1901 Riker Torpedo Racer
In 1888 Andrew Riker founded the Riker Electric Motor Company. He produced his first electric car in 1894 using a pair of Remington bicycles as the frame. This low-slung 1901 racer traveled one mile in an unofficial 63 seconds.
Connections: Fuel: electricity (stored in batteries); Starter: hand lever knife switch; Power transmitted by gears.
The battery was a direct development from Edison’s Dynamo, allowing for the storage and harnessing of electricity. The two gear driven electric motors evolved from Edison’s work
The vehicle required an Engineer in the stern and navigator in the bow
Cross bar steering
Compare the differences between electric, steam and gasoline engines
On loan from The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
Accession no. 1995L02.
Return to Collections Home Page