February 2020

DKW-motor-assisted pedal cycle

The vision of the trained steam engine builder Jørgen Skafte Rasmussen was a steam-powered passenger car. However, it was hardly possible for him to realize an alternative drive in the turmoil of the post-war years of the First World War. He got to know the Thuringian Hugo Ruppe. He suggested to Rasmussen to build a small two-stroke engine. First, a toy engine was created, which was called D.K.W. was marketed. The next development step was quick. The toy motor became the auxiliary bicycle motor and in 1920 founded motorcycle construction in Zschopau. Rasmussen invented the perfect advertising slogan: "The little miracle - run up mountains like others!"