Description
The De Dion-Bouton Tricyclette was one of the earliest commercially successful motorized vehicles and holds a prominent place in the history of both motorcycles and automobiles. Introduced in the mid-1890s, it represented a significant step forward in the practical application of the internal combustion engine and helped lay the groundwork for the rapid expansion of personal motor transport at the turn of the 20th century.
The tricyclette was essentially a three-wheeled motorized cycle, consisting of two large rear wheels and a smaller front wheel used for steering. Mounted at the rear of the frame, between the two large wheels, was De Dion-Bouton’s groundbreaking single-cylinder petrol engine. This engine, typically producing between 1.25 and 1.75 horsepower in its earliest versions, featured advanced engineering for its time, including a high-speed rotating crankshaft, atmospheric inlet valve, and a mechanically operated exhaust valve. The engine was air-cooled and used surface carburetion to mix fuel and air, with ignition initially provided by a hot-tube system and later replaced by more reliable battery-coil ignition systems.
Power was transmitted to the rear axle via a belt or chain drive system. The simplicity and efficiency of the drivetrain made the vehicle lightweight and relatively easy to operate. The tricyclette could achieve speeds up to 40 km/h depending on terrain and engine tuning, which was considered remarkably fast for a vehicle of its size and period.
The frame of the tricyclette was made of tubular steel, and it was designed to be ridden like a bicycle, with handlebars and a saddle for the operator. Some versions included a small seat for a passenger mounted over the engine or in front of the rider. Though rudimentary by modern standards, the layout was surprisingly stable at moderate speeds and well suited to the relatively smooth roads found in and around cities.
What set the De Dion-Bouton Tricyclette apart from earlier motorized vehicles was not only its reliability but also its accessibility. It was easy to operate, relatively affordable, and far more practical than the steam-powered vehicles of the previous decades. It quickly became popular across Europe and even found markets abroad, making it one of the first motor vehicles to be sold in significant numbers.
The success of the tricyclette spurred further development in the motor industry, encouraging other manufacturers to adopt and improve upon De Dion-Bouton’s engine design. In fact, the company’s engine became so influential that it was licensed and copied by dozens of manufacturers in the early 1900s, helping to standardize internal combustion engine technology across the budding industry.
Today, the De Dion-Bouton Tricyclette is considered a landmark in the evolution of motor vehicles. It bridged the gap between pedal-powered cycles and true automobiles and remains a celebrated example of the ingenuity and ambition of the early pioneers of motoring. Restored examples are extremely rare and highly prized by collectors and museums alike for their historical significance and mechanical charm.