Scooter’s Ancestor Revealed 100 Years Ago: Autoped

In crowded cities traffic like a bleeding wound. Against this problem, which we have been struggling with for many years, both companies and individuals are constantly trying to find a solution. In this context, even if someone throws something out, he cannot solve the problem, but in the way of others. illuminated is happening. We can cite vehicles that cannot go beyond the prototype stage as an example.

However, in recent years, the traffic problem has been widely used both in our country and in other countries. scooters We’ve seen it lighten up a bit. More importantly, individuals at low cost He found a way to travel within the city. But did you know that scooters that provide transportation are not new, they have a history of more than a hundred years?

We go to the late 1800s:

The first scooter to appear as we know it, 1915 appeared in the year. But we’re getting into it from the late 1800’s because in these times people, bike He was producing new ideas on how to improve transportation vehicles such as One of these ideas was to add a gear that is connected to the engine to the bottom of the seat and connect it to the rear wheel.

In addition, to the center of the rear wheel engine placement had the idea. Countless ideas like these have shed light on how people can use their means of transport more efficiently. Even what we know as a city bike, frame is tilted The idea of ​​the model also emerged during this period.

Let’s continue with scooters:

The idea of ​​removing pedals from bicycles and adding engines was one of the moves that paved the way for scooters. Until 1915, different models were seen in this context, but by this date, the legendary Autoped model emerged. Arthur Hogu Cecil Gibson With this scooter, which was patented by A.Ş., the public became acquainted with the situation of standing travel.

Gibson with his invention, which we can describe as the ancestor of the scooter:

Production of this model continued from 1916 to 1921:

The production of the device, which was patented in 1915, started a year later, and as it is today, it attracted a large user base before the authorities could make any adjustments. In this audience, both postmen and security forces as well as personal users. Even gang members He has even been known to use them to avoid police vehicles by entering narrow roads.

Well, if it attracted so much attention, why didn’t its production continue after 1921?

• Activist Lady Florence Norman (1916)

As we have said, the inability of the authorities to decide on the future regulations for these vehicles causes some problems. to the confusion was causing it. Especially in these times when even the traffic was not regulated, traveling with motor scooters could endanger the lives of other pedestrians. Sad in this context accidents also happened. For this reason, the scooter has found its place in the newspapers in the headlines that constantly disparage itself.

In addition, motor bikes were a more comfortable option as they were more suitable for roads and offered seating, and they attracted more people. Scooters will also be introduced as more development is seen in this area. in competition left behind and Autoped sales stopped.

Especially during the First World War, it looked like it was sent from the skies with low fuel consumption. Let’s take a look at its features:

Air-cooled, placed on the front wheel of this oversized scooter 155cc It had an engine. 1.5 hp The engine could produce up to 24 kilometers per hour. You had to pull the handlebars towards you to stop the car and push forward to engage the clutch. The wheels were equipped with steel disc brakes. As we are used to today, the throttle, the handlebar right was on his side.

Also, as today could bear. But it wasn’t very convenient because it was heavy. That’s for those times, though good and functional It was a feature of course.

If the red wheels The Empire Rubber & Tire was produced by the company. Of course, these were rubber as in the vehicles, but since Autoped was new and promising, many companies wanted to be involved.

2 interesting facts about the vehicle:

• The company was founded in 1918. Everady and integrated batteries into scooters. In this context, in a very small time interval electric version also made. But we couldn’t find a photo of the electric model.
• Autoped, although it is not known whether it was intentional, women’s independence movement became a symbol.

Below you can see Autoped in use:

You can share your thoughts about the scooter in the comment section.

Source: Autoped Patent, Cyber ​​Motorcycle, Horizon Micro Mobility, The Online Bicycle Museum, Electric Scooter Guide, Medium