History

History

The first tricycle was built in 1680 by a disabled German man who wanted to be able to maintain his mobility. Since he was a watch-maker, he was able to create a tricyle that was powered by hand cranks. In 1789, two French inventors, Blanchard and Maguier developed a tricycle. The Journal de Paris, noting that the new invention was different from the existing two-wheeled bicyle, invented the term “tricycle” to differentiate between the two human-powered vehicles.  Two women riding a double tricycle in 1886

In 1818, a British inventor named Denis Johnson patented his approach to designing tricycles. In 1876, James Starley developed the Coventry Lever Tricycle, which used two small wheels on the right side and a large drive wheel on the left side; power was supplied by hand levers. In 1877, Starley developed a new vehicle he called the Coventry Rotary, which was “one of the first rotary chain drive tricycles.” Starley’s inventions started a tricyling craze in Britain; by 1879, there were ” twenty types of tricycles and multi-wheel cycles … produced in Coventry, England, and by 1884, there were over 120 different models produced by 20 manufacturers.” 19th century tricycle used in Iran

Tricycles were by riders who did not feel comfortable on the high wheelers, such as women who wore long, flowing dresses. In the UK, upright tricycles are sometimes referred to as “barrows”. Many trike enthusiasts (“trikies”) in the UK belong to the Tricycle Association, formed in 1929. They participate in day rides, tours and time trials. Massed start racing of upright tricycles is limited to one or two criteriums such as in Bungay, Suffolk each year.