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We actually have a dealer just around the corner - they have a few second hand ones, and a rather interesting little van thingy that I'm sure would make a great urban delivery vehicle. Whether they actually sell any I'm not so sure - can't recall actually seeing any around here..
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Actually I am always amazed that those things sold as you could buy a car for the same price.
Yes, but you can drive a Robin on a motorbike licence[1], whereas a car you can't.
[1] As they're classed as a Trike.
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Yes, but you can drive a Robin on a motorbike licence whereas a car you can't.
I was talking to someone a few weeks ago who had a Reliant Kitten (the 4-wheel version of the Robin) on their driveway. They were in their 80's and had driven (ridden?) Reliant 3-wheelers for years on a 'bike licence. They seemed to think they were OK to drive the Kitten, and indeed have been for over a year, although I would have thought they were not... Anybody have the definitive answer?
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The Reliants (and indeed the Bonds et al) replaced the 1950's motorcycle sidecar combination for impecunious families as the kids came along and (with reverse blanked off) were driveable on a bike licence.
The early sidevalve Austin 7 derivative engines with 2 main bearings were troublesome, but the later OHV aluminium ones were surprisingly quick and long-lasting. Given the plastic body as well, manouevrability and ease of parking, the Reliant was actually a sensible and useful urban vehicle, especially the van version.
It was only increasing social affluence that caused the sneers and jokes: at one time a 3 wheeler was a very viable and accepted form of transport.
The Smart is but a reiteration of this kind of transportation concept.
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As far as I recall, there were a whole bunch of people got caught out by this when the Kitten first came out.
However, the only classification I can find..
"Motor tricycles / quadricycles, 3 or 4 wheeled vehicles with an unladen weight not exceeding 550kg."
BTW, I also came across...........
"Three wheeler and light car category removed from full motorcycle licence entitlement. Previously a full motorcycle licence has allowed riders to drive motor-tricycles and light cars. This entitlement is has been removed from bike licences issued after 1st February 2001. "
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I remember we used to fit a reverse gear blanking plate on the BMW Isetta's we sold to bike license holders....
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It is a good morning to discuss the subject
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Good site. I remember the very early Reliants which were basically a box body round a motorcycle with girder front forks.
Our local grocer used to deliver Mother's order with one. She's drop her list in in the morning along with her ration book and by the time I got home from school (1 mile walk to and from the bus stop rain or snow) it had all been delivered. Now when was the last time Tesco pitched up at your front door....?
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Growler - Tesco (and others) now home deliver, for a fee (£5 I think)
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So they've caught up with 1949 then? LOL
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