Scooters invade the National Motorcycle Museum
A new exhibit at the National Motorcycle Museum tells the story
of the early evolution of scooters and mini-bikes.
Even though motorcycles could have served as cheap transportation, in the 1940's a war torn Western Europe needed even cheaper more convenient transportation to get people back to work. Many train and trolley systems were destroyed, but most roads could be quickly repaired to become navigable. The scooter was a perfect fit for the circumstances. In fact governments encouraged damaged manufacturing companies to rebuild as scooter makers first, and some like Piaggio in Italy and Gogo, built by Glas in Germany, figured it out on their own. The circumstances gave designers and engineers a challenge; make a friendly two-wheeler anyone could ride and make it quick to tool up for and manufacture in a matter of months, and not be too demanding on natural resources.
The Scooters! Exhibit also includes some interesting mini-bikes including the Iowa-made Doodle Bug and all-aluminum folding Argyle. And there's great contemporary artwork, scooter toys and even some video footage to watch. It's all on display for a year, through May 2014, at the National Motorcycle museum plus over 400 other motorcycles, several thousand pieces of motorcycle art and memorabilia.
If you need more information about the National Motorcycle Museum, check out the website, www.nationalmcmuseum.org, or call 319.462.3925.
National Motorcycle Museum Founded in 1989
National Motorcycle
Museum Information:
The National Motorcycle Museum is open seven days a week,
year around. Museum members are admitted free. Becoming a member is quick and
easy. Admission is only $8.00 except during special events. Children 12 and
under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
The National Motorcycle Museum is a non-profit 501 (c)(3)
corporation.
For more information, email the Museum at
museum@nationalmcmuseum.org or
call 319 462 3925.
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