Cyclemaster

A Cyclemaster was a British-produced motorized bicycle rear wheel attachment with a small 25.7cc or 32cc two-stroke engine, made by EMI and sold in the 1950s to motorize standard pedal cycles. The "wheel motor" was popular for its simple design and was a cheap source of powered transport in post-war austerity.  

How it worked

Wheel-mounted engine: 

The Cyclemaster was a complete rear wheel containing a compact, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine. 

Dismountable design: 

It replaced a standard bicycle's rear wheel, allowing users to motorize their existing pedal cycle. 

Clutch and clutch operation: 

The engine had a disc inlet valve and drove a countershaft carrying a clutch via a chain. You would then pedal away to start the engine, dump the clutch, and apply throttle to engage the engine. 

Features and popular models

Engine capacities: The original 25.7cc engine was later upgraded to a 32cc version. 

Fuel: The engine required a petrol and oil pre-mix. 

Roundsman: In 1953, a complete machine called the Roundsman was offered, built as a delivery bicycle with a large carrier. 

EMI ownership: The motor, based on a Dutch design, was produced by EMI at Hayes in Middlesex. 

Why it was popular

Cost-effective: It was an affordable way to get powered transport in the frugal 1950s. 

Ingenious design: The wheel-mounted, compact engine was an ingenious design that provided power without altering the main bicycle frame. 

Fuel efficiency: Some users reported excellent fuel consumption, with one account of 200 MPG on a tandem with a sidecar. 



Music
Morningtown Ride by Stan Butcher
(Ed Stewarts Junior Choice Radio theme tune)