Autoped – You Think Powered Scooters are New? Think Again.

The Autoped was an early motor scooter made by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1922. It was the first mass-produced motorized scooter.

Inspiration

The Autoped was invented by Arthur Gibson, a British engineer. Gibson was inspired to create the Autoped after seeing a child riding a scooter powered by a bicycle chain. He developed a design for a motorized scooter that could be powered by a small gasoline engine.

Operation

The Autoped was a simple machine. It had a small, air-cooled engine mounted over the front wheel.

It was operated by a handlebar that had a throttle and a brake. The Autoped could reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

Here are the steps on how to operate an Autoped:

Standing (or later seated), grip the handlebar.
Twist the throttle to start the engine.
Accelerate the vehicle by twisting the throttle further.
To brake, squeeze the brake lever on the handlebar.
To turn, lean the vehicle in the direction you want to go.
The Autoped was a relatively easy vehicle to operate. However, it was important to be aware of the potential hazards involved in riding an Autoped, such as potholes and uneven surfaces. It was also important to wear a helmet when riding an Autoped, as it could be dangerous if the rider fell off the vehicle.

Range, Drawbacks, and Risks

With speeds of up to 20 mph. the Autoped had a range of about 50 miles on a single tank of gas. It was relatively lightweight, weighing just 60 pounds. This made it easy to transport and store. It was used for commuting, running errands, and even for recreation. The Autoped was especially popular among women and young people. By way of contrast, motorcycles of the day reached much faster speeds with longer ranges. The driver was also seated.

The Autoped went out of production in 1922. However, it is considered to be the first mass-produced motorized scooter. It was a precursor to the modern electric scooters that are popular today.

The Autoped was relatively safe. However, riders were also at risk of being injured in falls. The Autoped had no suspension, and it could be jarring to ride over even small bumps in the road. This could cause the rider to lose their balance and fall off the vehicle. Riders did not wear helmets back in those days, so any injuries might have been worsened.