When Were Bikes Invented? The Fascinating History of the Bicycle & Who Made it Possible

Ever looked at a bicycle and thought, “Who came up with this genius two-wheeled machine?” Spoiler: it wasn’t someone with a carbon fibre frame and padded shorts. In fact, the humble bike has a surprisingly quirky backstory – one filled with wooden wheels, wobbly inventions, and some absolutely terrifying designs (we’re looking at you, penny farthing).
So, when were bikes invented? And how did we go from foot-powered contraptions to high-speed, gear-packed road rockets? Let’s take a spin through history and find out.

The Birth of the Bicycle: 1817

When were bikes invented? Most historians point to 1817, when a German inventor named Baron Karl von Drais unveiled the world’s first two-wheeled, steerable contraption. Known as the “Draisine” or “running machine,” it didn’t have pedals. Instead, riders would straddle the wooden frame and push themselves along using their feet – sort of like Fred Flintstone but in fancy trousers.
This early bike-like invention was the seed that grew into cycling as we know it. Von Drais called it the “Laufmaschine” or “running machine,” but we think “balance bike for grown-ups” would have done the trick.

Pedals Enter the Scene: The Boneshaker Era

By the 1860s, innovation took another big leap. The French decided walking while riding wasn’t quite their thing. Consequently, the Velocipede, the first pedal-powered bike, entered the scene. Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest Michaux added cranks and pedals directly onto the front wheel of the wooden frame, giving birth to the first true bicycle.

The ride? Bumpy. Very bumpy. Made of wood and iron with zero suspension, it was fondly nicknamed the “boneshaker.” You felt every cobblestone, every crack, and probably re-evaluated all your life choices halfway down the street. But it paved the way (literally) for the bikes we know today.

The Penny Farthing: Equal Parts Stylish and Terrifying

In 1869, French mechanic Eugene Meyer (now recognised as the “father of the high bicycle”) introduced a bicycle with a big front wheel and a smaller back wheel. The goal? More speed. The idea was: the bigger the wheel, the further you travelled with each pedal stroke.
Stylish for the time, definitely, but mounting one was practically a circus act. And stopping? Let’s just say falling face-first was a common feature. The classic name Penny Farthing came from British engineer James Starley. The two wheels’ resemblance to a penny and a farthing coin – large and small, just like the design.
Despite the drama, it was the first machine to be actually called a “bicycle,” and it became a symbol of daring gentlemen everywhere.

The “Safety” Revolution: A Bike for Everyone

By the 1880s, people began to realise that maybe falling from six feet in the air wasn’t that much fun nor convenient. This led us to the Safety Bicycle, invented by John Kemp Starley (James Starley’s nephew by the way – bike genius clearly ran in the family). His design was a total game-changer.
This new bike had equal-sized wheels, a rear-wheel chain drive, and a much lower centre of gravity. It was easier to ride, safer, and more accessible to the masses. For the first time, the bicycle became a practical, everyday mode of transport – and it caught on fast.

Transforming Society: Women’s Fight for Independence

But here is another interesting fact: bicycles weren’t just invented to change transport. It helped change society, especially for women.
In the late 19th century, women were beginning to push harder against societal norms, and the bicycle gave them something they hadn’t really had before: mobility and independence. It allowed them to travel without a chaperone, leave the house freely, and go where they wanted, when they wanted – all radical ideas at the time.
Suffragette Susan B. Anthony famously said, “I think [the bicycle] has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.” And she wasn’t wrong. Riding a bike also influenced women’s fashion. Out went restrictive corsets and long skirts, in came bloomers and practical clothing, making way (literally) for movement and self-expression.
The bicycle became a quiet but powerful symbol of liberation. It showed the world that women weren’t just passengers. They were fully capable of steering their own path. On two wheels, they found freedom, autonomy, and a bit of wind in their hair.

20th Century Gears Up: Racing, War & Pop Culture

As we rolled into the 1900s, things got more serious. Bikes got gears (thanks to French innovator Paul de Vivie, aka “Vélocio”), inflatable tyres (shoutout to John Boyd Dunlop, who developed pneumatic tyres in 1888), and metal frames that could withstand real mileage.
The bicycle became a tool of both peace and war. Soldiers used them during WWI and WWII for transport, while messengers moved between posts. In 1903, the first Tour de France launched, turning bikes into symbols of speed, endurance, and glory (not to mention calf envy).
From BMX booms in the 1980s to the hipster-fuelled single-speed renaissance, the 20th century cemented cycling as both sport and lifestyle.

Modern Bikes: Techy, Trendy, and Electric

Nowadays, bicycles are marvels of engineering. We’ve got carbon fibre that weighs less than your lunch, electric motors that let you cruise uphill, and hydraulic disc brakes that stop you on a dime (not a farthing).
From mountain bikes to gravel bikes, folding commuters to e-bikes, there’s a ride for every style, need, and budget. The rise in cycling infrastructure and awareness has only made it easier and more rewarding to ride.
And if you’re still wondering “when were bikes invented?”, just take a look at today’s bikes – they’re the result of over 200 years of wild ideas, epic crashes, and relentless tinkering.

Where to Buy a Bike or Get It Upgraded – Support Local, Ride Happy

If you’re in Whitechapel, London, pop by TEAMMC Cycles. We service and upgrade bikes of all shapes and sizes (although a Penny Farthing would be a first). We also fix up and resell affordable, reliable bikes, perfect for new riders, seasoned commuters, or anyone looking to reconnect with two-wheeled freedom.
And the best part? All profits support our partner charity, helping underrepresented communities through training, mentoring, and empowerment. So when you ride away with one of our bikes or a freshly serviced one, you’re pedalling with purpose.

Conclusion

So, when were bikes invented? Back in 1817 – with no pedals and plenty of splinters. From there, brilliant inventors like Von Drais, Michaux, Meyer, Starley, and others helped push the concept forward, eventually creating the fast, safe, and stylish rides we have today.
And guess what? The story of the bicycle isn’t over. Whether you’re into vintage rides or e-bikes, racing or leisure cruising – there’s always a new adventure waiting just down the road.

🚴‍♂️ Happy Cycling! 🚴‍♀️