Centaur Folding Scooter – 1964

The Centaur Folding Scooter was designed by James Wilford Foster, formerly an American employee of Lambretta, an Italian scooter manufacturer. Marketed as America’s only “full-size” folding scooter, the relatively heavy 90 pound Centaur folded down into its own seat, becoming a 20” x 30” x 16” box to be stowed in a car, boat, or airplane. It was powered by a 49cc, two-stroke Clinton engine with a cord-start, described as “husky” in an ad from the period. The Clinton engine was usually found in go-karts of the time, and could get the Centaur up to 40mph. That same ad encouraged you to “Go ahead, Centaur-style” and explore the world in your take-along folding scooter.

This scooter was generously donated to the museum by Gary and Marla Kudney of Georgia.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Alexander Reynolds Co. Folding Scooters
Country of Origin: United States
Drivetrain Configuration: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: Air-cooled, two-stroke, one-cylinder; 5 hp, 49cc
Transmission: Variator automatic
Top Speed: 40 mph
Years of Production: 1960-1965
Number Produced: Unknown
Original Cost: $379 USD