Mystery scoot of the week – Lambretta’s cousin?

Thu, Dec 28, 2006

Educational


While toying around Toms Garage I ran into this little scoot. The only clues I have are that it’s a 1963 and that the image says “Mod. Beta Cicogna 48″. I also know it’s got a 49cc engine. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one of these in the USA. Who made it? Do these scooters currently exist in any numbers?

It does look pretty sweet and very Lambretta inspired. Any clues?

***UPDATE***

Looks like Bryce would have made a great member of the Scooby Doo gang (Mystery, Inc.). His tips helped to dig a bit deeper and prove, just as he suspected, this scooter is from the same Beta Moto family as the current Trials bikes.

The Betamotor Italy scooter called the “Cicogna”, which translates into “Stork”, was their first metal bodied scooter made to compete with the likes of Vespa and Lambretta. With a short (2 year) production run, I don’t expect you’ll see very many of these on the road. That’s too bad, I really like the look.

I’d like to see if anyone has laid eyes on one of these lately. Have any readers in Italy seen one? Maybe you could take some photos for us?

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5 Responses to “Mystery scoot of the week – Lambretta’s cousin?”

  1. Bryce Says:

    I’m betting it’s the same Beta that makes specialized trials bikes. I can’t find a corporate or international website for them, but you can see their stuff at http://www.usbeta.com

    They also made the Beta Eikon and Beta Ark scooters, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see another scooter in their past.

    Reply

  2. Beta CIcogna Says:

    I’ve owned one of these for years and just now identified the model thanks to this blog. Thank you! I am fixing to bring in to the shop and get it going… Fun!

    Reply

  3. Steve Says:

    Sweet! Glad we could help. Maybe you could send us a photo or a youtube video clip. I’d like to hear how she sounds. :)
    (no obligation of course)

    Reply

  4. Bertriek Says:

    i've one to.. but she doesnt work.. can sombody help me repairing it?..

    Reply

  5. Anonymous Says:

    Hi,
    I have one of this but not in good condition.
    Bur unfortunatly I don't have a lot of information to start a good restoration.

    See you,
    Federico

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Bertriek