An air pump comprises a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, three substantially rigid members, and a handle. The piston is reciprocably movable within the cylinder and is secured to the piston rod. The first member is pivotably connected at its first end to the cylinder. The second member is pivotably connected at its first end to the piston rod and at its second end to the second end of the first member. The third member is pivotably connected at its first end to the connected second ends of the first and second members. The handle is pivotably connected to the second end of the third member. The third member is arranged to transmit between the handle and the connected second ends of the first and second members a force resulting from a force applied to the handle.