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O Zeta / Zeta II
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Last updated
4 Mar 1998


sinclair@nvg.ntnu.no

The Zeta

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The Zeta, or Zero-Emission Transport Accessory, was launched in 1994 but received a somewhat unfortunate launch when the first demonstration machine started going backwards in front of the assembled media...

The device is best described as a box with a roller on the bottom of it, which you clip onto the rear wheel of your bicycle. The Zeta's electric motor then pushes you along at up to 12.5 miles an hour. The current model, Zeta II (right), is a "new and improved" version which is considerably lighter than the original. It currently sells for £95.00 and is available only through mail order. So far, it has sold quite well - about 15,000 across the world.

* Inventor recycles pedal power theory
The Guardian, 29 April 1994
* Sinclair wheels out new venture
Independent, 29 April 1994
* Sinclair puts buzz into weary cyclists
The Times, 29 April 1994
* Bikes get a rear-wheel drive
The Times, 31 December 1994
* Sinclair launches Zeta
The Guardian, 25 January 1995
* Japanese electro-bikes will not outrun the Zeta, vows inventor
Independent, 17 November 1996
* Look, no feet!
The Guardian, 16 July 1997
* Sir Clive back in the saddle
Independent on Sunday, 20 July 1997
* Sinclair's new front-wheel drive
Daily Telegraph, 22 July 1997
   
* Zeta II advert and order form
(284Kb)
   
* Search for second-hand Zetas
(Loot magazine)