In 1962, despite internal opposition from those who felt it would dilute the macho image of the brand, Triumph introduced a new scooter, designed by Edward Turner, to tap into a strong demand that had been identified by market research for a simple and easy-to-ride "shopping basket" vehicle.

[3] An extensive marketing campaign was carried out, fronted by a pop star of the era, Cliff Richard.

The CVT drive belt would derail and seize the transmission and the rear wheel, disabling the scooter and also preventing it from being pushed.

If the switch was in "drive" on starting the scooter, it would accelerate immediately; this happened to Turner, causing a crash into a kerb and a broken ankle.

Triumph made a series of twelve prototype Tina tilting three-wheelers, similar in concept to the Ariel 3 moped.