Abstract: A rigid rear axle for motor vehicles, especially for passenger motor vehicles, whose wheels are driven by way of drive shafts from a rear axle gear supported at a frame or the like; the axle member is thereby suspended by a vehicle part such as the frame or the like on four guide members arranged approximately at an angle of 45.degree. to the driving direction as viewed in plan view; all four guide members are of approximately equal length, of which the two lower ones point forwardly and the two upper ones point rearwardly; the points of pivotal connection of the four guide members at the axle member are disposed approximately one above the other outwardly in proximity of the wheel whereby the line of connection of the points of intersection of the upper and of the lower guide members, respectively, as viewed in side view, are arranged horizontally or sloping down forwardly and at least the upper guide members are arranged sloping down rearwardly.

Abstract: Additional propelling power for a bicycle is provided by mounting the bicycle seat to reciprocate in an up and down direction and converting this motion into rotary motion by a ratchet gear. Rotation of this ratchet gear takes place when the seat moves down under the weight of the bicycle rider, a compression spring returning the seat to its up position when the rider lifts his weight from the seat. The motion of the ratchet gear is imparted to the rear wheel of the bicycle through a gear train which amplifies the rotary motion and further which may be provided with a gear shift mechanism for varying the number of rear wheel rotations imparted for one down stroke of the bicycle seat. The auxiliary seat drive is provided in addition to the conventional pedal drive sprocket and chain arrangement normally provided on bicycles.