Motorcycle specifications Perreauxvélocipède à moteur 1871 The origin of the world

Louis-Guillaume Perreaux was an inventor. Born on February 19, 1816 in Almenêches, Orne, he had the idea of fitting a steam engine to a bicycle frame. On December 26, 1868, he filed patent number 83691 for "a high-speed velocipede".

At first, the idea was "simply"to optimize the efficiency of a bicycle driven by body movement (via pedals or the impulse given on the saddle) by using a flywheel system that could recover energy (on a descent or when slowing down) and release it at leisure at a chosen moment to minimize the effort required. Yes, that's right, we're talking about the idea that would later become the SREC system, otherwise known as KERS!

With the idea gaining ground, he decided to add a steam engine to his machine (the supplement to the original patent is dated June 15, 1871). Thus was born the world's first motorcycle.

The fuel tank was in the frame (and yes!) and the burner could run on kerosene, oil or "wine spirit", i.e. alcohol. He made numerous modifications (on the patent) until 1872.

Note, for example, the modifications to the boiler/motor assembly. This system could, and I quote, "acquire considerable speed and rival the best horse" Another notable modification, and not the least, is the idea of a particular placement of the fireplaces to take advantage of the light from the flames for lighting at night.

A word of clarification: the Perreaux was the world's first recognized motorcycle. In fact, an American named Roper is said to have built a steam-powered two-wheeler in 1868 or 1869. But very little is known about this invention from across the Atlantic, apart from the fact that the date cannot be officially proven, and that the machine was built more as an attraction than as a real means of locomotion. There are many contenders for the title of "first inventor of the motorcycle", but only Perreaux meets all the administrative and proven conditions.

Even though Louis-Guillaume Perreaux's 1868 patent only concerned a high-speed velocipede (with no engine), the addition of a steam engine 3 years later was in fact the third modification to the initial patent. The motorcycle is therefore the fruit of an idea born of an evolution that took place between 1868 and 1871. That's why, today, he holds the title.

A. Bonnet
Photos: with the exceptional permission of Mrs Guy Rolland and Pierre Gautier

A book dedicated to the work and inventions of Louis-Guillaume Perreaux
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