Ariel Tricycle

Key facts

Year

1898
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

239cc
Cylinders

1
Maximum speed

20mph/32.19kph
Price new

£79
Manufacturer

Components Ltd

The Ariel was considered to be the best tricycle available at the turn of the century and it was relatively popular at a time when the reputation of solo motorcycles was suffering due to a number of accidents caused by skidding. With the engine (a De Dion Bouton) mounted ahead of the rear–wheel axle, the weight distribution, and thus stability, was an improvement on most other tricycles with their engines fitted behind the axle. A quadricycle version was also marketed.