The Ariel 3 was a three-wheeled moped produced by BSA in the UK and launched in 1970.
With a Dutch Anker 50cc two-stroke engine situated between the rear wheels, the forward section of the frame could swivel and tilt to enable the rider to lean the vehicle into bends like a motorcycle.
A true moped, the Ariel 3’s engine was started by pedalling and releasing a decompressor trigger. The rider could also assist the little motor on hills by pedalling. It had a top speed of 30 mph.
Priced at £100 (when the average weekly wage was £32) – and only sold for a brief three-year period – the Ariel 3 was a sales flop that contributed significantly to BSA’s demise.
Only a few hundred were sold, and the exercise was reckoned to have lost the company £2 million. By 1971, BSA were trading with a £3m loss.
Even the Ariel 3’s promotion was ill-conceived – the sales slogan was “Here it is. Whatever it is”.
The Ariel was given many disparaging nicknames, including “the trike of terror”, “Bendy Wendy” and “the granny killer”.
You May Also Like
Sydney Monorail The Sydney Monorail - originally named "TNT Harbourlink" - was a gift to the city for…
Raleigh Chopper In 1888, Sir Frank Bowden's doctor told him that cycling could improve his health. He bought…
1954 Ford FX Atmos The 1954 Chicago Auto Show was the venue for the unveiling of the Ford FX-Atmos -…
Raleigh Grifter Launched in 1976, the Raleigh Grifter became the ultimate 1980s bike - chunky and funky with…
Panel Vans (Australia) Fanned by the flames of the wild American custom vans, the van craze spread throughout the…
