Over here velomobiles (with or without e-assist) are becoming quite popular. Mostly without e-assist though, there's no need in our flat as a pancake country. Some are available with e-assist though, the most luxurious is probably the
Sunrider. Available with 250W or 750W motor (the 750W version is registered as a moped).
The guy behind
www.velomobiel.nl also made a neat motorcycle, showing the importance of aerodynamics:
http://www.velomobiel.nl/allert/
I remember when the C5 came out it was before recumbent bicycles so was just too wierd for folks to accept. Also long before it was cool for middle classes to be eco friendly, the only people who wanted a petrol-less vehicle were mostly the ones who didn't have money to buy it. It would probably do a lot better if it was re-released now.
Wouldn't be any good where I am though, steep hills everywhere.
I've just found a longer (6 minutes) version of the Sinclair C5 commercial. I thought I'll post it here because I think it is interestig, even in terms of the specific marketing in the 80's for electronic and/or innovative devices.
http://youtu.be/l5N937V8ZOw -
Sinclair C5 infomercial 1985