Velocopede

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This velocopede, colloquially known as a 'boneshaker' bicycle, was made by Michaux & Cie of Paris in 1868. It was the first type of pedal-driven two-wheeler to be commercially produced.

The bicycle has an iron frame, wooden wheels painted red with iron rims, straight handlebars with wooden grips, and a metal seat. Triangular pedals drive the front wheel through cranks. A metal arm operates on the rear wheel rim as a brake by a wire from the handlebars. There is a brass plate on the frame inscribed 'Michaux & Cie., Inventeurs, Brevetes S.G.D.G., 9 Avenue Montaigne, 5, 6, 7, 8, Cite de Mauroy, Paris'.

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-315-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1987.322
• Date: 1868
  
• Material: Iron, wood, metal, brass
  Bicycle, boneshaker
  
• Dimensions: 1320 mm H x 1860 mm x 660 mm
  
• What: Bicycle, boneshaker
  
• Subject: 15. ROAD TRANSPORT, Muscle power (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Michaux et Cie., 9 Avenue Montaigne, Cite de Mauroy, Paris (Maker)
  
• Where: France, Paris
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (Lady Lawson Street)
  
• Event:
• Description: Boneshaker bicycle, early pedal type, by Michaux et Cie. of Paris
  
• References:
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