From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hen and Chick pentacycle for delivering mail. Trialled in 1882.
A
pentacycle
(
"hen and chickens"
) is a
human-powered
five-wheeled vehicle.
Origin
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The original pentacycle was designed and patented by the architect
Edward Burstow
in 1882.
[1]
[2]
It had a large central wheel directly driven by pedals like a
penny farthing
bicycle, with a "
bath-chair
type handle", and four smaller wheels for stability.
[2]
This arrangement led to it being referred to as the "hen and chickens" cycle, as it resembled a mother
hen
surrounded by her four chicks. It was trialled by rural postmen in
Horsham
and, although liked, the design was not widely adopted.
[1]
There is a replica in the
British Postal Museum
.
[3]
Modern-day interpretation
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]
Modern day pentacycles do not often share the same layout as the original pentacycle, usually using various other wheel configurations.
A 2002 interpretation, specifically designed to use the disused
Aerotrain
monorail track near
Orleans
, is more accurately described as a tricycle; although it has five wheels, two are actually used for guidance and are placed on either side of the monorail support.
[4]
[
better source needed
]
In 2012 Sajjad Moosa, a
Pakistani
art graduate, spent almost
?
150,000
(US$1,800) creating a 48 foot (15 m) long pentacycle using a single front wheel for steering, a middle pair of wheels for drive and another pair at the rear.
[5]
References
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See also
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General and technical
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Utility and slow
recreation
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Sports-related cycling and
fast-paced recreation
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Health, safety and
infrastructure
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Other
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Lists
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