Three-Wheelers

Pedal tricycles were as well developed as bicycles in the late 19th century, so these too attracted the attention of inventors; after all, it was easier to handle a tricycle with a heavy engine attached, than a bicycle. Driving twin back wheels was not so easy, however, so some soon reversed the layout and went on to add a forward-mounted seat to carry a passenger or two.

Humber Tricycle, 1894

 

Origin	UK
Engine	400 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	30 mph (48 km/h)

Cycle-maker Humber built these De Dion tricycles under licence for motoring entrepreneur (later convicted fraudster) Harry Lawson. These machines were also sold as Beeston-Humbers.

Dennis Speed King Tricycle, 1898

 

Origin	UK
Engine	250 cc single-cylinder
Top speed	30 mph (48 km/h)

Dennis of Guildford, Surrey, began with bicycles and moved onto trucks, along the way making this sports bicycle with a British De Dion-type engine at the rear.

Ariel Tricycle, 1898

 

Origin	UK
Engine	239 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	24 mph (39 km/h)

Ariel of Birmingham had been making bicycles for 28 years when it began building this popular tricycle using a De Dion engine, mounted behind the rear axle.

De DIon-Bouton 1¼ CV Tricycle, 1900

 

Origin	France
Engine	185 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	23 mph (37 km/h)

Marquis Jules-Albert de Dion designed the first high-revving engine, hitting 3,500 rpm in trials and normally running at 2,000 rpm. It was ideal for motorizing this tricycle.

Century 3½ HP Forecar, 1902

 

Origin	UK
Engine	510 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	35 mph (56 km/h)

With steering by a long lever and hand controls for the throttle, brake, and fuel mixture, this bike’s driver was kept very busy. Its engine was De Dion, Aster, or MMC.

Garrard Forecar, 1904

 

Origin	UK
Engine	500 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	35 mph (56 km/h)

Charles Garrard began by importing French Clément engines and fitting them to bicycles, before making this practical forecar with a three-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

Raleigh Raleighette Tandem Tricar, 1904

 

Origin	UK
Engine	3½ hp, single-cylinder
Top speed	37 mph (60 km/h)

Cycle-maker Raleigh made its first motorcycle in 1899 and this first forecar four years later, using a 3½ HP water-cooled engine and two-speed gearing.

Quadrant Forecar, 1904

 

Origin	UK
Engine	6 hp, 2 x single-cylinder
Top speed	40 mph (64 km/h)

In this tricycle. Quadrant adopted an unusual approach to meet varying power needs by fitting two engines side by side, the second brought into use when loads demanded it.

National Forecar, 1904

 

Origin	UK
Engine	9 hp, twin cylinder
Top speed	50 mph (80 km/h)

With a water-cooled, two-cylinder engine, this bike was one of the most sophisticated of its type, but was soon made obsolete by vehicles with better weather protection.

Riley 4½ HP Forecar, 1904

 

Origin	UK
Engine	517 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	38 mph (61 km/h)

Riley continually updated its forecars. This version has the optional two-speed gearbox; its saddle and handlebars would soon be replaced as the model became more car-like.

Rex Rexette 5HP, 1905

 

Origin	UK
Engine	632 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	45 mph (72 km/h)

Known as the “King of little cars”, the Rexette had a proper seat for the driver, a fully enclosed water-cooled engine, two-speed gearbox, and for 1905 even a steering wheel.

Auto-Carrier Deluxe Tri-car, 1910

 

Origin	UK
Engine	636 cc, single-cylinder
Top speed	47 mph (76 km/h)

John Weller’s delivery trikes, forerunners of the AC car, were commercially successful and built for many years. The engine, which is under the seat, is fan-cooled

Clyno Military Combo Sidecar, 1914

 

Origin	UK
Engine	744 cc, V-twin
Top speed	50 mph (80 km/h)

Fitted with a Stevens AJS engine, several hundreds of these bikes were made for WWI use; the machine gun was set up on a tripod before firing.

 

It is a quote. The Motorbike Book – The Definitive Visual History 2012