treadle

A treadle is a lever or swiveling device that is pressed by the foot to operate a machine. It can also refer to the action of operating such a device.12

Historically, treadles have been incorporated into various machines. In the early 1840s, some two-wheeled machines in Scotland featured rear treadle drives. These machines used foot-operated treadles that moved rods connected to cranks on the rear wheels. Similarly, a French mechanic named Alexandre Lefebvre built a two-wheeled velocipede powered by treadles connected to the rear wheel in 1842.3

Treadles were also a significant component in the development of looms. Horizontal frame looms, which appeared in Europe by the 13th century, utilized foot treadles to move the heddles, freeing the weaver's hands to operate the shuttle and batten. Additionally, treadwheels, large hollow cylinders with wooden steps, were used in the 19th century to employ convicts, with their stepping motion generating power for tasks like grinding corn or pumping water.45