Cycling is fun until the weather decides otherwise. Rain turns your commute into a wet regret, and that one slope you swear was not there yesterday suddenly feels personal. Even with a Shimano 9-speed, your legs start negotiating terms. Thankfully, there is now a vehicle that lets you look at bad weather, steep gradients, and city traffic without batting an eyelid. Meet the IRIS eTrike Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle.
No prizes for guessing why it is here. It looks fantastic, and cool stuff is what we talk about here. Classified as an EAPC, the IRIS eTrike can be ridden on roads and cycle paths by anyone aged 14 and above in the UK, no tax, licence, or insurance required. It is still a pedal cycle, just one that happens to be wrapped in carbon fibre and common sense. Anyhoo, beyond looking like a concept car that escaped a design studio, it is built to solve real problems. Rain. Hills. Traffic. And the general misery of urban commuting.
At the heart of the IRIS is a CYC Photon Gen 2 mid-drive motor delivering a serious 130 Nm of torque, paired with advanced torque sensing that reacts smoothly to how hard you pedal. Power output is factory-restricted depending on region, with options ranging from 250W up to 1,000W. There is also a reverse function, which sounds trivial until you remember this is a fully enclosed trike with cargo and city parking involved. Power comes from a removable 1.3 kWh CYC A-65 lithium-ion battery using Samsung 21700 cells, rated at 20 Ah. With a supplied fast charger, it goes from 20 percent to full in roughly 3.5 hours. Shimano Di2 handles electronic shifting, which feels entirely appropriate in something this futuristic.
The structure is where things get serious. A carbon fibre monocoque shell with integrated EPP impact-absorbing elements forms a lightweight safety capsule. The result is high rigidity without excessive weight, plus natural sound insulation for a quieter ride. Suspension duties are handled by a RockShox Monarch RL air spring paired with a rear swinging fork, keeping the trike planted even under hard braking. Stability comes from a low centre of gravity and a carefully engineered chassis, while Bowden cable steering with Ackermann geometry replaces handlebars with twist-to-turn grips and integrated controls.
Inside, the IRIS feels more aircraft cockpit than a bicycle. A fully enclosed cabin seals out the elements, complete with an aviation-grade acrylic canopy and RFID keyless entry. Climate control is handled by a concealed micro HVAC system with HEPA and carbon filtration, creating a clean-air bubble that filters pollution, allergens, and general city unpleasantness. A 12-inch touchscreen dashboard integrates mirrors, cameras, GPS, and a full 360-degree view, backed by ADAS features like lane departure and forward collision warnings.
Practicality has not been ignored. There is 180 litres of cargo space behind the seat, room for groceries, gear, or questionable shopping decisions. The IRIS can climb gradients up to 30 percent and reach speeds over 48 km/h, with a range exceeding 80 km depending on conditions. Modular construction keeps maintenance sensible, with replaceable parts and support from regular bike shops.
Dimensions measure 2,760 mm long (108.7 inches / 9.1 ft), 880 mm wide (34.6 inches / 2.9 ft), and 1,320 mm high (52.0 inches / 4.3 ft). Total vehicle weight excluding rider and luggage is about 65 kg (143 lb), with a maximum payload of 100 kg (220 lb). Estimated deliveries begin in Q1 2026, with early bird orders prioritised.
Pricing starts from £10,000 (about US$13,367). Available in a choice of Carbon Silver and Carbon Black.
Images: Grant Sinclair Cardiff.
