Rights Managed > Historic England > Historic Images > The Victorian Age > The 1890s
Electric motor cab CC97_01366
Filename: cc97_01366.jpg
Size: 5063 x 3720 (5.0MB)
Date: 15th February 2010
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: English Heritage Images
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Electric motor cab CC97_01366
An electric motor cab and driver, London. This early cab was evidently based on the design of the horse-drawn hansom cab. Cars of any kind would have been a rare site at the time. The cab shown may be a Bersey electric cab, introduced to London in 1897. They weighed two tons and had a range of 30 miles before they needed recharging. They suffered from various faults and were taken off the road in 1900. Photographed by York & Son 1897-1900
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Media ID 1947573
© Historic England
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> The Victorian Age
> The 1890s
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> Automobiles
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a rare glimpse into the early days of transportation in London. The image showcases an electric motor cab and its driver, both standing proudly against the backdrop of bustling Victorian streets. At a time when cars were still a novelty, this innovative cab was designed based on the traditional horse-drawn hansom cab. Believed to be a Bersey electric cab, introduced to London in 1897, this unique vehicle weighed two tons and boasted an impressive range of 30 miles before requiring recharging. However, despite its promising features, these early electric cabs faced numerous challenges and were eventually taken off the road by 1900 due to various faults. The photograph itself is a testament to the remarkable advancements made during this era. Captured by York & Son between 1897 and 1900, it offers us a glimpse into history as we witness one of London's earliest attempts at embracing alternative modes of transport. As we admire this snapshot frozen in time, it serves as a reminder that progress often comes with setbacks. Yet even though these particular electric cabs may have been short-lived, their existence paved the way for future innovations that would shape modern transportation systems worldwide.
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