1. an early form of bicycle, especially one propelled by pushing the feet against the ground
Usage: historical
2. any early form of human-powered land vehicle with wheels
Usage: historical

Examples

• The velocipede was invented in the early 19th century as a predecessor to the modern bicycle.
• Museum visitors can see an authentic velocipede from the 1860s on display.
• The wooden velocipede required riders to push themselves along with their feet.
• Early velocipedes were also called hobby horses or dandy horses.
• The velocipede evolved into the penny-farthing and eventually the safety bicycle.
• Children in the 1800s learned to ride on simple velocipedes before graduating to bicycles.