Karl Drais was a German inventor born on April 29, 1785. He is best known for creating the first two-wheeled, steerable, human-powered vehicle, known as the dandy horse or laufmaschine, in 1817. This invention is considered a precursor to the modern bicycle, as it allowed riders to propel themselves by pushing their feet against the ground. Drais's invention marked a significant advancement in personal transportation. His design featured a wooden frame and two wheels aligned in a straight line, which made it easier to balance compared to earlier vehicles. Drais's contributions laid the groundwork for future developments in cycling and transportation technology.