By the late 1870s, Victorian society had become obsessed with bicycling and tricycling. Athletic aristocratic gentlemen took to (penny farthing) bicycles and the more daring among their womenfolk (and some of the less athletic gentlemen) opted for tricycles.
Soon their children were following in their footsteps! By the 1880s, companies found a good market for expensive children’s tricycles among their richer customers. Boys rode velocipede tricycles, with the pedals in the front wheels, while girls favoured these rather more sedate tiller-and-treadle tricycles.
1890s Tiller & Treadle Juvenile Tricycle
20″ Rear Wheels
10″ Front Wheel
36″ Long/ 28″ High / 18″ Wide
This Victorian tiller and treadle tricycle is made in simple fashion, but with some ornate touches such as the curved springs supporting the seat.
It’s not easy to date these tricycles accurately, but the thick solid rubber tyres suggest it was manufactured in the mid to late 1890s. This is an American example. Everything is authentic to the tricycle, it is in excellent original condition, and is ready to ride.
THE TILLER HANDLEBAR