Eureka Bicycle Engines

A Brief History of the Italian Marque

Officine Meccaniche BetoMoto of via Gucciardini 5, Milano, patented and built the Eureka in the 1940s, an auxiliary bicycle engine mounted within a wheel.

The complete assembly of wheel, engine and tank could be mounted in a few minutes simply by replacing the rear wheel of the bicycle.

The engine was a 55cc two-stroke with gear transmission and engine disengagement device for pedalling.

Weight of the wheel with engine and tank was 9kg. Claimed top speed was 45 km/h and economy 75 km per litre.

Source: Moto di Lombardia

Notes. 1. There was also an Australian Eureka. 2. An Italian company with a very similar name exists. Their website does not mention any relationship with the original firm.

If you have a query or information about these vintage Italian machines please contact us.