Labinal Micromoteur 1922

1922 Labinal Micromoteur, for restoration. This very rare 1920s French cycle-attachment engine has the wrong carburettor and is missing the timing cover and name plate which fits above.

The Labinal company was based in Paris and manufactured auxiliary motors to attach to bicycles. The first Labinal Micromoteurs were introduced in 1922 and the production run ended in 1928.

The Micromoteur is an incredible machine. But at the time it was so expensive to produce that only rich people could afford to buy one. They used to parade their ‘moteurs auxiliaires’ along the Champs Elysees to show off at weekends.

There are now very few Labinal Micromoteur engines left anywhere in the world. They were between 38cc and 50cc and were attached over the front wheel, turning it with a roller. With its location over the front wheel the Micromoteur is heavy on the steering. It’s a handful to ride, and not easy to start, too; technique of riding is very similar to the earliest motorcycles of the turn of the century.

To see Labinal Micromotour mounted, check Labinal Micromotour bicycle. This is another example of Labinal engine in this collection.