Bat (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

The Bat Motor Manufacturing Co. Ltd was established in Penge, Surrey, in 1903 by Samuel Robert Batson. The company operated until 1909 and was known for producing a range of early motor vehicles, primarily tricars. The name "Bat" was derived from its founder's surname, and the company utilized the slogan "Best After Tests" to promote its products.

Initially, Bat's vehicles were designed along bicycle lines, featuring a wicker passenger seat positioned over the front axle. The engines used in these early models were single-cylinder units, offering either 3 or 6 horsepower, which were mounted low in the center of the frame. By 1904, the company began to develop more car-like models, which included a chair-type seat for the driver instead of the traditional saddle, along with a semi-enclosed wooden body for the passenger.

In 1909, Bat introduced a unique model known as the Carcycle. This vehicle resembled a motorcycle with a sidecar but was equipped with four wheels, with the front wheels being steered by handlebars. The innovations and designs of Bat Motor Manufacturing Co. Ltd contributed to the evolution of early automotive engineering during the early 20th century.