Of course, if your chemist was in Russia, you might have seen one of these outside…
An SMZ S3A “invalid car” made in 1958 USSR. Made exclusively for use by disabled people. Great attention to detail: versions for single- and dual-handed control. Was originally a three-wheeler, like the Invacar, but it was wisely decided that four wheels were needed to cope with Russian weather. Even so, they made it a convertible! Power from a 346cc two-stroke single giving 8bhp. Top speed 25mph. Wonder if they raced them like the Invacars did?