The Cab. Sedan-Chair. In the 17th and 18th centuries the fashionable mode of transport in our towns and cities was the Sedan-chair; which was introduced into England in 1634 by Sir S Duncombe. It took its name from Sedan; France; where it was first used. The passenger usually entered by means of a hinged door at the front; the roof also was often hinged at the back. Modern Taxicab. Electric cabs first appeared in London in 1897; and "taxameter" cabs in 1899. In spite of strong opposition the taxicab gradually came into general use; and to-day it is to be seen in the streets of every city in the civilised world. Illustration for one of a set of cigarette cards on the subject of Past & Present issued by Wills in 1929.