1950s Cyclo-rameur ‘Etoile’

 

American tricycles and pedal cars included a popular style known as the ‘Irish Mail’ with an action that involved pushing and pulling a handle that turned the eccentric rear axle. They were particularly popular with parents who realised that this pulling and pushing action strengthened their young child’s shoulders and arms.

In France, a similar design known as the ‘cycle-rameur’ was equally popular, for the same reasons. On the French tricycles and pedal cars the handles were pulled to the side, as you can see below.

 

 

1950s cyclo rameur ‘Etoile’

 

The Etoile was the most popular of the various French cycle-rameur designs. This example is in good original condition and in full working order.