Welcome to the MAICO OWNERS CLUB

A brief history of Maico (1920’s – 1960’s)

MAICO began in 1926 when two young brothers, Otto and William Maisch began production of Bicycles in a small workshop at Poltringen in Germany. Using the abbreviated name of ‘MAICO’ the brothers soon had designs on producing motorcycles and it was in 1934 that they produced a strengthened bicycle frame fitted with a SACH 98cc engine. This early machine proved to be successful and it was soon followed by a 118cc version using an ILO engine unit.

Following these early successes, it was planned to produce a home-grown machine, but unfortunately the war delayed this and it was not until 1947 that the first home produced MAICO motorcycle appeared. The M125 was soon followed by the M150 and M200 machines. These first models proved popular as both road and sports motorcycles. Following on from these post war successes, MAICO grew and during the 1950’s developed and produced a range of successful motorcycles and scooters. These machines included the TAIFUN motorcycle, which was MAICO’s largest capacity machine to date, it was also of a most advanced design and quality. Other machines included the iconic MAICO MOBIL which was a totally enclosed motorcycle of a radical design and appearance! Finally in the 1950’s, MAICO designed and produced the MAICOLETTA, a true scooter of outstanding quality and performance for its time.

With declining sales of two wheelers, MAICO tried to diversify by buying out established micro car manufacturers CHAMPION in 1955. After initial sales success, the micro car market also slumped and the venture failed. Consequently MAICO faced an uncertain future at the start of the 1960’s. By this time, all road going motorcycles and scooter production had ended, however small scale production of the MAICO MOBIL and MAICOLETTA did continue in the UK as the importer produced complete machines from stocks of spares.

Luckily for MAICO, the West German army (Bunderwehr) decided to buy 10000 ‘off road’ capable motorcycles (based on the Blizzard design). This allowed MAICO to survive a very difficult period when many other famous German two wheeler manufactures failed or closed. This order also allowed MAICO to develop further off road and trail type motorcycles and by the early 1970’s, MAICO was one of the most successful off road and sporting motorcycle manufactures.

 Brief list of machines produced by MAICO (1930-1960's)