Automobiles are self-propelled passenger vehicles with four to eight wheels and powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor. Automobile engineering focuses on these vehicles. Automobiles play a critical role in modern society, providing transportation for people and goods. Many modern automobiles are electric, while many others are gas-powered.
Motorcycles are sometimes misclassified as automobiles. They may fall under the automobile category, but do not carry a large number of passengers. In fact, some court cases have declared motorcycles to not be automobiles. However, it is important to know the distinction between a motorcycle and an automobile, since motorcycles are self-propelled machines intended for transportation.
In the 19th century, the motorcycle was born out of the dream of the self-propelling carriage. It was a modern version of a bicycle. In 1884, Edward Butler created the first commercial three-wheeler using a horizontal single-cylinder gasoline engine. The vehicle had steerable front wheels and a drive chain to the rear wheel.
Motorcycles have fewer parts than cars and are easier to maintain. Even a layman can do some minor maintenance on a motorcycle. In addition, they take up less space. Compared to a car, three motorcycles can fit in the same parking space as one car. In addition, motorcycles are easier to tow than a car. A car has to be towed, but a motorcycle can be easily won on a trailer.