The Bersey Electric Cab (also known as the London Electrical Cab) was an early electric-powered vehicle and the first electric hackney carriage (black cab) in London. Developed by Walter Bersey, the vehicles had a top speed of up to 12 mph (19 km/h) and could carry two passengers. An initial service of 12 cabs began on 19 August 1897 and a total of 77 were built, with a maximum of 75 in service at once. Bersey cabs were initially popular and were nicknamed "hummingbirds" for the sound they made and their distinctive livery. The vehicles suffered badly from wear in service owing to their heavy weight. This damaged the batteries and tyres, which were expensive to replace, and made their operation unprofitable.
First electric taxis drive in London
The Bersey Electric Cab (also known as the London Electrical Cab) was an early electric-powered vehicle and the first electric hackney carriage (black cab) in London.
Historical Significance
The Bersey Electric Cab (also known as the London Electrical Cab) was an early electric-powered vehicle and the first electric hackney carriage (black cab) in London.
Events Before
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer
American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer
Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin
Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin
Charilaos Vasilakos of Greece wins the first modern marathon in 3:18 at the Panhellenic Games
Charilaos Vasilakos was a Greek athlete and the first man to win a marathon race. He also won a silver medal for a second place finish in marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens.
Writer "Heart of Darkness" Joseph Conrad (39) marries Englishwoman Jessie George (23)
Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British novelist and story writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and – though he did not speak English fluently until his twenties...
Events After
Brooklyn merges with New York City to form the present-day City of New York
The City of Greater New York was the consolidation of the City of New York with Brooklyn, western Queens County, and Staten Island, which took effect on January 1, 1898.
Painter Henri Matisse (28) weds Amélie Noellie Parayre
Painter Henri Matisse (28) weds Amélie Noellie Parayre
Australian cricketer Joe Darling hits the first six in Test cricket (out of the ground)
Australian cricketer Joe Darling hits the first six in Test cricket (out of the ground)
Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar (25) weds political activist and poet Alice Ruth Moore (22) in New York
Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar (25) weds political activist and poet Alice Ruth Moore (22) in New York
Battle of Atbara River: Anglo-Egyptian forces defeat 15,000 Sudanese during the Mahdist War, a turning point in the reco
Battle of Atbara River: Anglo-Egyptian forces defeat 15,000 Sudanese during the Mahdist War, a turning point in the reconquest of Sudan
More from the 1890s
Physicist J. J. Thomson (33) weds Rose Elisabeth Paget
Physicist J. J. Thomson (33) weds Rose Elisabeth Paget
Ellis Island opens as a US immigration inspection station and becomes the gateway to the United States for more than 12
Ellis Island opens as a US immigration inspection station and becomes the gateway to the United States for more than 12 million people
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
Eritrea is consolidated into a colony by the Italian government
Eritrea, officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa. Its capital and largest city is Asmara.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 19, 1897?
- The Bersey Electric Cab (also known as the London Electrical Cab) was an early electric-powered vehicle and the first electric hackney carriage (black cab) in London. Developed by Walter Bersey, the vehicles had a top speed of up to 12 mph (19 km/h) and could carry two passengers. An initial service of 12 cabs began on 19 August 1897 and a total of 77 were built, with a maximum of 75 in service at once.
- Why is First electric taxis drive in London significant?
- The Bersey Electric Cab (also known as the London Electrical Cab) was an early electric-powered vehicle and the first electric hackney carriage (black cab) in London.