Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede

The French Michaux - Perreaux steam wheel - of 1869 was a forerunner of the motorcycle.

Development and Technology

The steam valve by Pierre Michaux and Louis -Guillaume Perreaux patented according to a source on December 26, 1868 according to other sources in December 1869 had an iron Michaux bicycle frame to which the inventor built a 31 cc small steam engine with spiritusbeheiztem boiler. The force transfer took two cord belt on the belt rim of the rear wheel. At the same time the steam valve on the front wheel cranks had, since the vapor drive was designed only as an auxiliary drive. When power are given for the steam engine with a bore of 22 mm and a stroke of 80 mm 1 to 2 hp. The steam engine with a net weight of 61 kg helped the 88 kilogram heavy steam valve to a maximum speed of 15 km / h

With the boost controller the Paris- Saint- Germain has been covered (15 km) in April 1870. The high center of gravity and the heat under the driver's seat prevented a commercial success. Wilhelm Maybach had probably a description of the Michaux - Perreaux steam wheel from an American magazine. The original model obtained is now owned by the Musée de l' Ile de France in Sceaux.