In 1817 Baron von Drais invented a walking machine that would help him get around the royal gardens faster: two same-side in-line wheels, the font one sheerable, mounted in a frame upon which you straddle. The device was propelled by pushing your feet against the ground, thus rolling yourself and the device forward in a sort of gliding walk.
The machine became known as the Draisienne (or "hobby horse"). It was made entirely of wood. The enjoyed a short lived popularity as a fact, not being practical for transportaton in any other place than a well maintained pathway such as in a park or garden.
The next appareance of a two-wheeled riding machine was in 1866, when pedals were applied directly to the front wheel. This machine was known as the velocipede (meaning "fast foot") as well as the "bone shaker", since it's wooden structure combined with the cobbiestone roads of the day made for an extremely uncomfortable ride. They also became a fad and indoor riding academies, similar to roller rinks, could be found in large cities.
In 1870 the first all-metal machine appeared. (Prior to this, melallurgy was not advanced enough to provide metal which was strong enough to make small, light parts out of). The pedals were attached directly to the front wheel with no freewheeling mechanism. Solid rubber tires and the long spokes of the large frotn wheel povided a much smoother ride than its predecessor.