The bicycle has been around for hundreds of years, although, like the car, its design has evolved with technology and intended use. A far cry from the unwieldy bicycles with the enormous front wheel, today's bikes are sleek, lightweight and some even fold up to make commuting easier. While a folding bicycle may seem like a fairly new concept, it has actually been around for longer than you might think. It seems that even a century ago, cyclists were looking for bikes that were easy to store and carry.
Definition
When attempting to discover the original folding bike, it may be important to define the word "folding." According to Foldingcyclist.com, an Englishman named William Gout is often given credit for the first folding bike; however, his bike is technically not folded, but disassembled. His bike was a penny-farthing design, the type with an overly large front wheel and a small rear wheel. It actually came apart, and did not fold, but was still able to be transported or stored in a smaller space than a fully assembled bicycle. Because it was, in some ways, folded up and placed in a case, this prototype is often considered the first folding bike.
First Patent
In 1893, according to Foldingcyclist.com, a patent was filed for what was a bicycle that actually folded, instead of coming apart. Michael B. Ryan sent in his diagrams to the U.S. patent office and was issued patent number 518,330 on April 17, 1894. The website states that his patent included a statement of purpose that read, "The principle object of my present invention is to produce a bicycle, so constructed that it can be easily folded and thus take up less space in length when not in use or when transported or stored."
French Military
Some controversy surrounds the French military's contribution to the folding bicycle. Highbeam.com states that Peugot of France invented the first folding bike in 1892 and sold it to the French military. The Foldingcyclist.com disagrees, stating that according to its research, the actual patent application date was in 1896, two full years after Ryan's bike was awarded a patent. Regardless of the time frame, a folding bicycle was invented in France, and the French military quickly put it to good use. The days of horse-mounted warfare were numbered, although transportation was still needed. Folding bicycles became part of military training and maneuvers, and are still in use today.
Faun Folding Cycle
Foldingcyclist.com states that another folding bike is touted as being the original. The Faun Folding Cycle was made in England in 1896, featuring folding handlebars with a braking mechanism. William Crowe is credited with its invention, having been issued a patent for it in 1899.
Other Folding Bikes
A ladies folding bicycle was also invented, although the exact date is unknown. It was mentioned in a newspaper article in 1897, referencing a bicycle show where military bicycles were also being showcased. The first folding bicycle with small wheels, Le Petit Bi, was invented after World War II; some speculate around 1946. The small wheels made its center of gravity lower, which gave the rider better balance.
Modern Folding Bikes
Today's cyclists have an array of folding bicycles to choose from; all are extremely portable and easy to fold. Some even feature a "one-touch" folding system that is ideal if you are not mechanically inclined or are a busy commuter. The Dahon company is a leader in folding bikes, and has manufactured bikes for commuters, road cyclists and mountain bikers. Their goal is to allow you to take your bike anywhere in the world, so they design light, sturdy bikes with all the latest in technological braking, shifting and shock absorbing advances.
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