slow down when they see it to take a look, whereas everyone is more complacent with bikes as there are so many. As others have said down country lanes with poor viabilit it will probably be a different matter.

for me Cons are:
Battery life (although car battery conversions have improved this)
open to elements if it rains.
Takes a while to get used to the riding position and to stop getting back and thumb ache!

Pros:
Cheap
Enjoyable
Gets lots of attention and positive comments.

I'm surprised I haven't spotted you around. It's good to hear some positive talk about the C5 and safety I was starting to think they were cursed ;)
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: Ariablutron98 on 25, May, 2014 - 20:25:41
People stair alot when I'm driving my c5 and they even toot on there horns. Its great. Only problem for me is the police thinking im an underage driver!
Lol
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: coverman on 27, May, 2014 - 11:14:54
Also beware of the spelling police
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: Ariablutron98 on 10, February, 2015 - 20:40:11
Lol my spelling is really bad.
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 11, February, 2015 - 08:11:27
Not to worry we can understand you
Chas
Title: Re: The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use
Post by: KarlG on 11, February, 2015 - 12:50:28
Eye down't no wot's rong wyth coverman, hee seams two av ah veree negetiv owtluk on leif. ;D

The C5 is safer in snow than a bike, the only problem would be ground, or should I say snow, clearance. Although when I had a Mini I had this problem on quite a few occasions.

As far as wet weather is concerned there is equipment available, side screens, and the C5 weather cheaters. Or will someone point out that you are better off on a bike as you have built in weather protection? ::) ::)