De Dion-Bouton Motor Tricycle, circa 1898

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Artifact Overview

French builders Albert Comte De Dion and Georges Bouton produced their first gasoline tricycles in 1895. Their three-wheel design provided more room for mounting the engine, and it eliminated the risk of "highsider" accidents -- in which a motorcycle loses traction and skids, then suddenly regains traction, throwing the rider from the bike. De Dion-Bouton's successful design was widely copied.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Motorcycle

Date Made

1898

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

31.721.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Rubber (Material)
Leather

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 39.5 in
Width: 41.25 in
Length: 63.25 in

Inscriptions

stamped in metal sides of carburetor and battery cases: SCHUTZ-MARKE / CUDDELL & CO.
De Dion-Bouton Motor Tricycle, circa 1898