Draisine, circa 1818
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German Karl Drais invented the draisine in 1817. Operators of this human-powered vehicle sat astride the wooden rail and pushed off with their feet. The early velocipede caught the public's attention, but its novelty soon wore off. A number of substantial improvements, made many years later, were needed before this running machine would evolve into the modern bicycle.
German Karl Drais invented the draisine in 1817. Operators of this human-powered vehicle sat astride the wooden rail and pushed off with their feet. The early velocipede caught the public's attention, but its novelty soon wore off. A number of substantial improvements, made many years later, were needed before this running machine would evolve into the modern bicycle.
Artifact
Draisine
Date Made
circa 1818
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
32.161.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Leather
Metal
Technique
Carving (Processes)
Dimensions
Height: 38.5 in
Width: 15 in
Length: 69 in
Wheelbase: 46.5 in
Diameter: 22.75 in
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