Moto-Scoot Motorcycles
Moto-Scoot was a US motor scooter manufacturer in Chicago, founded by Norman A. Siegel in 1937.
While Siegel was in the army during the Second World War, the company was taken over by a group of financiers who changed its name to American Moto-Scoot. The company produced motor scooters until 1947.
Founder and History
Norman A. Siegel, a Chicagoan, founded Moto-Scoot Manufacturing in 1937. By 1939, Time magazine noted Moto-Scoot as America's largest scooter manufacturer, with Siegel being referred to as "the Henry Ford of the scooter business." The company started with just three employees and quickly grew to become a significant player in the scooter market.
Impact of World War II
During World War II, Siegel's absence due to military service led to the company being taken over by its financiers. This transition resulted in the name change to American Moto-Scoot. The company was involved in wartime production, which ultimately caused financial difficulties and contributed to the end of Moto-Scoot production in the early 1950s.
Models and Features
Moto-Scoot scooters were offered as inexpensive, convenient, urban transportation in various forms, including solo, sidecar, and tri-car configurations. The tri-car model featured two front wheels and one rear wheel. There were also delivery variants, such as a solo model with an extended rear tray and a side-box three-wheeler.
The scooters were equipped with either Lauson or Briggs & Stratton engines. Some models featured elementary gearboxes with a hand shift lever, while others had automatic centrifugal clutches and Salsbury-type transmissions or CVTs. The scooters also included front suspension, package compartments, locking ignition, and originally, kick-starting mechanisms. Some models were later updated with modern recoil rope starting systems.
Specifications
- Engine: Single Cylinder Air-Cooled Briggs & Stratton (original), later replaced with Tecumseh engines in some models.
- Starting: Kick Lever (original), later updated to Rope Recoil starting.
- Clutch: Centrifugal.
- Primary Drive: Salsbury-Type Variable Speed Belt Drive.
- Final Drive: Chain Driven.
- Frame: Steel Tubing.
- Suspension: Spring Fork.
- Brakes: Rear Only, Pedal Operated.
- Tires / Wheels: 4.10 / 3.50 X 6.00 / 4.10 / 3.50 X 6.00.
- Wheelbase: 50 Inches.
Legacy
Moto-Scoot played a significant role in the early days of the American scooter industry. Despite the financial difficulties and eventual closure, the company's contributions to scooter design and production are still recognized today. The Moto-Scoot scooters are now considered rare and collectible items, with several examples on display in museums.
Preservation and Collectibility
Many Moto-Scoot models have been preserved and are highly sought after by collectors. Enthusiasts and collectors continue to restore and appreciate these vintage scooters, ensuring their legacy endures.
