The Maico Mobil, like the 1952 MB175 model currently recently sold on eBay, was an innovative scooter first introduced in 1950 by German manufacturer Maicowerk A.G. and marketed under the shortened name Maico.
If you grew up in the 1970s and were a part of the burgeoning motocross scene, then you've likely heard the name Maico before. During the '70s, Maico motocross models - opens in new window or tab. like the 400 and 490 were sought after by local- and national-level racers. They were known for their torquey, high horsepower engines and cutting-edge suspension and handling. This made them a favorite among racers.
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Maico’s Roots
Founded in 1926, Maicowerk A.G. started as a bicycle manufacturer. The company moved on to motorcycles in the 1930s. It wasn’t until after World War II that Maico gained notoriety for its two-stroke motorcycles, including the Maico Mobil, which was powered by a single-cylinder, 175-cc air-cooled two-stroke engine.
In the 1950s, when scooter brands like Vespa - opens in new window or tab. were beginning to gain popularity, the Maico Mobil stood out. Its fully enclosed, albeit bulbous, bodywork style, was somewhat rare for a scooter at the time.
A Car on Two Wheels?
This wide aluminum body style led Maico to market the Maico Mobil as a "car on two wheels." It came standard with integrated rear panniers for added storage, an oversized front fairing - opens in new window or tab. complete with a wrap-around windscreen, a wide floorboard/deck area, and a full-size rear-mounted spare tire.
With its wide, overhanging body style that concealed the wheels and tires, the Maico Mobil looked to be floating down the road instead of accelerating—especially from the rider's perspective.
One could perhaps say the Maico Mobile was ahead of its time, with bodywork that protected the rider from the elements while providing added storage to carry personal items and tools for on-the-road repairs. In many ways, the Maico Mobile was a dual-sport motorcycle - opens in new window or tab. concept well before the genre became the popular form of riding it is today.
Sci-Fi Style and Innovative Features
Delving into more of the fascinating details of the Maico Mobil, one finds rider controls and a dashboard area that's clean, simple, and stylistically reminiscent of 1950s-era science fiction or futurism - opens in new window or tab. concepts. Whether one likes—or dislikes—the look, the Maico Mobil is undeniably an acquired taste with respect to its appearance and car-like functionality.
Other notable attributes include a bicycle-style springer saddle for the driver and a rear bench seat for two-up riding with a passenger. There's even a glove box built into the front dashboard area and, allegedly, even space to add a radio.
Riding on 14-inch tires front and rear, with telescopic front forks mated to a rear swingarm - opens in new window or tab. with coil spring damper, the Maico did not build the Mobil for the type of dual-sport riding we know today. Nonetheless, the machine oozes style and has been dubbed by many "the holy grail of scooters."
A Blast from the Past
Whether you ride it or admire it from afar as part of a collection, the Maico Mobil is a rare machine. It has arguably more style than many of its modern counterparts. The innovative scooter is a snapshot of an era in transition. Nearly anything was possible back then, and nothing was off-limits in the pursuit of unique forms of personal transportation.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.