The Motorcycle

A motorcycle is like a bicycle with an engine. It has two wheels and a seat. The rider sits on top and holds the handlebars. A motorcycle can go very fast. Riders wear helmets to stay safe.

The First Motorcycle

The first motorcycle was built in Germany in 1885. Two inventors named Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach made it. They put a small gas engine on a wooden bike. Since then, motorcycles have gotten much faster and stronger. Today they are made of metal and plastic.

A shiny motorcycle parked with a helmet on top.
A shiny motorcycle parked with a helmet on top. (Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) / Wikimedia Commons)

Using Motorcycles

People ride motorcycles for fun and for travel. They use less gas than cars. They can also fit into small spaces in traffic. Police officers sometimes ride them to move through busy streets. Some people race motorcycles as a sport.

Fun Facts

  • The fastest motorcycle in the world can go over 300 miles per hour.
  • A scooter is a small type of motorcycle.
  • Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle brands.

Did You Know?

All motorcycle riders should wear helmets. Helmets help protect the head if there is a crash.