Body Sway Drives Eccentric Bicycle 15 Miles Per Hour (Nov, 1934)

Body Sway Drives Eccentric Bicycle 15 Miles Per Hour

CALLED the simplest self-propelled vehicle in the world, a radically new type of bicycle, entirely without pedals, is driven by body motion alone.

The rear wheel of this “x-ercycle,” as it is called, is eccentric; the rider stands on a springy footboard and swings his body in rhythm with the up and down movement of the frame to produce forward motion.

After acquiring the correct rhythm of movement a rider can travel long distances comfortably at speeds as high as 15 miles an hour, according to the two Chicago brothers who are its designers.

The axle of the rear wheel is mounted some distance from the true center by using wire spokes of different lengths.