Celerifere: The Myth of the First Bicycle

Determining the origin of the bicycle concept proves to be quite challenging. Leonardo da Vinci is often credited with one of the earliest designs resembling contemporary bicycles; however, the authenticity of this sketch is debated among scholars. To trace the lineage of bicycles, we must look further back than the 15th century to ancient civilizations. Egyptian artwork from around 1300 BCE features two-wheeled devices that bear some resemblance to modern bikes. However, these devices likely functioned for transporting goods rather than people, suggesting that the concept of a two-wheeler dates back to antiquity.

The celerifere is often thought to be the first bicycle. In 1891, French journalist Louis Baudry de Saunier wrote about this running machine, supposedly invented in 1790 by Count Mède de Sivrac. This rudimentary device was described as having a wooden frame and two wheels, with riders propelled forward while seated in a saddle, similar to children's bicycles today.

Celerifere — [Photo: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

However, it turns out that Count Mède de Sivrac was a fictional character created by De Saunier, and the celerifere was a hoax. The actual patent for this device was filed on June 4, 1817, but it was not a running machine; rather, it was a horse-drawn carriage patented by Jean-Henri Siévrac.

The purpose of this fabrication may have been to enhance France's image following its defeat in the war against Prussia. Notably, the sketches and descriptions of the alleged running machine surfaced after Karl von Drais had already unveiled and patented his invention.

On June 12, 1817, Drais introduced his running machine, propelling himself 14 kilometers from Mannheim to Schwetzingen in less than an hour. On January 12, 1818, his invention received legal protection, ensuring he would profit from licensing fees for every laufmaschine produced in Baden, later obtaining patents in France, Prussia, England, and the United States.

Laufmaschine — [Photo: Gun Powder Ma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

The Velocipede: The "Boneshaker"

While Drais did not pursue further advancements on his invention, other inventors took up the challenge. Over the ensuing decades, the running machine underwent numerous transformations, yet it still lacked a mechanical drive until Kirkpatrick MacMillan introduced a vehicle in 1839 that enabled riders to propel themselves without pushing off the ground.

The Scottish inventor's mechanism employed two rods pivotally connected to the handlebars and rear hub, allowing riders to create motion through alternating leg movements. Unfortunately, this invention did not gain much acclaim.

A more successful innovation was the velocipede, crafted by Pierre Michaux in 1860. A carriage service provider added crank pedals to the running bike, causing the front wheel to turn. Michaux later created a unique design that replaced the wooden frame with steel, outfitting the wooden wheels with metal rims and attaching the saddle to a flexible rod.

Though intended to reduce shocks, this design proved ineffective, leading to the velocipede, often referred to as the "boneshaker," due to its inability to absorb vibrations.

[Photo: tetedelacourse, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

Military Use of Bicycles in World War II

As the 19th century transitioned into the 20th, the world was on the cusp of a transportation revolution. While automobiles began to overshadow bicycles, the latter did not fade into obscurity. They continued to demonstrate their practicality in various situations, including the battlefields of World War II.

[Photo: Wolfmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

Contrary to popular belief, bicycles were not solely used by guerrilla units; regular armies, including infantry and motorized divisions, also utilized them. Bicycles served as a discreet and rapid mode of transportation, facilitating effective reconnaissance and requiring no fuel, a critical advantage as the war progressed.

[Photo: Author of this photo is unknown person., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

The Advent of Electric Bicycles

In their early days, bicycles were basic and, frankly, not very safe. Today, cyclists have access to advanced machines that can cost as much as new cars. The market is clearly shifting towards electrification, and experts predict a growing share of e-bikes in the coming seasons. It is essential to note that the e-bike is not a recent innovation.

The first attempts to merge bicycles with electric drives date back to the 19th century. A significant milestone occurred in 1895 when the first two-wheeled bicycle with an electric drive (previous models had three wheels) was created. This machine featured a direct-drive motor installed in the wheel. The following year, Charles Theryc patented a motor in the wheel with a gear ratio of 5.6:1, a standard still utilized today.

Simplex — [Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

The modern era of e-bikes began in 1932 when the Philips company unveiled the Simplex model, powered by a 12-volt lead-acid battery, capable of covering distances up to 40 km.

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