"Invented in the USA in 1915, they first appeared in London in 1917, despite a ban on imports during WWI, and really took off when the import ban was lifted in 1919. By today's standards, they look like a bargain, selling for just £36, although that's actually about £1,600 in today's money, so they were really aimed at the wealthy buyers."
"It was said to be able to reach speeds of 10mph, and unlike modern versions, the Autoped was powered by petrol. (There was apparently an electric version by Eveready, but it might have been only in the USA) For comfort over rough roads, they were fitted with 15-inch-diameter pneumatic tyres. The Lady magazine suggested the Autoped would make for a more suitable alternative to the motorbike."
Autoped scooters were invented in the USA in 1915 and reached London by 1917 despite wartime import restrictions, becoming more common after the 1919 import ban lift. They sold for £36 (about £1,600 today) and were marketed to wealthier buyers as time- and energy-saving transport. Autopeds were petrol-powered, could reach about 10mph, and used 15-inch pneumatic tyres; an Eveready electric version may have existed in the USA. They appeared in contemporary popular culture and even in government delivery use, but by 1922 owners were selling them off.
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