
The Kangaroo dwarf bicycle was created in 1884 by Hillman, Herbert, and Cooper as a safer alternative to the ordinary bicycle. It had a 36-inch front drive wheel that was geared up to be equivalent to a 60 inch ordinary bicycle with a pair of chain drives, one on each side of the wheel. The Kangaroo was soon superseded by the Rover and other, more-modern safety bicycles.
Chain drive was also used on some late front-drivers, such as the Kangaroo, to achieve a lower riding position.
In 1884, Hillman, Herber, and Cooper of Coventry introduced the dwarf Kangaroo.