What was the very first motorcycle ever built? It’s a question that comes up often in the motorcycle world — and depending on who you ask, the answer can be very different.
A big part of the disagreement comes down to definition. What exactly qualifies as a motorcycle?
• Most people agree it must have some propulsion system — but what kind? Does it have to be powered by an internal combustion engine, or do steam engines and electric motors count?
• Must it have only two wheels?
• If it has small outrigger wheels that don’t touch the ground while riding, does this disqualify it?
• And are we talking about the first motorcycle in the world, or just the first built in the United States?
Fifteen or more years ago, the debate centered largely on engine type. Many enthusiasts insisted a “real” motorcycle had to use an internal combustion engine. Others were satisfied with steam power.
Today, with the rise of electric motorcycles — regardless of where you stand on them — the conversation has evolved yet again, reshaping how some people view the earliest machines.
Three of the Most Recognized “First” Motorcycles
Pierre Michaux Velocipede
In the 1860s, Pierre Michaux built pedal bicycles known as velocipedes in France. In 1867, his son Ernest mounted a small steam engine onto one of these machines. For some historians, this antique steam-powered velocipede qualifies as the first motorcycle.
Sylvester Roper Steam Velocipede
In 1868, Sylvester Roper of Massachusetts designed a steam-powered velocipede featuring a twin-cylinder engine. He continued developing and demonstrating his machines until 1896, when he tragically died while riding one. Many consider Roper’s creation the first motorcycle built in the United States.
Daimler Reitwagen
Developed in 1885 in Germany by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, the Reitwagen used an internal combustion engine — a key point for those who insist that “true” motorcycles must run on gasoline.
The machine had two large primary wheels and two small outrigger wheels. Because of this, some argue it was technically a four-wheeled vehicle. However, since it could operate without the outriggers, many historians recognize it as a strong contender for the first true motorcycle.
Other Important Early Motorcycles
Below are some other notable motorcycles.
Butler Petrol Cycle
Introduced in England in 1884 by Edward Butler, the Butler Petrol Cycle had three wheels — making it technically a tricycle rather than a motorcycle. Still, it was notable for its petroleum-powered engine and innovative design, setting it apart from traditional four-wheeled vehicles of the time.
Hildebrand & Wolfmüller
Built in Germany in 1894, this machine is significant because it was the first production vehicle officially called a “motorcycle.” It had two wheels and an internal combustion engine — features most people associate with modern motorcycles.
The design differed from today’s bikes: the engine placement was unconventional, the frame lacked a backbone, and it resembled a 1970s moped. Unlike the Michaux and Roper machines, it also had no pedals.
Orient-Aster Motorcycles
In 1898, Charles Metz began producing Orient-Aster motorcycles in Massachusetts. Though the company eventually went out of business, these are widely recognized as the first production motorcycles made in the United States.
Peugeot Motorcycles
In 1898, Peugeot also produced its first motorcycle. While the company now focuses primarily on scooters, some historians consider Peugeot the oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
With all of the above being noted, the “first motorcycle” depends on how you define a motorcycle. Some people and historians prioritize gas engines, steam-powered engines, models that went into production, or the geographic location where each motorcycle was made. Each of these machines has a legitimate claim. The answer to the question of who made the first motorcycle isn’t easy — but that is one reason why motorcycle history is interesting.
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