The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use

C-Star · 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.

dansretropod · 20, May, 2014 - 21:11:03

Cons:

Hills (Even slight inclines). Be prepared to pedal a lot
Wet Weather.
Narrow country lanes are quite dangerous in a C5 (I speak from experience )
Battery life

Pros:

It'll save you a fortune on petrol
Its a great way to get some exercise
You'll get lots of people beeping and waving at you
You'll be riding something all the kids think is brand new tech.
You'll end up on Twitter a lot

coverman · 21, May, 2014 - 09:28:32

One inattentive driver and ,G-d forbid, your life will be dramatically shortened.

C-Star · 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?

Trabi1999 · 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

C-Star · 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

dantheref · 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.

C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER · 22, May, 2014 - 20:09:57

Hi there welcome ...You could take a look at my Videos on youtube ......JORDAN8ISH

BYE Chas

C-Star · 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

Ariablutron98 · 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

coverman · 27, May, 2014 - 11:14:54

Also beware of the spelling police

Ariablutron98 · 10, February, 2015 - 20:40:11

Lol my spelling is really bad.

C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER · 11, February, 2015 - 08:11:27

Not to worry we can understand you
Chas

KarlG · 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.

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?

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The pros and cons of the C5 in everyday use