Little about the unique American Doodle Bug scooter

Hiawatha Run As we all know, the 1930s and 1940s were times when the world was hit by a severe economic recession. So that this difficult condition also had an impact on the people's ability to buy four-wheeled vehicles at that time. Well, who would have thought, in such conditions there was then a scooter called the Doodle Bug which was first launch in the 1940s as an alternative to affordable vehicles for the public in America at that time. Related to its unique name, it is likely taken from a small insect called a doodlebug.

The Doodle Bug Scooter developed by the Beam Manufacturing Company in Webster City, Iowa to be sold by the Gambles department store chain in the late of the 1940s. (Picture from: Silodrome)

As quoted of the Silodrome, initially the scooter was intended for a kind of vehicle market for teenagers and those too young to ride a motorcycle on the road. Thus this Doodle Bug, Cushman, the Crocker Scootabout scooters, etc were born in America. 

However, this condition suddenly changed after World War II, where there was a significant surge in demand for motorcycles. Thus the Italian scooters born that we know today, such as the Vespa and Lambretta which is said were inspired by the American scooter designs.

The Doodle Bug Scooter has a simple tubular steel frame and a Briggs & Stratton NP engine. (Picture from: Silodrome)

At that time, people needed a simple and economical mode of transportation. And the simple scooter such the Doodle Bug could be the right answer to fulfill the market demand. Its cheap price tag and easy to ride were the positive reasons why the scooter was selling well at that time. Beside that there's one weakness, just don't expect the scooter could be run at a high speed.

The Doodle Bug Scooter has a thickly padded seat in lieu of suspension and a small rear-mounted fuel tank.. (Picture from: Silodrome)

How could be? Because this Beam Manufacturing Company developed scooter is powered by a very simple 4-stroke, side valve, single cylinder engine of the Briggs & Stratton NP capable spewing power 1.5 hp only. During the Doodle Bug production, turn out the company also used the Clinton engine beside the Briggs & Stratton NP ones. But mostly the NP engine was fitted to the overwhelming majority of Doodle Bugs, and it’s also the easiest to find parts for given its popularity.

The Doodle Bug Scooter could be made 100% road legal using aftermarket kits to add the required headlight and taillight. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The scooter was developed by the engineers of the Webster City based company with a simple tubular steel frame structure with the engine mounted behind under the seat. The rider's feet rest on a flat steel platform which is the scooter typical style, the fuel tank is rear mounted behind the seat above the rear tire. That is it! Even the scooter is not equipped with suspension or lights. Only two pneumatic tires to be a kind of suspension between the rider and the road. However, lighting (headlight and taillight) is an optional feature that can be installed on the Doodle Bug, if wanted to be road-legal vehicle.

During its production period from 1946 to 1948, the factory produced more than 40,000 Doodle Bugs, most of which were sold as “Hiawatha Doodle Bugs” by Gambles. Back in the day, Doodle Bugs sold for less than $100. Today, they are the focus of the Doodle Bug Club of America and a unique collector’s item. This American scooters have a huge fans across the United States, and there is still an annual gathering for owners and restorers in Webster City (where all Doodle Bug scooters are made).

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | ID.MOTOR1 ]

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