First Electric Taxi in London

Date: August 19, 1897 • Location: London, United Kingdom

The Bersey Electric Cab (pictured) entered service as the first electric taxi in London.

The Bersey Electric Cab was an early electric-powered vehicle and the first electric hackney carriage in London. Developed by Walter Bersey and promoted by Harry Lawson and his Great Horseless Carriage Company, 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.