# Drais's Running Machine (1817)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1817-drais-s-running-machine
Location: Mannheim
Categories: main-event

On 12 June 1817 Karl Drais rode his two-wheeled 'running machine' from Mannheim. It had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet. It was the first two-wheeled human-powered vehicle.

## Why it matters
It was the forerunner of the modern bicycle.

Ruler at the time: [Frederick William III](https://germany-history.com/rulers/frederick-william-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Dandy horse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandy_horse)
- [Wikipedia – Karl Drais](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Drais)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Dandy horse](https://www.britannica.com/technology/draisienne)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Karl Drais](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-von-Drais-de-Sauerbrun)