This hand car is another of those machines which require a strong back and a bit of stamina in order to get where one wishes/needs to go. Rarer and substantially different in design than the standard hand car, velocipedes were built for single person operation, as opposed to the platform hand cars, which could transport four to six section-men at a time down the track. These were intended primarily for track inspection, a task which did not require carrying tools and equipment. Consequently, velocipedes were built to be as small and light as possible.
Though the sign below indicates that the velocipede was built to carry two, I suspect that it would be an uncomfortable ride with two aboard.
The sign at the hand car:
The 3-wheeled Velocipede Hand Car is propelled by one person and has a seating capacity for two, enabling the driver or inspector to bring along an extra section hand or other official. The vehicle is set in motion by a rowing motion and auxiliary, foot pedal-power.
Velocipedes were primarily used by railway officials to personally inspect portions of the line that came under their direct authority. In this way, the sections of railroad would be assured of being kept in the best possible condition.